February 25, 2013 — Shark fin legislation in Maryland’s General Assembly (Senate Bill 592 and House Bill 1148) has the potential to impact commercial fishermen and seafood dependent businesses more than just in Maryland. The proposed legislation would prohibit the possession of shark fins with few exemptions, and no longer allow the transport of detached shark fins through the State of Maryland unless the harvester himself/herself personally transports the fin(s) into or through the State. Some states’ commercial fishermen, dealers and restaurants may be dependent upon selling or buying shark fins that are transported though Maryland.
The Maryland Senate Bill 592 (Shark Fins – Restriction on Possession or Distribution) hearing in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, is on Tuesday, February 26th at 1:00. The House Bill 1148 (Shark Fins – Restriction on Possession or Distribution) hearing in the House Environmental Matters Committee, is on Wednesday March 6, at 1:00, in the committee room, room 250, which is on the second floor in the main hallway.
More information on these bills can be found here by using the bill numbers listed above.