Reposting with this informative caption from our friends at @teamsharkwater ‘Congrats Hawaii who continues to lead the US in shark protections! Shark fishing is illegal in the state as of January 1st. The State of Hawaii’s Division of Aquatic Resources has announced that shark fishing is officially banned, thanks to a bill passed in 2021 by the State legislature. Act 51 makes it illegal to contain, entangle, or kill all shark species in state marine waters. In 2010, Hawaii became the first U.S. state to ban the possession, sale, trade, and distribution of shark fins. A shout out to @senatordonovandelacruz who led the initiative and @govhawaii David Ige who signed the new law into effect. This bill will help protect all sharks from being fished and finned in state marine waters. This law is aimed to protect young shark species at risk of being overfished. The Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator, Brian Neilson, said in a statement, “Our Department is well aware of how important sharks are to maintain healthy marine ecosystems. And we recognize their importance for native Hawaiian cultural practices and beliefs.” To help integrate this new law, the DNLR may implement specific regulations such as “ensuring that the incidental capture and release of sharks while targeting other species is not a violation; preventing the wanton waste of sharks; and limiting gear such as gill nets, in areas identified as shark nursery habitats.” Anyone caught breaking the law will be subject to a misdemeanour accompanied by a hefty fine. First-time offenders will face a $500 fine, second-time offenders will receive a $2,000 fine, then third and repeated offenders will receive a $10,000 penalty per offence.’ We hope that the precedent that this move sets, starts a wave of action around the world. 🦈✊ #FinFree #SCA #SaveSharks #FinBanNow #EndTheFinTrade #EndTheFinTradeAU #SharkConservationAustralia #SharkFishing #Hawaii