June 29, 2011
Shark Finning and the European Union
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Sharks need stronger protection. istockphoto
Although 27 countries and the European Union now ban shark finning, the current EU legislation (Regulation (EC) No 1185/2003), introduced in 2003, is one of the weakest in the world, with gaping loopholes that allow the practice of shark finning to continue.
The EU Regulation allows a special permit to be granted for the on-board removal of fins from carcasses, whilst stipulating a specific weight ratio between the separated fins and carcasses when landed at port, making the assessment of compliance with finning bans difficult.
A fins-attached policy
Humane Society International believes that the EU must adopt a fins-attached policy without exception. This is the only option if shark finning is to be stopped. In addition, enacting such regulations will greatly enhance the EU’s ability to adopt meaningful shark conservation measures.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recommended that sharks be landed with their fins attached, and ten countries have adopted “fins-attached” regulations. Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Oman, Panama, the United Kingdom and the United States require that sharks must be landed with their fins still attached to the carcass.
Progress is being made
In 2006, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission to strengthen the EU shark finning legislation and progress is being made.
On 16th December 2010, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on shark finning that called on the European Commission to deliver a proposal to prohibit the removal of shark fins on-board vessels. This Resolution was passed after 423 MEPs signed Written Declaration 71/2010 on strengthening the EU ban on shark finning.
In March 2011, HSI called on the European Commission to prohibit the removal of shark fins on board vessels without exception.
In November 2011, the European Commission adopted a strong draft legislative proposal on shark finning. The new legislation would ensure that all sharks caught by EU vessels anywhere in the world must be landed with their fins naturally attached to their carcasses, without exception.
Learn more
- What is Shark Finning and Why is it Harmful? [PDF]
- Why Does the EU Need a New Shark Finning Regulation? [PDF]
- Fins-attached Shark Landings: Costa Rica Versus Spain [PDF]
You can help protect sharks
- Take our No Shark Fin pledge
- Sign Up
- Take Action
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See a list of actions you can take to help save sharks Take the Pledge Now