Watch CBS News

California Legislation Would Ban Sale Of Shark Fin

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) - Less than one week after Chinese New Year, California legislators have introduced a bill to ban the possession, sale and distribution of shark fins used in a traditional soup.

If successful, the proposed ban announced Monday, would follow a similar measure enacted in Hawaii last year. Oregon and Washington are also considering similar legislation.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

Shark fins are used to create a luxury Chinese soup that can sell for as much as $40 a bowl.

Supporters of the ban say shark finning is a cruel practice in which fishermen slice the shark's fin off while the animal is still alive and then throw the shark back in the sea to die.

Assemblyman Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, introduced the legislation with colleague Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.