2015 Maryland Code
NATURAL RESOURCES
Title 4 - FISH AND FISHERIES
Subtitle 7 - LICENSING, REGULATION, AND SUPERVISION OF FISHING AND FISHERIES IN TIDAL WATERS
§ 4-747 - Sale, trade, or distribution of shark fins prohibited
(a) Definitions. --
(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) In general. --
(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) Regulations. -- The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section.
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