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.
Take Action
Join Johnny Le Coq, co-founder of Fishpond USA, and have your business speak out for sharks! If you run a marina, sign the shark-free marina pledge.
You can also become a regional ambassador for the Shark-Free Marina Initiative. Then please help protect sharks from finning.
Do Something: Vote!
World-renowned photographer Nigel Barker is up for a Do Something Award for his nonprofit work, including his support of our Protect Sharks campaign. Vote for him now!
Learn MoreNews & Events
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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.
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August 2, 2010
Humane Society International, The HSUS Celebrate Shark Protection
During Shark Week, Humane Society International and The HSUS celebrate recent advances in shark conservation and urge the public to take action to protect these magnificent ocean predators.
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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.
Our Victories
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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.
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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.
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November 23, 2010
Federal Appeals Court Blocks Sea Lion Killing at Bonneville Dam
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco halted the National Marine Fisheries Service’s program to kill federally protected sea lions at the Bonneville Dam on the Washington and Oregon border.
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October 6, 2010
Administration Proposes New Habitat Protections for Whales in Response to Advocates’ Lawsuit
The HSUS hailed a decision by the National Marine Fisheries Service to revise critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species that clings to survival with fewer than 400 individuals remaining.
