(c) Except as permitted by this code, it is unlawful to sell, purchase, deliver for commercial purposes, or possess on any commercial fishing vessel registered pursuant to Section 7881 any shark fin or shark tail or portion thereof that has been removed from the carcass. However, thresher shark tails and fins that have been removed from the carcass and whose original shape remain unaltered may be possessed on a registered commercial fishing vessel if the corresponding carcass is in possession for each tail and fin."
California Fish & Game Code Section 7704(c) sets forth a specific law prohibiting the possession or sale of shark fins that have been removed from the shark's carcass. Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) tails and fins may be removed but the corresponding carcass must be in the possession of the fishing vessel. This law is explicit in its message and is designed to halt finning in California waters as well as put an end to wasteful fishing practices.
California Fish & Game Code Section 7704(c) states:
