Shark fin is banned in 12 U.S. states—but it's still on the menu
Shark fin bans, intended to reduce instances of shark finning, are difficult to enforce, leading some to question if they’re worth it.
If you’re in Los Angeles and the mood strikes, you can order shark fin soup from China Gate Restaurant for home delivery for $16.95.
But that would be against state law. California is one of 12 states that bans the sale of shark fins—measures to help prevent further declines of shark populations and to deter finning, which has been illegal in U.S. waters since 2000. Although demand for shark fins for soup is greatest in Asian countries, there’s significant demand for them in the United States too.
A man who identified himself as the China Gate Restaurant owner’s brother says the online listing is a mistake and denies that the restaurant serves the dish.
Finning involves slicing fins off live sharks and tossing
