EU to stop deep sea shark fishing

Speaking at a news conference following yesterday’s fisheries ministers’ meeting, Commissioner Borg stated there will be no directed fishing for deep-sea sharks after 2010 though he also indicated there will be a 10% allowance for ‘inevitable’ bycatch.

Mr Borg went on to say "We managed to secure a meaningful agreement which will considerably reduce fishing pressure on these vulnerable stocks, while at the same time trying to keep discards to the lowest possible level."

Sonja Fordham for the Shark Alliance responded to the decisions by saying :

“We are disappointed that the Council of Ministers has failed to immediately end fishing for exceptionally slow-growing and depleted deep sea sharks – some of the ocean’s most vulnerable animals. The principal shark species taken in deep sea fisheries are classified by the IUCN as in danger of extinction and deserve full, immediate implementation of the 2005 scientific advice for zero allowable catches.

Strict adherence to technical recommendations is essential for avoiding irreparable population collapse and effectively conserving these key components of healthy ocean ecosystems. Instead of excusing bycatch as ‘inevitable,’ fishery managers should be focused on eliminating it through restrictions on fishing depth and other modifications. ”

If you catch a tagged fish

Please leave the tag in the fish.

Note the telephone number or address on the tag and write down the number of the tag. If you have a suitable sling and scales then take the measurements and weigh the fish.

Please keep the fish in water as much as possible.

And don’t forget Log the data here.

Shark papers by Lauren Smith

On the BBC & ITV

and Gordon Goldie gives an interview here on ITV.

During Sharkatag 2010 the CBBC / BBC Newsround programme did a item with Kiera Merrifield and Bradley Burrett – see it at CBBC / BBC website

The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network

The SSTP is part of the the Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network, an independent Charity registered in Scotland which was created to focus on conservation issues in the marine environment and in particular those affecting sea anglers.