Shark Trust Achievements

Since our foundation in 1997, the Shark Trust has made significant progress in shark conservation and has directly contributed to the following:

• The adoption of a ban on shark finning in European waters and by the European Fleet worldwide.
• The recent prohibition on the removal of shark fins at sea on all UK vessels worldwide.
• The listing of sharks on international treaties including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Convention for Migratory Species (CMS).
• The emergency closure of sectors of the Northeast Atlantic deep-water gillnet fishery in order to protect severely depleted deepwater sharks.
• Increased management of sharks through European Common Fisheries Policy Total Allowable Catches and quotas.
• Influencing the content and adoption of the European Community Plan of Action for Sharks.
• Removal of shark fin products from sale in Tesco stores in Thailand.
• Numerous domestic policy decisions including the protection of the Basking Shark and Angelshark under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act; closure of the target fishery for Porbeagle, Spiny Dogfish and Tope; single species landings data requirements; and recognition of additional species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) list.
• Founding and early membership of successful shark conservation coalitions including the Shark Alliance and the European Elasmobranch Association.
• A solid reputation for the provision of sound, science-based guidance materials.
• Increased public awareness for sharks.

Related Links:

➤ Shark Trust Projects

➤ Shark Trust Campaigns