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Photo © Shark Trust.
From left to right -
Huw Irranca-Davies (UK Fisheries
Minister), Ali Hood (Shark Trust Director of
Conservation) and Richard Lochhead
(Scottish Cabinet Secretary). |
Early Day Motion (EDM)
In 2003 the EU adopted a shark finning regulation (EC) No:1185/2003 prohibiting the removal of shark fins at sea. However, the UK remained one of five EU Member States that, through the provision of Special Fishing Permits (SFP), still permitted the removal of shark fins at sea. Consequently UK vessels landed over 80 tonnes of shark fin per year.
Tabled by Martin Horwood, Shadow Environment Minister for the Liberal Democrats and co-sponsored by Richard Benyon (Conservative) and Russell Brown (Labour), the Shark Trust secured support for the Early Day Motion, asking the UK government to cease the provision of SFP and to support the rapid implementation of the Community Plan of Action for Sharks.
EDM No: 1195 on Shark Finning:
That this House notes that over 70% of UK sharks, skates and rays are categorised by IUCN as Threatened or Near Threatened with extinction, and the recent publication of the European Community Plan of Action for Sharks, and the context of EU legislation prohibiting the removal of shark fins at sea ((EC) No:1185/2003); believes the UK Government should build on the foundation of previous shark conservation actions and lead the way in Europe as a champion of shark conservation, promptly implementing effective shark conservation and management measures; further believes that, on no occasion should the UK government approve any derogation from the shark finning legislation in order to allow UK-registered vessels to remove shark fins at sea; further urges the Government to lead the way in Europe by ceasing provision of special permits to remove shark fins at sea, thus enforcing the original intention of the shark finning legislation, and supporting improved shark fisheries monitoring, management and conservation measures.
On October 11th 2009, the Shark Trust achieved a major campaign victory, as the UK announced their decision to lead in the battle against shark “finning” (slicing off a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea) with a complete ban on removal of shark fins at sea.
“The UK Ministers’ decision represents a pivotal action in the battle against the wasteful practice of shark finning,” said Ali Hood, Shark Trust Director of Conservation. “The new ban on removal of shark fins at sea is essential for enforcing one of our region’s most fundamental shark fisheries policies and adds significantly to the UK’s solid shark conservation record.” Read the full story.
 For more information visit: www.edmi.parliament.uk/
The UK Acts to End Shark Finning! Press Release
Stop Shark Finning Campaign |
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