Bill > A4093

This bill prohibits the sale, trade, distribution, or possession of shark fins that have been separated from a shark before its lawful landing, with exceptions for scientific research, educational purposes, and lawfully obtained fins from smooth dogfish or spiny dogfish. Commercial and recreational fishermen are permitted to possess fins from sharks they have lawfully caught. Violators face escalating civil administrative penalties, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $55,000 per day, and repeat offenders can be charged with a fourth-degree crime, potentially leading to imprisonment. The bill also allows for the confiscation and forfeiture of shark fins and related property used in violations, and establishes a grace period until January 1, 2016, for possessing, selling, trading, or distributing shark fins that were already in a person's possession before the bill's enactment. The Department of Environmental Protection, or "department," is responsible for enforcing these provisions and adopting necessary regulations.