Honourable senators, I rise today at third reading of Bill S-238, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, more commonly known as the ban on shark fin importation act. I support this bill and congratulate Senator MacDonald on his initiative.

First, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the late Rob Stewart, the filmmaker whose documentary Sharkwater shone a light on shark finning and its devastating effect on shark species and the entire marine ecosystem. My hope today is that there are more film, journalism and media professionals uncovering the atrocities perpetrated against the environment and biodiversity.

[English]

I mentioned in my speech at second reading that Bill S-238 is a good step in protecting sharks from the global practice of shark finning, but that this initiative should be the start in protecting species from practices that, if uncontrolled, can lead to extinction. Shark finning is a deplorable practice, especially because sharks need to propel themselves through the water to pass water over their gills to breathe. Senators, the thought of sharks having their gills brutally sawed off only to be tossed back into the ocean, to sink to the bottom and die is a chilling reminder of the brutality of which some humans are capable.

Not only sharks, but many species require protection. This past Tuesday, you may have seen in the news that the last male northern white rhinoceros has died. With two females still living, this sub-species is functionally extinct, having been poached to extinction for their horns.

Our colleague Senator Griffin reminded us that not only does shark finning have an effect on the shark population, but it may have a devastating effect on the entire ecosystem by destabilizing the food web. The loss of apex predators such as sharks from human activity greatly impacts the health of marine and global habitats. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, biodiversity is being lost at a rate of up to 1,000 times the natural rate. Ecosystems are delicate webs that support life on this planet — including us. If no international coordinated action is taken, our children will only see some species in books or in videos.

[Translation]

Bill S-238 is a short bill that addresses certain environmental concerns by prohibiting the importation into Canada of shark fins that are not attached to the carcass, unless they are being imported for the purpose of scientific research to benefit the survival of the species. The bill represents for an opportunity for Canada to show leadership in the conservation and protection of the world’s shark populations.

[English]

The sponsor of this bill, Senator MacDonald, spoke about the amendments to the bill in the committee report. First, the parts and derivatives of shark fins were captured in the wording and, second, to add exportation as well as importation to the ban. To reiterate, as Canada does not export shark fins, this has little effect overall on the bill. I agree that these amendments strengthen the bill. I support the amendments to the bill and thank the committee for their work.

Colleagues, I urge you to join me in voting to pass this bill in this chamber without delay.