SSACN believes there is a chance for sweeping improvements in the European Union’s (EU) shark fishing and protection policies as the European Commission has finally presented its community plan of action (CPOA) for the conservation of sharks.

The plan which must be approved by EU governments and the European Parliament makes a commitment to science-based fishing limits, endangered species protection, and a stronger finning ban. These include creating temporary exclusion zones to protect young or reproducing sharks and clearer rules on fishing equipment to be used to reduce unwanted catches.

Emphasis will also be placed on better catch reporting, more investment in data collection and greater use of observers to monitor fishing activities.

The effects of recreational sea angling activity may also be reviewed as the plan supports monitoring recreational catches and distinguish between the fishing mortality exerted by recreational and commercial fishing.

The success of the EU Shark Plan which includes actions at national, EU and international levels, depends on prompt, follow-up proposals from the Commission and cooperation from Member States in ensuring improvements are accepted and enforced.

The report can be found here.

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