Have imports of shark fins been affected by California's recent ban?

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Podcasts Take Two

Feb 27, 2014

Listen • 4:45

Have imports of shark fins been affected by California's recent ban?

Last week, California wildlife officials announced a seizure of more than 2,000 pounds of shark fins in a San Francisco warehouse.

Trays filled with shark fins are displayed at a store in Chinatown on August 24, 2011 in San Francisco, California. California State Assembly Bill 376 has been introduced and would ban the sale, purchase or possession of shark fins in California. Those against the bill complain that it targets a cultural institution of Chinese citizens who eat shark fin soup.

Last week, California wildlife officials announced a seizure of more than 2,000 pounds of shark fins in a San Francisco warehouse.

It's their first big bust since the state's ban on shark fins went into effect 8 months ago. The find was also noteworthy because of just how much territory the thinly staffed wildlife department has to cover.

Have imports of shark fins been affected by the state's 8-month old ban? Are these bans effective or is the business just being shoved further underground? Have similar bans in other states worked out?

Zusha Elinson, reporter for the Wall Street Journal, joins the show with more.