|
Background
The Wildlife Trafficking Prevention Act (Act) was passed as Ballot Measure 100 in the 2016 election, and was modified by the Oregon legislature in the 2017 session as House Bill 2576 which became effective July 1, 2017. The Act prohibits sale of parts or products of covered species in Oregon. Covered species include all sharks and rays (excluding skates, order Rajiformes), but there are exemptions for species which are managed under a federal Fishery Management Plan and for activities that are expressly authorized by federal law.
Covered and exempt species
We have provided lists of covered and exempt species that are known to occur in waters off Oregon or having a record of landings in the state in an Industry Notice dated August 17, 2017. In addition we have developed a complete list of exempt ray and shark species which are exempt because they are subject to one or more federal Fishery Management Plans, covering all regions of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. See links below.
Implementation in Oregon Administrative Rule
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted permanent rules to clarify and implement certain provisions of HB 2576 at their December 8, 2017 public hearing. These regulations can be found in Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 635, Division 056, Rule Number 0135 and Division 200, Rule Number 0010 (OAR 635-056-0135 & OAR 635-200-0010). See link below.
Reminders
Basking shark, white shark, oceanic whitetip shark, and whale shark are federally prohibited species and may not be harvested.
Shark finning is prohibited both federally and by Oregon law. Fins must remain naturally attached to the body of the shark (i.e., by at least a flap of skin) throughout harvest and processing.
Resources
|
