The Government is planning to ban the dumping of dead sharks when their fins are removed in New Zealand waters, over the next two years.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Conservation Minister Nick Smith made the announcement on Sunday at Wellington's Island Bay marine education centre.
It's part of the Government's National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks, which is currently out for public consultation.
It is already a crime to return a shark to the water alive after the fin is removed, but it is currently legal to return a dead shark to sea.
Nathan Guy says that needs to change and the practice will be phased out over a two year time frame.
"The practice of finning sharks is inconsistent with New Zealand's reputation as one of the best managed and conserved fisheries in the world."
Submissions on the proposal close on 8 December.
