Updated May 1, 2025 and written by Liel Shachr, Shark Angels Intern and student Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation, University of Florida
🦈 Shark Conservation in the U.S: Ending the Shark Fin Trade and Protecting Our Oceans
The United States is home to over 100 shark species — from iconic great whites and hammerheads to deep-sea lantern sharks. While these apex predators play a critical role in keeping ocean ecosystems balanced, many U.S. shark populations have suffered staggering declines, with species like the dusky shark and oceanic whitetip dropping by over 90%.
Although shark finning (the cruel practice of cutting fins off live sharks and discarding their bodies) has been illegal in U.S. waters since 2000, loopholes in the domestic fin trade allowed shark fin products to persist in markets and restaurants across the country. Fortunately, the passage of the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act in December 2022 marked a historic moment, banning the possession, sale, and trade of detached shark fins nationwide.
This guide explains the history of U.S. shark conservation laws, ongoing loopholes, pending legislation, and — most importantly — what residents and visitors can do to protect these incredible animals.
U.S. Shark Laws: From Loopholes to Landmark Bans
✅ Endangered Species Act (1973): Protects listed shark species and their habitats — but slow listings mean many vulnerable sharks still lack protection.
✅ Magnuson-Stevens Act (1976): Governs marine fisheries, requiring sustainable shark management and reducing bycatch, though many species lack individual plans.
✅ Shark Finning Prohibition Act (2000): Banned possession of fins without corresponding carcasses, but a 5% fin-to-body ratio loophole allowed mixing and fraud.
✅ Shark Conservation Act (2010): Closed loopholes by requiring fins to be naturally attached at landing, though exemptions (like for smooth dogfish) weakened enforcement.
✅ Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act (2022): Finally banned the commercial trade of detached shark fins across the U.S., helping cut demand and reduce global shark finning.
⚠ Challenges and Loopholes That Remain
- Dogfish Exemptions: Smooth and spiny dogfish are exceptions in the federal ban, creating potential loopholes for laundering fins.
- Weak State-Level Enforcement: Even in the 13 states and 3 U.S. territories with prior fin bans, some restaurants were still caught selling shark fin soup.
- Black Market Risks: Online sales and clandestine markets pose enforcement challenges.
- Bycatch Impact: Many shark species are still accidentally caught in fisheries targeting other species, especially under exempted categories.
📜 Proposed Shark Conservation Laws to Watch
- SHARKED Act of 2025 (H.R. 207): Addresses shark depredation, where sharks remove hooked fish from lines.
- Sustainable Shark Fisheries and Trade Act (H.R. 788): Would require that foreign nations exporting shark products to the U.S. meet conservation standards.
🐋 Why Shark Conservation Matters
Sharks are not just top predators — they’re ecosystem engineers. They regulate prey species, prevent overgrazing, and keep coral reefs and seagrass beds healthy. Economically, shark ecotourism generates far more revenue than shark fishing: a single live shark can be worth over $250,000 in tourism income.
💪 Actions You Can Take
For Residents:
✅ Support federal and state shark conservation laws.
✅ Avoid buying or consuming shark fin products.
✅ Report restaurants or shops selling illegal shark fins.
✅ Use seafood guides like Seafood Watch to choose sustainable seafood.
✅ Reduce plastic use and join beach cleanups.
✅ Educate others about the importance of sharks.
For Visitors:
✅ Avoid shark fin souvenirs or dishes.
✅ Book with ethical shark diving and snorkeling operators.
✅ Follow marine guidelines: don’t touch or feed sharks, and observe respectfully.
✅ Visit marine protected areas and support conservation programs.
✅ Report unethical practices or illegal sales when observed.
🌎 Top U.S. Shark Diving Destinations
- 🦈 California (San Francisco, San Diego): Great white sharks
- 🦈 Florida Keys: Lemon, reef, tiger, hammerhead, bull, blacktip, mako, dusky, nurse sharks
- 🦈 Hawaii (Oahu): Galapagos, sandbar, grey reef, tiger, hammerhead, silky sharks
- 🦈 Massachusetts (Cape Cod): Blues, makos, threshers, great whites, basking sharks
- 🦈 New York (Montauk): Blue, mako, great whites
- 🦈 North Carolina: Sand tiger sharks
- 🦈 Rhode Island: Blue, mako sharks
- 🦈 South Carolina (Myrtle Beach): Sand tiger sharks
🌟 Final Takeaway
Shark conservation in the U.S. has come a long way — but there’s still work to do. By supporting strong policies, avoiding shark products, and promoting responsible tourism, you can help ensure these majestic predators continue to thrive in American waters.