Comment from Gary Kelly

There is great concern over the destruction of the shark population world wide. Most of the more advanced countries acknowledge the importance of protecting all shark species. While the current proposal means well, it is a big concern that it may actually weaken the laws of the states that have already implemented anti shark finning legislation. What I would propose is that this law be amended so that states with stronger protection will not be undermined. Let this proposal be the base line for all states, especially those without any specific laws on the book regarding shark finning. Then, states who pass stronger laws should first have the right, and second, be in addition to the federal laws. Anyone who has studied the decline of sharks over the last few decades knows how serious this problem is. And any person with a basic understanding of food chains can tell you that sharks are a critical part of the marine food chain. Their continued destruction can only spell doom for many other species of marine life. Please don't do anything that will allow shark killers to find loopholes that will allow them to carry on with there disgusting practice of killing sharks...for any reason...but especially for the despicable practice of finning.