Report | June 12, 2015

Shark Finning and the EU

Sharks are highly vulnerable to overexploitation, due to the fact that they grow slowly, mature late, and have low rates of reproduction. Many shark species are considered threatened,i but sharks worldwide are nevertheless under significant and ongoing pressure from fisheries that are essentially unmanaged. The practice of shark finning (i.e., cutting of a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea), which is driven by the discrepancy in value between high-value shark fins and lower-value shark carcasses, has been recognised as one factor that contributes to this pressure on shark populations.

Within Europe, the principle measure to prevent shark finning from occurring is Regulation 1185/2003, on the removal of fins of sharks on board vessels (referred to here as “the Regulation”). The Regulation was adopted in 2003 with the objective of banning shark finning, but is deeply flawed, and fails to meet its stated aim. The system through which fins are removed on board and subsequently landed under special fishing permits (SFPs) is extremely difficult to monitor and control. As a result, the Regulation is effectively unenforceable, and it is difficult to identify whether or not finning occurs, or to hold any vessels that engage in finning responsible for this illegal practice.

In response to the European Commission’s public Consultation on the amendment of the Regulation, Oceana strongly recommends that it be made compulsory for sharks to be landed with their fins still naturally attached.