Hawaii has become the first state in the US to ban shark fins.

[diveguide.com]

Hawaii has become the first state in the US to ban shark fins.

Governor Linda Lingle on Friday signed a bill, prohibiting the possession, sale, trade or distribution of shark fins, which are used in pricey Chinese dishes.

Exceptions will be made for researchers who have obtained a permit from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Politicians hope the new law will help prevent overfishing and extinction of sharks harvested for their fins.

Many Chinese consider shark fins to be a delicacy, served in high-end Chinese restaurants in soup and as fillets in gravy.

The bill passed the state Legislature earlier this year with broad support.