U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seizes Illegal Shark Fins in Major Smuggling Bust
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced a significant seizure of illegal shark fins at various U.S. ports, including Anchorage, Louisville, and Cincinnati. The operation uncovered shipments disguised as car parts, which were en route from Mexico to Hong Kong, a major hub for shark fin trafficking. The seized fins primarily belonged to bigeye thresher sharks and silky sharks, both of which are protected under CITES Appendix II. This listing requires that international trade in these species is only legal with an export permit, which was not present in these shipments. The USFWS has shared information about the smuggling network with international partners to aid in enforcement actions. 
