SAN JOSE (COSTA RICA)- Inspectors from the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) of Costa Rica found a large amount of shark fins from protected species among air cargo that was to be exported to Hong Kong. The illegal fins were found in a sample inspection of three sacks of shark fins to beContinue Reading

AUCKLAND (NEW ZEALAND)- Good news for sharks in New Zealand waters. The government has fast-tracked a ban on shark finning. The new law will be effective from 1 October.  Eventually the ban was to be phased in from 1 October, with full implementation by October 2016. After consultation with fishingContinue Reading

SAN ANTONIO (USA)- What do you do with a shark caught? Release it into the wild of course. But not everyone cares so much for living creatures. A San Antonio angler got stuck with a 800 pounds tiger shark. And decided to give its meat to the homeless. It’s betterContinue Reading

HALIFAX (CANADA)- The future for porbeagle sharks is still not looking too bright. A decade after being declared an endangered species only a quart remains of the population that was around in the ‘60’s. The porbeagle shark remains at risk, says a group of Canadian scientists. The Committee on theContinue Reading

SAN FRANCISCO (USA)- California’s ban on possession or sale of shark fins still stands. A federal judge upheld the ban, rejecting claims that the law discriminates against the Chinese community in the state. Shark fin soup is a traditional delicacy in this community. Also the claim of interfering with federalContinue Reading

RAJA AMPAT (INDONESIA)- 13 Philippine fisherman were caught illegaly fishing for sharks and turtles in the Raja Ampat Archipelago in Indonesia. All of them were sentenced to 8 months in jail while the boat and all its equipment was confiscated and destroyed. It is not uncommon for illegal fishermen toContinue Reading