Academic Medical Advancements into Shark Finning Conservation Acts in the United States

Between 2000 and 2023, three federal bills were passed to eliminate shark finning in the United States and close the legal loophole that allowed the sale of fins, making the U.S. a global leader in shark conservation by eliminating its domestic participation in the shark fin trade. The three bills included 1) The Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000, 2) Shark Conservation Act of 2010, and 3) The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2023. Academic Medicine has played a crucial role in neurotoxin research, investigating agents like BMAA, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Research has shown that high levels of methylmercury are absorbed in the fins and muscles of sharks. Finally, there has also been extensive research into eliminating any medical recommendations that shark cartilage can treat cancer patients.