The state Legislature has unanimously passed legislation in both chambers banning the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins, which are considered a delicacy in some circles. The fins from up to 73 million sharks are used to make shark fin soup each year, and they're often harvested through "finning," a practice that involves slicing off the fins of a shark and discarding the animal at sea to drown or bleed to death.
Many restaurants in NYC still serve the expensive dish if you ask—two years ago the Humane Society announced that at least 55 restaurants in town continued to offer it. The legislation passed in Albany would crack down on one of the largest markets for shark fins outside Asia and the largest port of entry for shark fins on the East Coast. (Seven states and all three Pacific U.S territories have passed similar laws to protect sharks.) Advocates for the ban say they expect Governor Cuomo to sign it.
Some defenders of shark fin soup argue that it's an integral part of traditional Chinese culture and should be permitted in that context. But last year the Chinese government announced that it would prohibit the dish from being served at official state banquets. And here in NYC, every Asian-American on the City Council has thrown their support behind the ban.
"I am proud that New York is joining seven other states to ban the sale of shark fins and stand united against the cruel and inhumane practice of shark finning," Council Member Margaret Chin said yesterday. "I hope that New York will serve as an example not only nationally, but internationally, and that one day soon we will be celebrating the end of this industry all together."
