California's proposed shark fin ban stirs up debate over global politics of culinary delicacies

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The California legislation, Assembly Bill 376, introduced by Assemblymembers Paul Fong (D-Cupertino, himself of Chinese descent) and Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael). The bill would ban the possession and sale of shark fins. Those in doubt about the merits of this bill should take a look at the shark finning videos on YouTube.

AB 376 passed the California Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee unanimously, in a 13:0 vote. Only last week it passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee in a 10:1 vote, and is now going to the 80-member Assembly floor, where it is expected to pass easily.

LETTERS OF SUPPORT ARE NEEDED. ALL LEGISLATORS MAY BE WRITTEN C/O THE STATE CAPITOL, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814.

"Culture" and "tradition" should never trump environmental degradation or animal welfare. The commerce in shark fins is not only unspeakably brutal, it is unsustainable. Reportedly, we've already massacred 90% of the world's populations of sharks, throwing the entire ocean environment into disorder. And for what? SOUP AND SUPERSTITION, may the Goddess forgive us. There's a belief among many shark fin soup fans that the fins are a cure for cancer, and an aphrodisiac. Wrong on both counts. (And in this over-populated world, aren't aphrodisiacs the LAST thing we need more of?) Shark fins are mostly just gristle, chewy and tasteless. And horrendously expensive ($200-$600/lb). One of my Asian friends told me you'd be better off eating Jell-O. Sharks are also high in mercury, putting the public health at risk.

Simple "tradition" justifies nothing. And most cultures evolve and change for the better. This bloody business has to stop. Now. And it's gratifying to see the worldwide movement in this direction, including many Asians.

Save the sharks. And in doing so, save the oceans, maybe even ourselves.

Sincerely,
Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS
Oakland
email - afa@mcn.org

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