Bill > S1922

This bill prohibits the sale and possession of shark fins in New Jersey, aiming to protect shark populations which are vulnerable to overfishing and slow to reproduce. The legislation defines "shark" as a cartilaginous fish but excludes rays and skates, and "shark fin" as a raw or dried fin or tail separated from a shark's body. It makes it illegal to sell, trade, distribute, or possess shark fins that have been separated from a shark before its lawful landing, with an exception for preparing a lawfully landed shark for consumption, provided the fins are immediately destroyed. Violators face significant civil administrative penalties, with fines increasing for repeat offenses, and potential criminal charges for third or subsequent violations, including imprisonment. The bill also allows for the confiscation of illegal shark fins and any equipment used in violations, and establishes a temporary exception until July 1, 2013, for shark fins already in possession on the bill's enactment date.