In June 2013 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed a rule to implement the provisions of the Federal Shark Conservation Act by amending existing regulations. This proposed rule makes could nullify existing and future shark conservation laws like AB 376- the Shark Fin Trade Ban- in California and other US states and territories, or render them unenforceable. This amendment would make the shark fin trade legal in our states and territories where it is now prohibited and allow loopholes allowing shark finning in US waters.
We cant let that happen. Tell Fisheries not to weaken our hard-fought shark conservation measures and open the floodgates to the shark fin trade in US states and in US waters. Comment now!
This language directly contradicts the legislative intent of the federal Shark Conservation Act and would create a dangerous precedent that commercial interests could use to block or nullify other settled laws and regulations enacted to protect and conserve other threatened and endangered species.
It is critical that this proposed language is removed and alternative step adopted that would not weaken or nullify the protection for sharks provided by existing or future state and territorial shark and fishery protection laws.
This language directly contradicts the legislative intent of the federal Shark Conservation Act and would create a dangerous precedent that commercial interests could use to block or nullify other settled laws and regulations enacted to protect and conserve other threatened and endangered species.
It is vital that this proposed rule be dropped and alternative implementing steps adopted that would not weaken or nullify the protection for sharks provided by existing or future state and territorial laws.
A brief comment stating your opinion adds power.
Electronically, Portal via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal
Go to <www.regulations.gov> Click the “submit a comment” icon, then enter NOAA-NMFS-2012-0092 in the keyword search. Locate the document you wish to comment on from the resulting list—it’s the first of only two documents, the other is already closed—and click on the “Submit a Comment” icon on the right of that line. Fill in the form and follow the on-line instructions.
The period of public comment at NOAA on this proposed rule has been extended to Monday, July. 8 Do not reopen the flood gates to shark finning in the US- Make your voice heard.
By mail to to Erin Wilkinson, National Marine Fisheries Service (SF3), NOAA; 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
· By fax to Fax 301-713-1193; Attn: Erin Wilkinson.
Add NOAA-NMFS-2012-0092 to the title of your mail or fax.
