Finspire Change UK | sharkguardian

CAMPAIGN TO BAN THE SHARK FIN TRADE IN THE UK

WHY SHARK GUARDIAN STARTED THE CAMPAIGN
'FINSPIRE CHANGE UK' TO BAN THE SHARK
FIN TRADE IN THE UK

Before the campaign, UK law allowed individuals to bring up to 20 kg of dried shark fins into the country under the “fish and fish product” allowance without declaration — a loophole that could represent hundreds of sharks killed, including threatened species listed under CITES. These fins, worth over £4,000, far exceeded the £390 declaration threshold, enabling illegal trade and significant tax evasion. Below you can watch videos and read the timeline as events took place from the start of the campaign to its successful conclusion.

READ THE CAMPAIGN BLOGS

'FINSPIRE CHANGE UK' CAMPAIGN VIDEOS

'FINSPIRE CHANGE UK' CAMPAIGN

READ THE CAMPAIGN BLOGS

April 2020: The journey begins

In April 2020, Shark Guardian launched Finspire Change UK, a government petition demanding a ban on the import and export of detached shark fins. By September of that same year, the campaign had garnered over 115,000 signatures, triggering a mandatory parliamentary debate.

December 2020: Building momentum

In December 2020, the UK Government issued a Call for Evidence, seeking public input on the impacts of shark fin trade and the need for regulatory reforms.

July 2022: Legislation Introduced

In July 2022, Labour MP Christina Rees introduced a Private Member’s Bill to Parliament, calling for a ban on the import and export of detached shark fins. The effort was co-sponsored in the House of Lords by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch.

June 2023: Passing Through Parliament

By 16 June 2023, the Shark Fins Bill had successfully passed through both Houses of Parliament, with unanimous support across all parties—signaling a decisive victory for shark conservation.

June 2023: Passing Through Parliament

On 29 June 2023, King Charles III granted Royal Assent, enshrining the Shark Fins Act 2023 into law. This Act bans the import and export of detached shark fins and shark fin products, including tinned shark fin soup, while preserving the “fins naturally attached” policy for conservation purposes.