HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Authorities seized 40 suspected shark fins from a private jet that departed from Hawaii in February.
Officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife intercepted the plane when it landed in California.
According to law enforcement, the jet passengers admitted to possessing shark fins and consented to a search of the aircraft.
Officers reportedly found both dried and frozen shark fins during their search.
Possessing and transporting detached shark fins is illegal in the U.S. and much of the rest of the world.
An investigation is underway into the source of the shark fins and any potential trafficking network involved.
The case was sent to the local district attorney’s office.
Harvesting sharks for their fins is both cruel to the animals and destructive to ocean ecosystems.
As apex predators, sharks play a key role in maintaining the delicate balance of marine life in the world’s oceans.
According to the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, sharks are usually released back into the water after their fins are removed, leaving them to die slowly.
Most sharks swim continuously to pass water over their gills, which means they often die from drowning.
To report similar abuses, such as shark on the menu at restaurants or for sale in businesses, call CDFW at (888) 334-2258.
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