We are very pleased to join these organizations in supporting Congressmen Webster's and Lieu's bill H.R. 5248.

By contrast, Reps. Webster's and Lieu's bill holds other nations to the same conservation and management standards we have adopted in our U.S. fisheries.

The Sustainable Shark Fisheries and Trade Act (H.R. 5248) builds on and strengthens these past efforts.

Our livelihoods are directly threatened by H.R. 1456/S. 793 which requires us to waste part of a natural resource by throwing away fins from our sustainably harvested sharks without benefiting global shark conservation.

I am honored to come before the Water, Power and Oceans Subcommittee to testify in support of H.R. 5248.

I cannot urge you strongly enough to support the SSFTA and oppose the fin ban.

I personally thank Congressmen Webster and Lieu for introducing this proactive bill that levels the playing field for American fishermen.

I cannot express how demoralizing it would be if Congress were to take away our needed shark fin income.

I am joined in supporting H.R. 5248 by a host of commercial fishing groups.

Our whole fisheries management system is premised on the idea that sacrifices deemed necessary to conserve a fish stock today will be rewarded by increased opportunities to fish in the future.

We believe H.R. 5248 or 'SSFTA' is a meaningful and effective alternative to harmful legislation proposed by CA Representative Ed Royce and NJ Senator Cory Booker.