DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (91/09) issued by
COI News Distribution Service on 23 April 2009
UK Fisheries
Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, today welcomed the adoption of the
Council Conclusions on the EU Shark Action Plan.
Huw Irranca-Davies said
"We must do all we can to
protect and sustainably manage these vulnerable species. I am
delighted that Council Conclusions on the Action Plan have been
adopted, and am personally pleased to see a commitment in the
conclusions to reviewing the Council Regulation on shark finning.
"It is essential that this regulation is strengthened to
ensure the wasteful practice of removing fins and discarding the
carcass at sea cannot occur and I will also be considering if the
UK should cease to issue special fishing permits that allow fins
to be removed at sea.
"The UK will be working hard to ensure that the plan
produces robust, workable and effective measures."
The Shark Action Plan includes measures to:
1. Ensure that
directed fisheries for shark are sustainable and that by-catches
from other fisheries are properly regulated;
2. Improve knowledge both on shark fisheries and on shark
species and their role in the ecosystem;
3. To encourage a consistent approach inside and out EC waters
with endorsement from Regional Fisheries Management Organisations
and others.
Welcoming the announcement, Ali Hood Director of Conservation at
the Shark Trust said:
"A coherent approach to shark conservation and management is
long overdue and the Community Plan of Action for Sharks
represents a framework for positive action, what we urgently need
now is demonstrations of commitment by Member States to deliver on
the promises of the Council Conclusions. The Shark Trust was
pleased by the degree of support demonstrated by the UK Government
who sought every opportunity to ensure the Council Conclusions
could deliver on the plans potential.
"The Trust is encouraged that the Council have prioritised
the need for a revision of the shark finning ban, and its
associated derogations, which currently allow the removal of shark
fins at sea through the allocation of Special Fishing Permits.
The Shark Trust will continue to advocate for the UK Government to
cease the provision of Special Fishing Permits, the UK registered
holders of which currently land over 80 tonnes of shark fins per year.
"Although the Council's proposal to improve the
knowledge on sharks and their role in the ecosystem is welcomed,
the Trust is concerned that some member States may use the need
for increased data collection as an excuse to maintain the status
quo - with over 30% of Europe's sharks already threatened
with extinction in the wild one certainty is that action is
required as a matter of urgency."
Notes to Editors:
1. The Community's Plan of Action for sharks, skates, rays
and chimaeras was released on the 6th of February this year. The
plan is a framework document that sets out a range of potential
measures (both mandatory and voluntary) to be implemented at
Member State, European Community level and within Regional
Management Organisations. A number of the measures will be
introduced through new legislative proposals or by amending
existing legislation.
2. The UK was successful in amending these conclusions to instil
a focus on science, a clear timetable for the implementation of
the plan of action and the provision of progress reports, as we
see these areas as key the success of the plans three policy aims.
3. The Shark Trust: Established in 1997, the Shark Trust is the
UK registered charity which works to advance the worldwide
conservation of sharks, skates and rays through science,
education, influence and action. The Trust is led by a board of
Trustees who oversee a small dedicated team, who are further
supported by a voluntary Scientific Committee, and a growing
number of supporters and volunteers.
4. The Trust works through cross-sectoral collaboration and where
possible works with governments and industry to attain sustainable goals.
For images and interviews with the Shark Trust please contact Ali
Hood, Director of Conservation 01752 672020 ali@sharktrust.org
Public enquiries 08459 335577
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