9-Year-Old Mass. Boy Who Loves Sharks Inspires Lawmakers to Ban Fin Trade

A 9-year-old Lowell boy who loves sharks said he was overjoyed Thursday when Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill banning shark fins.

Sean Lesniak wrote his lawmaker, State Rep. David Nangle, D-Lowell, and asked him to help protect his favorite fish.

Nangle filed a bill on Lesniak’s behalf. Last year, Lesniak testified in front of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary in favor of the ban.

Animals rights activists say the practice of finning is inhumane and has decimated shark populations. In many cases, a shark's fin is cut off while it's still alive. The fish is then thrown back into the ocean, where it usually dies quickly because it can't steer. 

The law bans the possession and trade of shark fins. It also outlaws shark fin soup, a delicacy that has been served at about a dozen restaurants in Massachusetts, according to the Animal Welfare Institute.

"I am glad that the Representatives, Senators and Governor realized how important this bill is to the preservation and conservation of sharks,” Lesniak said in a statement. "Sharks are needed to keep our oceans balanced and healthy. I really want to thank all parties that worked so hard to make this a reality."

Violators could face two months in jail, a fine of $500-1,000, and the suspension or revocation of fishing licenses.

Patrick's office said the bill primarily affects distributors and retailers of imported shark fins—including markets and restaurant—but will have a "minimal impact" on commercial fishing and processing due to the exemption of locally caught species.

Other states like California, Hawaii, and Washington have also outlawed shark fins.