Transforming Fisheries

HOW ARE WE TRANSFORMING FISHERIES?

Sharks should be caught sustainably or not at all. The key to this is to highlight differences between species, rather than similarities.

For some sharks the only way forward is a complete ban on fishing. But for others, sustainable management should be possible. Positive change means advocating for policy reform, developing skills in the fishing industry and ensuring the enforcement of legislation and catch limits.

Appropriate management can only happen if all sharks caught can be correctly identified and recorded. This is the driver behind our work to transform fisheries.

There are some key steps in the transition to sustainability:

FINS ATTACHED: An enforced finning ban is a vital first step in the process. All sharks caught should be brought to shore with their fins naturally attached to their bodies.
IDENTIFICATION: Fishermen and fisheries managers need the tools and skills to correctly identify and record their catch.
CATCH LIMITS: Unlimited and unmanaged fisheries by definition are not sustainable. Science-based catch limits must be applied to commercial catches.
CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABILITY: We need to link sustainably caught fish with responsible supply chains and reward responsible fisheries.

Find out more about how we're working to transform fisheries by clicking the links below:

No Limits? Campaign

Help vulnerable shark species in the Atlantic by supporting our No Limits? campaign. Let's stop uncontrolled shark fishing. Read more

Stop Shark Finning Campaign

Shark finning has for many years been a central issue in shark conservation. Find out more about the current state of affairs and what we're doing to end finning. Read more

Sustainable Fisheries Project (UK)

For some shark species, we believe well managed fisheries could be the key to a sustainable future. Find out more about this project and why we're supporting sustainability in English shark, skate & ray fisheries. Read more

Fisheries Advisories

Our Commercial Fisheries Advisories provide rapid access to the current legislative status of sharks, skates and rays in UK, EU and international waters. Read more

High-Seas Management

We advocate for sharks and push for science-based management of high-seas fisheries through Regional Fisheries Management Bodies (RFMOs). Read more

Latest

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Shark Taxonomy

Taxonomy is a field of science that involves classifying and naming species. It's integral to wildlife conservation, providing the bedrock for our understanding of sharks.

Great Eggcase Hunt

Find and record empty shark eggcases that have washed up on the beach. Eggcase hunting is great fun for all ages! Click here to find everything you need to get started.

Shark boy helps shark trust

My name is Zachary and I'm 9 years old. I Love sharks and really want to be able to help save the sharks from becoming extinct. I recently snorkelled with baby sharks and got to look at real eggcases (some with live babies inside). Next year I'd like to scuba dive with sharks and see how I can help them.