Massachusetts § 106 - Possessing, selling, offering for sale, trading or distributing of shark fins prohibited; exceptions; penalty for violation
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 106 — Possessing, selling, offering for sale, trading or distributing of shark fins prohibited; exceptions; penalty for violation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 106. Possessing, selling, offering for sale, trading or distributing of shark fins prohibited; exceptions; penalty for violation
Section 106. (a) Except as provided in this section, no person shall possess, sell, offer for sale, trade or distribute a shark fin.
(b) A person who holds a license or permit to take or land sharks may separate a shark fin from a lawfully landed shark during the ordinary course of preparing the body of the shark for consumption, sale, trade or distribution; provided, however, that a shark fin so separated from the shark shall be immediately destroyed unless used by the person for the purposes of taxidermy.
(c) The division may issue a permit for the possession of a shark fin to a person conducting noncommercial, scientific research.
(d) A shark fin seized by the division through the enforcement of this section shall be destroyed by the division.
(e) Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 60 days or by both such fine and imprisonment; provided, however, that each shark fin possessed, sold, offered for sale, traded or distributed in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense. A violation of this section by a person holding a commercial or recreational license or permit pursuant to this chapter may result in the suspension or revocation of such license or permit.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 106
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 106 cover?
Section 106 ("Possessing, selling, offering for sale, trading or distributing of shark fins prohibited; exceptions; penalty for violation") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 106?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 106" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 106 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.