- The continuing practice of shark finning, which is the inhumane practice of removing the fins and discarding the remainder of the shark back into the sea, is having a devastating effect on shark species around the world.
- The practice of shark finning results in tens of millions of sharks a year being killed for their fins alone and over one-third of all oceanic shark species are threatened with extinction as a result of shark finning.
- Apex predators such as sharks play a critical role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems; something that is necessary for the long term survival of our own species.
- Shark fins have no significant nutritional value and are considered unhealthy for human consumption due to the accumulation of high levels of mercury and other toxins in fins and flesh.
- Measures must be taken to stop the global practice of shark finning and to ensure the responsible conservation and management of sharks. Illinois contributes to this trade and therby supports this practice.
- Shark fin soup is consumed widely in Chicago and other major cities. Last year 2000 pounds of shark fins were exported from Illinois.
- 99% of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks and 90% of Silky Sharks are gone from the Gulf of Mexico and sharks are being poached from US waters to supply the shark fin trade.
Dear Governor Quinn and Illinois State Legislature,
Although Illinois is not on the sea, shark fin soup is consumed widely in Chicago and other major cities. Last year 2000 pounds of shark fins were exported from Illinois despite the absence of a shark fishery.
The continuing practice of shark finning, which is the inhumane practice of removing the fins and discarding the remainder of the shark back into the sea, is having a devastating effect on shark species around the world.
Apex predators such as sharks play a critical role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems; something that is necessary for the long term survival of our own species.
Measures must be taken to stop the global practice of shark finning and to ensure the responsible conservation and management of sharks. Illinois contributes to this trade and therby supports this practice. Stopping the trade will directly lead to reducing the practice of shark finning.
Therefore, we the undersigned call upon the Governor and Legislature of the State of Illinois to ban the possession, sale and consumption of shark fins in the State of Illinois.
