Author: Seth Atkinson
Source: Natural Resources Defense Council
January 11, 2013

Sharks have had a rough run of it. Just recently, an estimated 18,000 shark fins were discovered drying on a rooftop in Hong Kong, placed there by the owners to avoid public scrutiny. Representing just a fraction of the estimated 26-73 million sharks killed worldwide each year, the recent discovery was a graphic reminder of the ongoing slaughter of these magnificent animals for their fins.

The new year, however, also brought good news:

Last week, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a decision that should give sharks everywhere--and their human allies--cause to celebrate. The court rejected a request by industry groups to stop California from enforcing its recently-passed shark fin ban. By allowing the state to enforce its eco-friendly law, the court reached the correct answer to some tricky legal issues, and set an important precedent.

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