A new bill introduced by state Assembly members Paul Fong and Jared Huffman sinks its teeth into the sale and distribution of shark fins in California. Environmentalists say AB376 would help stop the torture and slaughter of endangered shark species. But state Senator Leland Yee and some members of the Chinese business community contend that sweeping legislation is too broad of an approach. They also see the law as an attack on Asian culture.
Host: Michael Krasny
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Guests:
- Adam Keigwin, chief of staff for state Senator Leland Yee
- John McCosker, senior scientist and chair of the Department of Aquatic Biology at the California Academy of Sciences
- Paul Fong, assemblyman for California's 22nd District
- Peter Knights, executive director of Wild Aid -- a non-profit organization committed to stopping the illegal wildlife trade
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Related Information:
- The Great White Shark: Meet the Man in the Gray Suit (KQED Quest)
- Calif. shark fin bill would ban Chinese delicacy (SFGate)
- Shark fins: Can we preserve human culture and dwindling species? (SFGate: The Thin Green Line)
- Is Banning Shark's Fin Racist? (SFoodie)