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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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May 16, 2013
California State Assembly Passes Groundbreaking Legislation to Require the Use of Non-Lead Ammunition in Hunting
Important legislation requiring the use of non-lead ammunition for hunting today passed the California State Assembly by a wide margin.
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May 8, 2013
Court Upholds Calif. Law Preventing Cruel Trapping and Poisoning of Wildlife
A California court has upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 4, a 1998 state ballot measure banning use of cruel traps and poisons for the purpose of killing wildlife.
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April 19, 2013
Arkansas Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Arkansas State Legislature passed a number of animal protection bills that were signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe this legislative session, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
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April 8, 2013
Maryland General Assembly Passes Legislation Banning Shark Fin Trade
The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International, National Aquarium, National Wildlife Federation and Oceana applaud the Maryland General Assembly for banning the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins.
