ICCAT

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.

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

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

18
Jun
2021

ICCAT 2021 Joint Statement in response to Parties’ proposals

This post is also available in: Français (French) and Español (Spanish)

The PADI AWARE Foundation — with support from Shark Advocates International (a project of The Ocean Foundation), Shark Trust, Ecology Action Centre, Defenders of Wildlife, Humane Society International, Sciaena, and Shark Project — appreciates this opportunity to express our views on proposals for addressing the depletion of one of the Atlantic’s most imperiled fish species: the shortfin mako shark.

Continue reading ICCAT 2021 Joint Statement in response to Parties’ proposals