Jeffrey Flocken , D.C. Office Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), issued the following statement on the introduction of legislation by Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) that would strengthen the U.S. ban on shark finning:
"We applaud Senator Kerry’s proactive efforts to stop the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning. IFAW, along with conservationists, scientists and enforcement agencies, agree that a stronger, fins-attached policy must be established to truly enforce a shark finning ban and to collect data necessary to monitor shark populations. Although it was banned by Congress in 2000, law enforcement and fisheries management agencies believe that shark finning is still occurring, especially on merchant or other ships not usually engaged in fishing.
More than half of all shark species are in danger of disappearing, which could have drastic and complex repercussions for marine ecosystems. Today’s action by Senator Kerry will help give these persecuted animals a fighting chance at survival."