# Natural Resources (GNR)

## Title 4. Fish and Fisheries

### Subtitle 7. Licensing, Regulation, and Supervision of Fishing and Fisheries in Tidal Waters

#### Section 4-747

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2)

    (i) "Shark" means any species of the subclass Elasmobranchii.

    (ii) "Shark" does not include smooth-hounds, spiny dogfish, or species in the superorder Batoidea.

  (3) "Shark fin" means the raw, dried, or otherwise processed detached fin or tail of a shark.

(b)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a person may not possess, sell, offer for sale, trade, or distribute a shark fin.

  (2) A person may possess a shark fin if:

    (i) The person holds the appropriate State or federal license or permit authorizing the taking or landing of a shark for recreational or commercial purposes;

    (ii) The shark fin is taken from a shark that the person has taken or landed; and

    (iii) The shark fin is taken in a manner consistent with the person's license.

  (3) A museum, college, or university may possess a shark fin if the shark fin is used solely for display or research purposes.

(c) The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section.

---

Md. Code Ann., Nat. Res. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)