MWSRP represented in Brussels as the Shark Alliance welcomes new European Community Plan of Action for Sharks
5th February 2009
Ten years ago in response to growing concern over the depletion of shark population around the world governments of the United nations adopted an International Plan of Action for Sharks and with it pledged to produce shark conservation plans for their waters and fishing regions.
A year ago, the European Commission released a draft outline of a European Community Action Plan of Action for Sharks aimed at improving information on shark fisheries, biology & trade, stopping overfishing, and ending"finning" (slicing off a shark's fins and discarding the body at sea).
The Shark Alliance, made up shark and ray conservation groups from around the world, was formed in 2006 to promote the development of a sound, science based EU Plan and they were in Brussels to welcome the release of the final EU shark Plan. Richard Rees was there to lend his support on behalf of the MWSRP.
EU member state representatives will now develop "Council Conclusions" on the plan for the April Fisheries Council meeting. All EU Member States can have a say in the formation of these Conclusions.
More information about the ECPOA for Sharks and the Shark Alliance itself can be found at the Shark Alliance website www.sharkalliance.org