Shark fin soup was once a banquet item reserved for Chinese imperial rulers, but recently it has become a status symbol for the wealthy. Unfortunately, the popularity of shark fin soup has put the survival of over 500 species of shark at risk.

Westchester County is considering a law to ban the sale of all shark fin products, including shark fin soup. It would be the first legislation of its kind in the United States and could create the impetus for banning shark fin products around the country.

Shark fins can pose health risks. The fins of sharks have been shown to contain potentially dangerous levels of methylmercury, and sharks rank among the highest of all mercury-tainted seafood. Mercury is dangerous for pregnant women, fetuses, and young children, and has been associated with lower male fertility rates. Hydrogen peroxide and the carcinogen formaldehyde have also been discovered in shark fins. Because there is no testing of products, consumers cannot determine whether or not shark fins are contaminant free.

Due to the popularity of shark fin soup, fins now sell for hundreds of dollars a pound, higher than any other fish product except caviar. Between 26 and 73 million sharks are killed annually around the world for their fins. The World Conservation Union has estimated that one-third of all shark species are endangered. Other studies show that some key shark species in areas such as the mid-Atlantic are 99% below their levels of two decades ago.

Please support the ban of shark products in Westchester, NY by signing this petition: http://www.sharksavers.org/content/view/204/104/