Skip to content

Port Moody considers ban on shark fins

Possessing or selling shark fins in Port Moody could net you a $500 fine under a new business licence bylaw that received first three readings at Tuesday's council meeting.

Possessing or selling shark fins in Port Moody could net you a $500 fine under a new business licence bylaw that received first three readings at Tuesday's council meeting.

According to a staff report, the city can also refuse a business licence to applicants proposing to deal in shark fins.

The bylaw was crafted after a request from PoMo resident Jeff Congram, whose appearance at an April council meeting drew numerous passionate speeches in support of his goal. Congram said sharks are on the verge of extinction - up to 100 million are killed each year - to feed the demand for shark fin soup.

Coun. Diana Dilworth noted that Port Moody's three Chinese restaurants do not have shark fin soup on their menus.

Coun. Rick Glumac said he hopes other B.C. communities will follow PoMo's lead. (This week Coquitlam council discussed a similar move.)

PoMo residents will be able to comment on the proposed bylaw at the May 22 council meeting.