Anglers Win Campaign To Save Our Sharks

April 4, 2008

Release from: Chris Bishop
EDP 24 (UK)

Conservationists are celebrating after a successful campaign to Save Our Sharks.

From Sunday, it becomes illegal to kill tope, an inshore predator caught in The Wash and other areas off the East Anglian coastline.

While anglers will still be allowed to pursue the fish using rod and line, new laws say any that they catch must be returned to the water alive.

“This is the first time Defra has done anything positive for recreational sea anglers, they have made the tope a recreational-only species,” said Leon Roskilly, national co-ordinator for umbrella group the Sea Anglers Conservation Network.

“Part of the reason for doing that is the value of the recreational sea fishery and that sets a precedent.”

SACN formed a pressure group called Save Our Sharks three years ago, when it emerged commercial skippers from Lowestoft were set to target tope off Norfolk's coastline to supply the market for shark's fin soup.

Conservation groups feared the plans could wipe out populations of the slow growing fish, which are present off our coasts between June and October.

Campaigners claim some species are literally worth more alive than dead, as their economic value as a prized catch for anglers is greater than their price per kilo on a fishmonger's slab.

They say a thriving recreational fishery supports more jobs that unsustainable commercial exploitation, with anglers' money supporting charter boats, local tackle shops and other businesses.

The Tope (Prohibition of Fishing) Order 2008 comes into force on Sunday. It allows fisheries officers to board and search boats suspected of killing tope.

Last night Save Our Sharks launched a catch and return code of conduct for anglers wishing to target tope. It contains advice on suitable tackle and methods to unhook and return the fish without harming it.

Careful handling is as important to protect the angler as the fish. While tope feed mainly on crabs and smaller fish, they can grow to lengths of six feet or more and have mouths filled with razor sharp teeth.

“Enjoy the fishing but please remember respect must be given to these magnificent sharks at all times,” it says. “By following this code, you will help preserve the stocks of this magnificent fighting fish for generations to come.”