Lawmakers: Save the sharks

Save the Whales was a movement that started in 1977 and soared in the 1980s. Save the Sharks could be next, or at least that’s what Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) and seven other legislators were hoping for when they introduced a shark conservation measure on Thursday.

The Bordallo measure would seek to eliminate “an enforcement loophole” related to the transport of shark fins. In a floor speech, Bordallo said, “The rising demand for shark fins over past decades has also led to increases in the particularly exploitive practice of shark finning, where fins of sharks are removed and the carcass is discarded at sea.”

Sharks don’t attract any sympathy from beachgoers who fear a “Jaws”-like demise, but Bordallo says saving the sharks is vital to conserve marine ecosystems.

The other backers of the measure are Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Charlie Gonzales (D-Texas), Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.). and Dels. Donna Christensen (D-V.I.) and Eni Faleomavaega (D-A.S.).