The Record • Wednesday, December 5, 2012 • A09
Council moves to ban shark fin soup in city BY THERESA MCMANUS REPORTER tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com
The City of New Westminster’s plan to ban shark fin products in the Royal City has the support of some local residents. Following Monday night’s public hearing, council unanimously supported a shark fin regulation bylaw that will prohibit the sale, trade or distribution of shark fins or products derived from shark fins in New Westminster. A Victoria Hill resident encouraged the
city to ban the sale of shark fin products in New Westminster, voicing concerns about the “absolutely disgusting” practice of finning. In addition to concerns about the environmental impacts of killing millions of sharks annually, many people have voiced concern about the practice of cutting off sharks’ fins and throwing the fish back into the ocean to die. “New Westminster should be a leader in this,” the man told council at Monday night’s public hearing.
Theft suspect arrested A 26-year-old man has been charged with 18 counts of theft under $5,000, 12 counts of mischief and one count of break-and-enter after a string of incidents in the Sapperton area of the Royal City. Richard Johnson McAfee was arrested on Nov. 29 and the charges were approved by Crown counsel on Nov. 30. The incidents surround a series of theft from vehicles, mischief and break-and-enter incidents. The arrest comes after a collaborative effort by the New Westminster Police Department’s patrol division, street crime unit and the forensic identification unit. McAfee remains in custody until his next court date on Dec. 4.
Several B.C. municipalities have already approved bylaws that ban the sale of shark fin products, and others, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey, are expected to consider the matter in 2013. “Our sharks are being finned to extinction,” said resident Melissa Balfour. “It is very inhumane what they are doing.” Balfour told council that she would be “so proud” if New Westminster led in the movement to ban the sale of shark fin products.
According to a recent staff report to council, shark fins are primarily used to make shark fin soup in Asian restaurants, but other products are also available such as dried, canned, cooked, wet and frozen form at some markets and health stores. Staff stated that one local restaurant serves items containing shark fins, but management told the city that the ban wouldn’t have a major impact on its business. www.twitter.com/TheresaMcManus
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