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NGOs Urge ICCAT to Protect Sharks at Risk

Shark Avatora @Hervé Bré EnezGreen
Shark Avatora @Hervé Bré EnezGreen

Overfishing, including through finning and by catch, are taking a serious toll on shark populations - threats that will continue if shark fishing remains largely unmanaged in the world’s ocean. Shark NGOs are promoting the adoption of science-based shark management measures at the 24th Regular ICCAT meeting taking place in Malta, 10-17 November.

There are no ICCAT limits on commercially important shark species

In November, Parties of the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)* have the opportunity and the scientific basis to take positive steps towards effective shark management in the Atlantic.

Project AWARE and partner NGOs, Shark Advocates International and The Shark Trust, are collaborating to promote the adoption of science-based shark management measures at the 24th Regular ICCAT meeting taking place this year in Malta, 10-17 November.

Sharks are caught in ICCAT fisheries, often incidentally, but increasingly intentionally as the value of their fins remains high and demand for their meat grows.

There are actually no ICCAT limits on commercially important shark species, such as shortfin makos, porbeagles and blue sharks, despite scientific advice to cap catches.

A proposal for a stronger shark finning ban (through a ban on at-sea fin removal) already has 14 ICCAT co-sponsors. Proposals to limit mako landings and protect porbeagles are also on the table, while one to cap blue shark catches is expected soon.