Md. Code Ann., Nat. Res. § 4-747
Possession, sale, or distribution of shark fins prohibited
Effective Oct 1, 2013Added by Acts 2013, c. 296, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2013; Acts 2013, c. 297, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2013.State of Maryland
(a)
- (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
- (i) “Shark” means any species of the subclass Elasmobranchii.
- (ii) “Shark” does not include smooth-hounds, spiny dogfish, or species in the superorder Batoidea.
- (3) “Shark fin” means the raw, dried, or otherwise processed detached fin or tail of a shark.
(b)
- (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a person may not possess, sell, offer for sale, trade, or distribute a shark fin.
(2) A person may possess a shark fin if:
- (i) The person holds the appropriate State or federal license or permit authorizing the taking or landing of a shark for recreational or commercial purposes;
- (ii) The shark fin is taken from a shark that the person has taken or landed; and
- (iii) The shark fin is taken in a manner consistent with the person's license.
- (3) A museum, college, or university may possess a shark fin if the shark fin is used solely for display or research purposes.
- (c) The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section.
Added by Acts 2013, c. 296, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2013; Acts 2013, c. 297, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2013.