🦈 Hawaii is the first US state to enact ban on shark fishing

Hawaii became the first US state to enact a ban on shark fishing on January 1st of this year. Now, it’s a misdemeanor to intentionally entangle, capture or kill a shark in state marine waters.

“Our department is well aware of how important sharks are to maintain healthy marine ecosystems,” said Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Brian Neilson in a statement. “And we recognize their importance for native Hawaiian cultural practices and beliefs.”

If you violate this law you will get a fine of $500 for a first offense. The fine jumps up to $2,000 if you get charged a second time and $10,000 for a third time. VegNews also explains that there are administrative fines of up to $10,000 per shark entangled or captured and “forfeiture of any captured sharks, commercial marine licenses, vessels, and fishing equipment”.

This law was put in place to protect and preserve shark populations in Hawaii because they serve a variety of important ecological functions. The Hawaiian government encourages fishers to avoid regions frequented by sharks and particularly pupping areas.