Featured Stories

24
Sep
2021

Arctic Shark Denied Protection

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization fails to agree Greenland Shark ban despite broad support

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. September 24, 2021. The Greenland shark – the species thought to have the longest lifespan of any vertebrate – has been denied new protections at this week’s (online) annual meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). The US had proposed a science-based ban on retaining Greenland sharks and was supported by the EU, UK, Canada, Russia, Norway, and France (with respect to Saint Pierre and Miquelon). In response to opposition from Iceland, however, the US withdrew its proposal. The NAFO Parties supporting Greenland shark protection pledged to reintroduce the proposal at the next annual meeting.

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16
Aug
2021

EU Shark Rally Newsletter Issue 6

Here you can find the latest issue of the EU Shark Rally Newsletter. 

Last month’s ICCAT meeting saw the EU and US continue to ignore the scientific advice to ban retention of mako in the North Atlantic, despite increasing support from Member States for this clear advice. But it’s not over yet! With an additional ICCAT mako focused meeting proposed for this autumn, there’s still time to urge the EU Commission to change their position. Like you, many government officials will be taking a break over summer. What better way to remind them of their responsibility to speak up for makos than by sending a summer postcard! Check out the latest Newsletter to find out how!

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9
Jul
2021

EU and US Impede Momentum Toward Vital Mako Shark Protections

Decision on North Atlantic ICCAT ban – championed by Canada, Gabon, Senegal, and the UK – stalled again

French – Spanish

London, UK. July 9, 2021. Conservationists are deeply unhappy that the European Union and the United States once again obstructed agreement on urgently needed mako shark protections during this week’s special Committee negotiations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Canada and seven other Parties proposed a ban on retaining seriously overfished North Atlantic shortfin makos, as scientists have long advised. The EU and US refused to go along, insisting on exceptions for continued landings of the endangered species, despite receiving only opposition in response. The resulting delay in consensus allows unsustainable fishing on this shared population to continue. ICCAT scientists estimate recovery could take five decades, even if fishing were to stop immediately.

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8
Jul
2021

Press Statement: EU and US Impede Momentum Toward Vital Mako Shark Protections

Decision on North Atlantic ICCAT ban – championed by Canada, Gabon, Senegal, and the UK – stalled again

London, UK. July 8, 2021. Conservationists are deeply unhappy that the European Union and the United States once again served as the main obstacles to agreement on urgently needed mako shark protections during this week’s special Committee negotiations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Canada and seven other Parties proposed a ban on retaining seriously overfished North Atlantic shortfin makos, as scientists have long advised. The EU and US refuse to go along and continue to insist on exceptions for continuing to land the endangered species, despite receiving only opposition in response. The resulting delay in consensus allows unsustainable fishing on this shared population to continue. ICCAT scientists estimate recovery could take five decades, even if fishing were to stop immediately.

Continue reading Press Statement: EU and US Impede Momentum Toward Vital Mako Shark Protections