Press release wildlife law fails endangered sharks 08/08/11

PRESS RELEASE

With population declines of up to 95%, British species such as the Porbeagle, Spurdog and Common Skate are no longer found in abundance off our shores. The impact of decades of unmanaged fisheries has reduced these long-lived species to critically endangered levels.

Despite fulfilling many criteria for listing under the WCA there has been a reticence to see these once commercially fished species listed under ‘wildlife’ protection. Schedule 5 of the WCA listing makes it illegal to harass or disturb listed species. And although European fisheries management now prohibits the targeting or landing of these species, the lack of WCA listing leaves them vulnerable to non-commercial activities such as retention by recreational anglers.

“Yet again the Shark Trust is disappointed that an opportunity to protect some of our most iconic species has not been realised,” commented Ali Hood, Shark Trust Director of Conservation.

“It has taken years of lobbying to secure a prohibition on the commercial fishing for these species and the Shark Trust will now be seeking assurance from the Minister that protection from recreational activities will be delivered through an alternative mechanism.”

“The Shark Trust was pleased however, to have the listing of the less contentious White Skate and the extension of range for the Angelshark confirmed.”

The recently published Defra Shark, Skate and Ray Conservation Plan pledges to manage shark stocks sustainably, delivering bespoke conservation measures if required. The Shark Trust will now be proposing alternative, ‘bespoke’ actions to secure a future for endangered species in our waters.

Editors notes:

The Shark Trust: Established in 1997, the Shark Trust is the UK registered charity which works to advance the worldwide conservation of sharks through science, education, influence and action.

The Trust is: an effective and well respected advocate for sound shark management and protection; a founder member of the Shark Alliance; the Secretariat of the European Elasmobranch Association; and a membership organisation which provides a link between the public and the science community. The Trust works through cross-sectoral collaboration and where possible works with governments and industry to attain sustainable goals.

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  Angelshark Squatina squatina
  
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  Porbeagle Shark Lamna nasus
  
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  Spurdog Squalus acanthias
  
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  Common Skate Dipturus batis
  
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  White Skate Rostroraja alba
  
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  Undulate Ray Raja undulata