News
Conservationists Call for Mako Shark Fishing Ban
Conservation groups including the Shark Trust, Shark Advocates and Project AWARE are calling for national and international protections for shortfin mako sharks based on a new scientific assessment that finds the North Atlantic population has been depleted and is continuing to be seriously overfished. The shortfin mako – the world’s fastest shark – is sought for meat, fins, and sport, but most fishing countries impose no limits on catch. An upcoming international fisheries meeting presents a critical opportunity to protect the species.
“Shortfin makos are among the most vulnerable and valuable sharks taken in high seas fisheries, and are long overdue for protection from overfishing,” said Sonja Fordham, President of Shark Advocates International, a project of The Ocean Foundation. “Because governments have used uncertainty in previous assessments to excuse inaction, we now face a dire situation and an urgent need for a full ban.”
The first mako population assessment since 2012 was conducted over the summer for the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Using improved data and models, scientists determined the North Atlantic population is overfished and has a 50% chance of recovering within ~20 years if catches are cut to zero. Previous studies show makos released alive from hooks have a 70% chance of surviving the capture, meaning a ban on retention could be an effective conservation measure.
“For years we’ve warned that the complete lack of catch limits in major mako fishing nations – particularly Spain, Portugal, and Morocco – could spell disaster for this highly migratory shark,” said Ali Hood of the Shark Trust. “These and other countries must now step up and begin to repair the damage to mako populations by agreeing through ICCAT to ban retention, transshipment, and landings.”
The mako population assessment, along with fisheries management advice that has yet to be finalized, will be presented in November at the ICCAT annual meeting in Marrakech, Morocco. ICCAT comprises 50 countries and the European Union. ICCAT has adopted bans on retaining other highly vulnerable shark species taken in tuna fisheries, including the bigeye thresher and oceanic whitetip shark.
“It’s make or break time for makos, and scuba divers can play an important role in prompting needed action,” said Ania Budziak of Project AWARE. “We’re putting out a special call to ICCAT member countries with mako diving operations — the US, Egypt, and South Africa — to champion protections before it’s too late.”
To find out how you can help or for more information please visit www.projectaware.org.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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