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