Comment on Proposed Rule to implement the smooth dogfish shark exemption to the Shark Conservation Act of 2010

SUMMARY

The Committee on Animal Law submitted comments on the portion of a proposed National Marine Fisheries Service rule that would implement the smooth dogfish shark exemption to the Shark Conservation Act of 2010. The effect of this provision would be to permit the practice of shark finning (removing and retaining a shark’s fin while the remainder of the living shark is discarded in the ocean) with respect to the smooth dogfish shark species. The Committee opposes this proposal as inhumane and as inconsistent with shark conservation practices.