REPS LIEU AND WEBSTER INTRODUCE BILL TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE SHARK FISHERIES ABROAD

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Daniel Webster (R-FL), a member of the House Natural Resources committee, introduced the bipartisan Sustainable Shark Fisheries and Trade Act, which would require nations to meet U.S. conservation and management standards before exporting shark products to the U.S. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would certify that countries have established certain policies including the prohibition of shark finning and science-based management to prevent overfishing. In 2017, Mr. Lieu introduced a bill to eliminate the sale of shark parts in the United States.

Upon introduction of this bill, Mr. Lieu said:

"U.S. shark fisheries are governed by some of the strongest science-based conservation regulations in the world. Accordingly, we should be leading the charge to counsel other nations in proper shark management. Preventing exploitation in global fisheries helps safeguard our ocean's delicate ecosystem and can help promote the humane treatment of shark populations.

I'm proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Webster because the U.S. should be leading the charge on environmental conservation efforts. We have a responsibility to disincentivize the trade of unsustainably or illegally harvested shark fins and other shark products."

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