The recent passing of The Shark Fins Act on June 29th marks a major milestone for the UK’s commitment to shark conservation. This groundbreaking legislation prohibits the import and export of detached shark fins and products containing shark fins, including tinned shark fin soup. With this act, the UK solidifies its position as a global leader in protecting these magnificent creatures.
Combating Shark Finning: A Cruel and Wasteful Practice
Shark finning entails the inhumane practice of removing a shark’s fins while at sea and callously discarding the body, devoid of its fins, back into the water. In the UK, shark finning has been banned since 2003 through the Shark Finning Regulation. Additionally, since 2009, the “Fins Naturally Attached” policy has been enforced to further combat the illegal finning of sharks in UK waters and by UK vessels worldwide. The Shark Fins Act takes a step further by tackling the trade of detached shark fins and related products obtained through this inhumane practice, strengthening the existing protections in place.
Protecting Threatened Shark Species
Numerous shark species currently face significant population pressures, with 143 out of over 500 species listed as “Under Threat” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. These species range from being categorized as “Vulnerable” to “Critically Endangered.” The demand for shark fin products and overfishing pose significant threats to their survival. The Shark Fins Act serves as a crucial measure to protect sharks and mitigate the unsustainable overfishing of these vital marine creatures.
Sharks as Guardians of Ocean Health
Sharks play a pivotal role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and serve as key indicators of ocean health. Their presence and diversity contribute to the balance of fish populations within the food chain. By safeguarding sharks through the implementation of the Shark Fins Act, the UK takes a proactive stance in preserving oceanic biodiversity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine environments.
Perspectives on the Shark Fins Act
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Benyon expresses the importance of banning the import and export of detached shark fins to protect these magnificent creatures from needless suffering and death. Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall applauds the new legislation, highlighting its significance in supporting shark conservation efforts and conveying the UK’s strong stance against this destructive trade. Ali Hood, Director of Conservation at the Shark Trust, commends the UK’s commitment to shark finning prevention, emphasizing the reinforcement of the “fins naturally attached” policy and the ease it brings to customs checks.
International Collaboration and Ongoing Efforts
The UK government remains dedicated to pressing for stronger international controls within various organizations, such as the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the associated Sharks Memorandum of Understanding, and the Convention on Migratory Species. These collaborative efforts aim to ensure global adherence to sustainable shark conservation practices.
A Comprehensive Approach to Animal Welfare
The Shark Fins Act aligns with the UK government’s broader commitment to advancing animal welfare standards. It complements the Action Plan for Animal Welfare, which includes recognizing animal sentience, imposing stricter penalties for animal cruelty offenses, banning glue traps, and enhancing protections against hare coursing. Additionally, the government has launched a consultation to ban the keeping of primates as pets, ensuring high standards of care for all primates in England.
Upholding Global Conservation Leadership
As a global leader in international conservation, the UK continues to support bills in Parliament that ban the import of hunting trophies and prohibit the advertising and sale of low animal welfare activities abroad. These measures further reinforce the nation’s commitment to safeguarding wildlife and promoting ethical practices worldwide.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
