SACRAMENTO - Today the historic California Shark Protection Act, AB 376, by Assemblymembers Paul Fong (D-Cupertino) and Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) was signed by the Governor.

"Governor Brown has chosen to protect our ocean's ecosystem and help end the decimation of the shark population.  As the 2nd largest consumer of shark fins, California is now a partner in the global effort to end the practice of finning and in the preservation of the shark population for generations to come," said Assemblymember Fong. "I would like to thank the Asian Pacific American Ocean Harmony Alliance, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Humane Society of the United States, Center for Ocean Awareness Research & Education, WildAid, Sea Stewards, and the numerous supporters of this historic act for their tireless efforts in ensuring the passage and signature of this bill throughout the process.  It is because of your advocacy that the California Shark Protection Act is now law."

"With the Governor's signature today, California leads the way in ending the destruction of shark species globally.  Californians can be proud of their role in giving these remarkable top predators a chance to recover their populations and helping to restore balance to our oceans," said Assemblymember Huffman.

Reaching upwards of $600 dollars a pound, fins are sought after, as opposed to shark meat which sells for approximately $1 a pound.  Once the fins are removed, the remainder of the shark's body is thrown overboard, to slowly bleed out and die.  The shark fins are then processed, dried, and shipped for consumption.  Driving the demand for fins is shark fin soup, a favorable dish served at banquets and special events to demonstrate affluence.  It is estimated that over 7 tons were imported last year.

Apex predators, sharks are at the top of the oceans' food chain, once removed, all of the oceans species will fall like a house of cards. With scientists estimating 34 % of the world's sharks already extinct, and up to 99% of some species decimated, we may be the generation that is responsible for killing off a species that has been in existence for over 450 million years.

The California Shark Protection Act passed both houses of the Legislature with bi-partisan support.  California now joins the states of Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington to ban the possession, sale, and distribution of shark fins shutting down the trade in the Pacific Coast.

For more information please contact Bryan C. Singh in Assemblymember Fong's office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (916) 319-2022 or (408) 828-4079; or contact Lawrence Cooper in Assemblymember Huffman's office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (916) 319-2006 or (916) 903-6035.

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Assemblymember Fong serves as Chair of the Elections and Redistricting Committee and is a member of the Higher Education, Utilities and Commerce, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committees. In addition, Assemblymember Fong serves as Chair of the Select Committees on High Technology and Climate Change and Coastal Protection and is a member of the Select Committees on Aerospace, Biotechnology, Community Colleges, Domestic Violence, and Innovation and the Bay Area Economy. He represents Cupertino, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and San Jose.

CONTACT: Bryan C. Singh (916) 319-2022