Erik Paulsen: “Sharks are being killed 30 percent faster than they are able to reproduce, which is having a serious impact on our…”

“Sharks are being killed 30 percent faster than they are able to reproduce, which is having a serious impact on our ocean's ecosytem. One contributor to this decline is an inhumane practice that is known as ``finning.'' Finning is the removal of the fins from a shark and, often times, is done while the shark is still alive. These fins are mostly used for shark fin soup, which is a traditional soup seen in many Asian countries. After harvesting the fins, these sharks are thrown back into the ocean, where they are left to die from suffocation, blood loss, or be killed by other predators, since they have no way of having an opportunity to defend themselves. That is why I am cosponsoring the Shark Fins Elimination Act, which will make it illegal to possess, buy, or sell shark fins, unless the shark was lawfully taken with a license or permit. This bipartisan effort will protect the fragility of our ocean wildlife and prevent these cruel practices. ____________________”