European Shark Week 2010: Focus on Finning

It's time to strengthen the finning ban

9-17 October 2010

Every October, members of the Shark Alliance in Europe run a week of activities for supporters and other shark enthusiasts to find out more about sharks and shark conservation and add their voices to those demanding that policy makers secure the future health of shark populations.

During European Shark Week (ESW) in 2009 over 300 activities were held in 15 European countries and more than 93,000 people signed a petition, handed over to the Spanish authorities in January this year, urging Spain to end its opposition to improving the EU ban on shark finning and lead the EU towards more effective regulation.

More information on last year’s events with pictures and the results of the colouring competition for young supporters is available here.

This year we need to keep the pressure on.

More than three years ago, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called on the European Commission to strengthen the EU finning ban which is currently fraught with loopholes and puts sharks at risk. Next year the European Parliament will be asked to vote on a new regulation that the Commission are drafting and will be issuing for consultation soon.

We need to ensure that MEPs, as our elected representatives, continue to press for what they called for more than three years ago and help close the loopholes.

The Shark Alliance will be working with MEPs to ensure their support and this October we want them to hear many other voices as well.

Put the 9th to 17th October in your diaries. Watch this space for more information on plans, ideas, materials and a call to action. If you want to find out more, or better, offer your support - contact Donna Mattfield, donnamattfield@yahoo.com

Source: Shark Alliance