The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is urging all USA-based divers to call on their elected congressional representatives to support a bill that would make it illegal to possess, buy or sell shark fins.
U.S. Congressman Ed Royce, a Republican from California, is one of the co-sponsors of the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act, which was introduced last March.
While shark finning is illegal in U.S. waters, shark fins continue to be bought and sold throughout the country. If enacted into law, Royce’s legislation would curb the market for shark fins by making it unlawful to possess, sell or buy fins anywhere in the USA.
Royce, who is also chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said:
“The United States can set an example for the rest of the world by shutting down its market for shark fins, which are often harvested by leaving these animals to die a slow and painful death at the bottom of the ocean. There are still 39 states where the purchase of shark fins is legal. The bipartisan Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act is needed to eradicate shark finning for good.”
DEMA is supporting this legislation and asking the diving industry to contacting their legislators to vote for the bill’s passage:
“We strongly urge you to contact your elected representatives in Congress and share how this bill could protect the shark population as well as how your business and the recreational diving industry are made stronger by divers’ ability to see these creatures in the wild. Your message to your elected officials should be personalized and we encourage you to add details about the work of your organization and how this bill would impact your company and the citizens you serve.”
If you have questions about this issue, send DEMA an email at publicpolicy@dema.org or call the organization at +1-858-616-6408.
