Commercial fishing is devastating shark populations. On a smaller scale—but perhaps more ugly—are shark killing tournaments, which offer big money to fishermen who kill big sharks.
Sharks have far more reason to fear people than we have to fear them. All along U.S. shores, fishermen compete in shark killing contests to see who can catch the largest or the most sharks.
These grisly spectacles portray as heroes fishermen who hook, bleed, gaff, and suffocate a shark to death simply for trophies, bragging rights, and cash prizes.
The HSUS is working with the public in communities that still hold shark killing tournaments to encourage them to celebrate ocean life instead of destroying it. Is there a shark hunt near you? We can help you stop it.
Take Action
Businesses: Oppose shark killing tournaments and help protect struggling shark populations: Sign the Pledge
John Land Le Coq and Fishpond, inc., Join Forces with The HSUS
Prominent outdoor retailer vows to protect sharks.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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July 9, 2010
Aloha, Shark Fin
As of July 1, 2010, it is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute shark fins in the state of Hawaii.
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April 20, 2010
Catch, Release, Conserve: The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge
Sport fishing, science, business and humane interests are coming together to support a new kind of catch-and-release fishing tournament for sharks: the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge series off the Southwest Florida coast.
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March 9, 2010
The HSUS Joins Shark-Free Marinas to Reduce Killing of Sharks
The HSUS has teamed up with Shark-Free Marinas in a campaign to significantly reduce worldwide shark mortality.
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January 21, 2010
The HSUS Petitions Fisheries Service to List Overfished Porbeagle Sharks as an Endangered Species
The HSUS asked the National Marine Fisheries Service to list porbeagle sharks in the northwest Atlantic as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Our Victories
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July 9, 2010
Aloha, Shark Fin
As of July 1, 2010, it is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute shark fins in the state of Hawaii.
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June 30, 2010
The HSUS Joins Advocates to Celebrate Landmark Hawaii Shark Protection Law
Local, national and international advocates for shark conservation gathered to celebrate the historic enactment of the shark finning ban in Hawaii.
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June 10, 2010
Senate Defeats Resolution to Block Climate Change Action
The HSUS hailed a key vote in the U.S. Senate upholding the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to address climate change.
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May 29, 2010
Landmark Shark Protection Bill Becomes Law in Hawaii
HSUS and HSI praise Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle and other lawmakers for passing a law to protect sharks from being killed to supply the market for shark fins.
