From the 15th to 23rd of October, members of the Shark Alliance in Europe are running a week of activities for supporters and other shark enthusiasts to find out more about shark conservation and to add their voices to those demanding that policy makers secure the future health of shark populations.
Last year, we held events in 13 EU countries and generated over 34,000 postcards and petition signatures from member groups, aquariums, dive centers and schools which, with thousands more e-mails and letters, were sent to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). A majority of MEPs then signed a Written Declaration calling for a strengthened EU ban on shark finning requiring all sharks to be landed with their fins naturally attached.
Now it’s time to Make the Push!
Two years ago, after sustained pressure from the Shark Alliance, EU Fisheries Ministers endorsed a sound plan of action for shark conservation, but there is still unfinished business: the EU finning ban has huge loopholes, many endangered shark species remain completely unprotected, and there are no limits on the main shark species targeted by EU boats.
There are key opportunities in the coming months to deliver on the commitments of the EU Shark Action Plan so this year, we are urging fisheries ministers to deliver proper protection for sharks from finning and overexploitation.
European Shark Week is a project of Pew Charitable Trusts, and funded by the Save Our Seas Foundation