Wildlife protection is at the heart of legislation unanimously approved by the House earlier this week that bans the inhumane practice of "shark finning."

Spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Joe Gresko of Stratford, former House chair of the Environment Committee, AN ACT PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF SHARK FINNING bans possessing, selling, offering for sale, trading, or distributing a shark fin.

Shark finning involves the cruel process of capturing sharks, removing their fins and then releasing them back into open waters to eventually die. It is estimated that almost 75 million shark fins annually end up on world markets.

Shark fins can sell for as high as a $1,000 and are mostly used in shark fin soup which some cultures consider a delicacy. Despite growing international bans along with animal and environmental advocacy, the soup is still offered in some restaurants and at events such as weddings.

Shark species in Connecticut waters have increased in recent years according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The state is currently home to five known species including the dogfish, brown and sandbar sharks. Some species are already protected from fishing.

An infraction of a shark fin ban would result in a fine and not be considered a crime. Many countries and other states have also adopted shark fin banning laws including neighboring New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

There are some narrow exemptions for scientific and educational purposes as well as specifically for more abundant populations such as Dogfish sharks, which are fished for their meat and thus less likely to be discarded after finning.

The bill is now under consideration by the Senate.

Read more about banning shark finning in this article from The Hartford Courant.