SECTION 57.979. Unlawful Possession of Shark Fins

(a) It is unlawful for any person to, upon detaching a shark fin from a shark that is lawfully possessed and being processed in a restaurant or place of business, fail to immediately destroy the shark fin as prescribed in this section. Destroyed shark fins shall be lawfully disposed of, either by a contracted waste removal service or by direct transport to a landfill or waste facility permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to receive such material.

(b) In this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) Destroy--to treat a shark fin by immersion in chlorine bleach, acid, or other such chemical or chemical solution for a period of time sufficient to render the shark fin inedible or otherwise unfit for human consumption.

(2) Immediately--At once, without delay, promptly.

Source Note: The provisions of this §57.979 adopted to be effective October 24, 2023, 48 TexReg 6215