Ports in Cincinnati, Kentucky part of operation that seized 50K dried shark fins in U.S. last year, wildlife officials say
Updated: 11:25 AM EDT Apr 13, 2026
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Shipments of illegally-trafficked dried shark fins were intercepted in Ohio and Kentucky last year, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Officials say the seizures were part of a larger investigation, which led to the seizure of roughly 50,000 dried shark fins across 20 shipments at multiple ports across the country. The seizures totaled more than 1,600 pounds of fins, valued at over $1 million.USFWS says the first shipment was discovered by inspectors in Anchorage, Alaska, prompting a wider investigation, which led to additional shipments being intercepted in Anchorage, Louisville and Cincinnati.The shipments were each disguised as car parts and were on their way from Mexico to Hong Kong. They were found to be linked to a larger trafficking network.Wildlife officials say the fins were “predominantly” from silky sharks and bigeye thresher sharks, both of which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). All fins were seized for multiple violations of wildlife laws.USFWS says information concerning the violations has been shared with the organization’s international partners to “support appropriate enforcement actions.”Going into effect in December 2022, the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act prohibits the possession, transport and sale of shark fins in the U.S. with limited, narrow exceptions.
Shipments of illegally-trafficked dried shark fins were intercepted in Ohio and Kentucky last year, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Officials say the seizures were part of a larger investigation, which led to the seizure of roughly 50,000 dried shark fins across 20 shipments at multiple ports across the country.
The seizures totaled more than 1,600 pounds of fins, valued at over $1 million.
USFWS says the first shipment was discovered by inspectors in Anchorage, Alaska, prompting a wider investigation, which led to additional shipments being intercepted in Anchorage, Louisville and Cincinnati.
The shipments were each disguised as car parts and were on their way from Mexico to Hong Kong. They were found to be linked to a larger trafficking network.
Wildlife officials say the fins were “predominantly” from silky sharks and bigeye thresher sharks, both of which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). All fins were seized for multiple violations of wildlife laws.
USFWS says information concerning the violations has been shared with the organization’s international partners to “support appropriate enforcement actions.”
Going into effect in December 2022, the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act prohibits the possession, transport and sale of shark fins in the U.S. with limited, narrow exceptions.
