UK Fisheries

Around the world sharks are vulnerable to overfishing due to their biological characteristics. Overfishing is pushing one third of all elasmobranch species towards extinction.

The seas around the UK are home to, or visited by, over 70 species of shark, skate and ray. A very small number of these are currently fished at sustainable levels. For many species, having well managed fisheries is the key to their sustainable futures.

OUR WORK

Our work aims to support sustainability in English fisheries where sharks, skates and rays are caught. This can underpin confidence in the sale of sustainably sourced shark products by seafood retailers, providing a degree of economic stability for regional fishing fleets and fishing communities.

For species unable to support sustainable fisheries we'll continue to advocate for better management and protection.

WHAT IS A SUSTAINABLE FISHERY?

Sustainable fisheries are well-managed. They only catch species which have proven healthy, stable populations, where fishing activity is at a level which can continue indefinitely.

OUR OBJECTIVES

1. Support Accuracy in Species-Specific Identification - Improved identification feeds into more accurate discard and landing data. This in turn contributes to better informed, more effective policy and decision-making.

2. Improve Discard Recording & Reporting - Increasing the volume of timely, accurate data can improve our understanding of the actual catch of sharks. Particularly for those classed as ‘Data Limited’.

3. Encourage ‘Best Practice’ When Handling Sharks - Sharks are more physically robust than the likes of cod, haddock and other bony fish. Observing ‘best practice’ when returning sharks back into the sea can increase survival rates. This will have long-term benefits for populations.

4. Support Responsible Trade & Consumption of Shark Products - Elements of our work underpin confidence in the sale of sustainably sourced shark products by seafood retailers, such as supermarkets and fishmongers.

OUR OBJECTIVES:

1. Support Accuracy in Species-Specific Identification - Improved identification feeds into more accurate discard and landing data. This in turn contributes to better informed, more effective policy and decision-making.

2. Improve Discard Recording & Reporting - Increasing the volume of timely, accurate data can improve our understanding of the actual catch of sharks. Particularly for those classed as ‘Data Limited’.

3. Encourage ‘Best Practice’ When Handling Sharks - Sharks are more physically robust than the likes of cod, haddock and other bony fish. Observing ‘best practice’ when returning sharks back into the sea can increase survival rates. This will have long-term benefits for populations.

4. Support Responsible Trade & Consumption of Shark Products - Elements of this project will underpin confidence in the sale of sustainably sourced shark products by seafood retailers, such as supermarkets and fishmongers.

How We're Supporting the Shift Towards Sustainable Fisheries:

• ●      Supplying ID guides to improve accuracy in the identification of landed and discarded fish.

  ●      Outlining the importance of full discard recording and reporting.

  ●      Promoting best practice in the handling of sharks, skates and rays through creating and distributing resources. Correct handling improves their survival rates when discarded back into the sea.

  ●      Direct involvement in partnerships between the commercial fishing industry and scientific community.

  ●      Assisting with the development and implementation of Fisheries Management Plans.

  ●      Sharing the UK’s experience in shifting to sustainable fisheries. This helps other regions around the world make the shift too.

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Funded By:

The Waterloo Foundation