The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that the California Assembly “overwhelmingly approved” (62-8 vote) a measure that could ban the sale and distribution of shark fins in the state. The bill (AB376) will now move on to the state Senate. If the bill is approved by the Senate, the shark fin ban will take effect on January 1, 2013.

The bill has been somewhat controversial since the ban of shark fins would result in making shark fin soup illegal. The soup is regarded as a Chinese delicacy. Opponents of the bill have claimed that the bill targets Asian cultures unfairly.

Renowned marine life artist Guy Harvey is encouraging fellow fishermen to join him in promoting shark conservation through the Shark Free Marina Initiative. The program designates members as either shark-free or shark-friendly (catch and release only). In addition to marinas, charters, bait and tackle shops, and restaurants are encouraged to join the initiative.

Members of the Shark Free Marinas Initiative receive free advertising, educational literature about sharks, and signs featuring the artwork of Guy Harvey.

Thanks to Shark Diver’s Underwater Thrills blog for the heads-up on this video.

XOOC, a non-profit marine conservation group based in Mexico, produced the video above, which focuses on the bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) of Mexico’s Playa del Carmen.

Last fall, dozens of Playa’s bull sharks were killed by a local fisherman, who was paid 118,000 pesos (roughly $10,000 USD) for the sharks, according the video. The video also goes on to note that living sharks can bring in up to $300,000 USD dollars in tourism revenue per season. However, the fisherman who caught the sharks, argued that it was more profitable for him to catch and sell the sharks, since it was less dangerous and only required 4 hours of work.

Playa del Carmen had become a popular dive site in recent years and was known as one of the hot spots for diving with bull sharks.

(Note: This video showed up on YouTube yesterday, but was originally posted on Vimeo several months ago.)

The Pew Environment Group is reporting that from an economic standpoint, a live shark can potentially be worth far more money than a dead one.

A recent study conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science suggests that a single live shark in Palau can bring in up to $1.4 million (USD) in tourism revenue over its lifetime, according to the video above from Pew. In comparison, a reef shark killed and sold for consumption is worth only about $108 (USD).

Palau declared its waters a nationwide shark sanctuary in 2009, which banned all commercial shark fishing. More recently, the Maldives and Honduras have also declared similar shark fishing bans. Additionally, Guam, the Northen Marianas, and the state of Hawaii have passed legislation banning the trade of shark fins.

May 13, 2011 is Fintastic Friday
(image courtesy of Whale Times)

WhaleTimes, Inc. and the Shark Research Institute will join children nationwide on May 13, 2011 for the first annual Fintastic Friday: Giving Sharks a Voice. The goal of the event is to raise awareness about sharks and encourage students to get involved in conservation efforts.

Whale Times Director, Ruth Musgrave was inspired to create “Fintastic Friday” while writing the National Geographic Kids book, “Everything Sharks.” Musgrave said…

“It is time to correct and update the image of sharks. They are vital to the survival of all ocean species. Sharks need a voice and we knew kids could and should be that voice of change for this indispensable predator.”

Participation in the event is “free, easy, and whatever level people choose.” Suggested activities include doing shark-related crafts, learning about sharks, holding a “Sharks in the Park” rally, or printing and posting a “Shark Conservation Zone” sign.

For more information visit the Fintastic Friday website.

Sharkdefenders has posted a video testimonial in support of a proposed bill that would “prohibit the possession, selling, offering for sale, trading, or distribution of shark fins and ray parts.” A public hearing on the bill, held Tuesday, reportedly drew a “full house,” according to Kuam News.

TourismToday continues to focus on shark conservation in the Bahamas in their latest video which discusses conservation efforts in Andros. The Bahamas National Trust’s shark conservation initiative is making an effort to educate citizens of the Bahamas about the importance of sharks to the environment, as well as the local tourism industry.

Andros’ sport-fishing and scuba diving opportunities make the island particularly dependent on healthy shark populations, due to the importance of sharks maintaining a healthy balance in the marine ecosystem.

Oscar Munroe (Island Administrator) hopes to get all stakeholders in the Adnros community involved in the shark conservation efforts in order to set an example to those outside of Andros.

The Florida Museum of Natural History recently added the video above to its YouTube channel. The video, which features George Burgess discussing the importance of shark conservation, was filmed as part of the museum’s traveling exhibition “Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived”.

In the video, Burgess discusses threats to shark populations such as demand for shark fins and unintentional bycatch. Burgess discusses how slow maturation and low reproductive rates make shark species particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the important role of sharks as apex predators in the marine environment is also briefly touched upon.

Matt Rand of the Pew Environment Group discusses Shark Conservation Act, which was recently signed into law. Rand notes that while the shark mandates that all sharks landed in U.S. must have their fins intact, the act does not set limits on the number of sharks that can be caught, which Rand says is something that is still “greatly needed.”

Part 2 of TourismToday’s episode on shark conservation in the Bahamas features Matt Rand of the Pew Environment Group discussing the impact of demand for shark fin soup on shark populations. The environmental effects of declining shark populations are once again discussed, as is the economic importance of sharks to the Bahamas. Rand goes on to say that shark tourism generates $78 million annually. He points out that shark populations are a sustainable resource that could continue to generate income for the Bahamas if shark populations are properly managed.

The video does have some hints of finger-pointing most notably is the implication that sharks might be in trouble due to a “significant Chinese population” taking up residence in the Bahamas, as result of the upcoming Baha Mar project.