<P> Honduras prohibited the taking of sharks in its national waters as of February 2010 . </P> <P> The U.S. bans shark finning on all U.S. - flagged vessels, forbids the taking 19 species of sharks including white, whale, and basking sharks and shares lists of illegal vessels with established fishing companies, helping them report illegal activities . The U.S. also assesses the health of many of its shark populations and includes sharks in its various Fishery Management Plans . Hawaii has banned the sale and possession of shark fins . The states of California, Oregon and Washington are considering similar bans . </P> <P> In 1991 South Africa became the first country in the world to declare great white sharks a legally protected species . </P> <P> In February 2009, the European Commission proposed first - ever shark conservation rules for European waters, although these are not outright bans . EU countries account for one - third of global shark meat exports . </P>

In 1991 what country declared great while sharks a legally protected species