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.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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