Shark Alliance Denounces Illegal Landing Of Basking Sharks In Greece

March 21, 2009

Release from: The Malta Independent

The Shark Alliance, a coalition of NGOs dedicated to restoring and conserving shark populations, yesterday condemned two illegal landings of basking sharks, both over seven metres and weighing roughly two tonnes, taken from waters off Greece within the span of a week.

The sharks were reportedly taken unintentionally by net fishermen off the coast south of Athens, one on 12 March and another just two days later.

The basking shark, the second largest fish species on earth, is protected under EU regulations and classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as “vulnerable” to extinction in the Mediterranean.

Ali Hood, conservation director for the Shark Trust, a founding member of the Shark Alliance with a long history in basking shark conservation, said: “There are so few safeguards for sharks in Europe. It is critical that all existing regulations, particularly those for endangered species, are strictly enforced and that fishermen are educated about them.

“Fishermen must be made aware of the need to avoid netting basking sharks and the importance of carefully releasing and reporting any that are caught accidentally,” Mr Hood continued.

The basking shark landed on 12 March was sold at a local fish market. The shark’s huge liver is valuable for its oil which is used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

A single, enormous basking shark fin can fetch tens of thousands of euros for use as storefront advertising that a Chinese restaurant sells the delicacy shark fin soup.

The basking shark taken on 14 March was reportedly donated to a research institute for study.

Sonja Fordham, policy director for the Shark Alliance said: “Enforcement of existing shark protections and prevention of future violations are essential elements of living up to the EU’s new commitment to shark conservation.

“All incentive to kill basking sharks, including profit or publicity, must be removed. If exceptions are made for accidental catches, we are likely to start seeing more accidents – something that this depleted population simply cannot withstand.”

Last month, the European Commission released its long-awaited Community Plan of Action for Sharks.

Among other things, the plan includes commitments to educate fishermen and the general public about shark conservation programmes and restrictions on shark fishing.

The Shark Alliance has supported the plan while urging its prompt implementation. The European Council of Fisheries Ministers will formally respond to the Shark Plan during their meeting beginning 23 April.