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.
Tournaments aren't the only threat to sharks: The HSUS and its international arm, Humane Society International, are also working to end the cruel practice of shark finning—cutting off a shark's fins and discarding the animal at sea to die.
Protecting the Predators
Tens of millions of sharks are killed every year worldwide. We're asking marinas to join us in taking a stand against the killing.
Learn MoreNews & Events
-
March 27, 2012
Maryland Senate Passes Bill to Ban Shark Fin Trade
The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International applaud the Maryland state Senate for passing landmark legislation that will end Maryland’s contribution to the cruel, wasteful and unsustainable trade in shark fin.
-
March 16, 2012
Buffalo Exchange Helps Save Ocean Animals
In recognition of our work to protect marine life, Buffalo Exchange pledged all proceeds from the sale of items priced at one dollar during Buffalo Exchange’s Dollar Day Sale on Saturday, April 21, 2012, as donations to HSI and The HSUS.
-
May 19, 2011
The Shark Free Marina Initiative Calls For End of Recreational Killing of Sharks in U.S. Waters
The Shark Free Marina Initiative released statistics showing that recreational fishing of sharks in the U.S. has contributed to the devastating decline in shark populations worldwide.
-
February 14, 2011
The HSUS and Ocean Conservation Groups Urge California to Send Valentine to Protect Sharks
The Humane Society of the United States and a collection of ocean advocacy groups praise the Valentine’s Day introduction of California Assembly Bill 376 to combat the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.
Our Victories
-
May 7, 2012
Tricksy Beavers, Foxy Babies: HSUS Wildlife News Bulletin
The latest on all things wildlife, in 200 words or less.
-
March 1, 2012
The HSUS and Predator Defense Institute Commend OSU Decision to Deactivate Snares
The HSUS, Predator Defense and Oregon State University alumni commended the decision by the university to deactivate lethal snares set around its sheep research facility in Corvallis, Ore.
-
January 5, 2011
Shark Conservation Act Signed into Law to Curb Cruel Shark Finning
The HSUS, HSI and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud President Barack Obama for signing an important bipartisan bill that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.
-
December 21, 2010
Shark Conservation Act Wins Final Congressional Approval
The HSUS, Humane Society International and the Humane Society Legislative Fund commend the U.S. House for giving final congressional approval to legislation that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.
