The state Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would ban the sale, trade or possession of shark fins.

The bill, authored by Cupertino Assemblyman Paul Fong, is seen as a way to protect endangered sharks targeted by fishermen, who amputate their fins and toss the live animals back into the ocean.

The fins are considered an expensive delicacy used to create shark fin soup, popular in many Asian restaurants.

The bill is now headed to the state Senate.

Photo Credit: Conveyor belt sushi, via Wikimedia Commons

• Tag: Ban, Paul Fong, shark fin soup, State Assembly