Is it a dog? Is it a fish? Actually it's a shark! If I was a dogfish I'd probably have a bit of a complex by now. This heavily fished shark just can’t catch a break.

The smooth dogfish was the last targeted Atlantic shark to be subject to fishing limits (which only came into effect this year). The finning ban for this species is the weakest in the world. In the 2010 Shark Conservation Act, the US Congress actually excluded smooth dogfish from strong “fins-attached” landing mandates, something that Atlantic states are now mirroring for nearshore waters. 

This exception flies in the face of expert advice. It allows wiggle room for undetected finning. Removing fins at sea is banned for all other US sharks. Yet the smooth dogfish and other similar looking coastal species have fallen through these policy cracks.

But there is good news. We have an important opportunity to help change the fate of our lesser known dogfish friend. This Shark Week you can make a difference and voice your support for strong finning bans - NO EXCEPTIONS!

“This small shark is taken in big numbers for meat and fins, mostly for export. They aren’t nearly as loved as bigger sharks, and have fallen through some important policy cracks. Dogfish deserve enforceable finning bans, just like other sharks!” says Sonja Fordham, President of Shark Advocates International, our partner in the effort to protect sharks at risk, including smaller and less charismatic species.

What can you do?

• Write to the ASMFC before July 11, 2016 5pm EDT and call for an end to the Smooth Dogfish exceptions to Atlantic state bans on at-sea shark fin removal. 
• Click on the email address ([email protected]) to email your comment to Ashton Harp, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator. Add your name and US State of Residence.

It’s time we recognize that dogfish are sharks too. They might not be as well known as the great white or hammerhead. But they do deserve our love.

Photo: Smooth Dogfish