EU to consider more effective finning ban

This follows the support of 423 out of 736 European MPs for a Written Declaration, number 71/2010, which was launched in September by MEPs Jean-Paul Besset, Chris Davies, Sirpa Pietikäinen and Daciana Octavia Sârbu.

The vote exceeded the 369 votes required to carry the Declaration, which was supported by campaign groups including PADI Project AWARE and the Shark Alliance.

Campaigners worked particularly hard to gain MEP support during European Shark Week, which was held in October.

The removal of shark fins at sea allows more fins to be landed in relation to carcasses. EU finning regulation already prohibits the activity, but a derogation allows member states to issue permits allowing some fishermen to do it.

Project AWARE has said that Spain and Portugal continue to grant the permits to “most of their shark fishermen”.

The proposal for legislation which would close this loophole will be delivered by the European Commission during 2011.

Related links
PADI Project AWARE
Shark Alliance