News
New Report Shows Most Countries are Falling Short on Commitments to Protect Sharks and Rays
Shark Advocates International (SAI) have released Sharks Ahead, a report revealing countries are falling short on their obligations to protect shark and ray species through the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). The Shark Trust, Project AWARE, and Defenders of Wildlife collaborate with SAI in efforts to promote proper implementation of these conservation commitments and have endorsed the SAI report. Shark experts from these organizations offer the following statements about the report’s findings:
“We are particularly concerned about the lack of progress to safeguard vulnerable shortfin makos from overfishing,” said Ali Hood, Director of Conservation for the Shark Trust. “Ten years after their listing on CMS Appendix II, this highly migratory shark is still not subject to any international fishing quotas or even basic limits in the country that lands the most: Spain. We call on the European Commission to take action later this month — when they set quotas for scores of other commercially valuable species – and ban the landing of North Atlantic shortfin mako, as advised by scientists.”
“Manta rays are exceptional for their inherent vulnerability, their status as species to be strictly protected by CMS Parties, and their popularity with tourists,” said Ian Campbell, Project AWARE’s Associate Director of Policy. “Unfortunately, manta rays continue to be legally fished in countries that have also committed to protect them and could support marine ecotourism. Countries such as the Seychelles benefit economically from manta-based tourism yet could do much more to develop national protection measures for mantas as part of their ‘blue economy’ development strategies.”
“This report underscores our long-term frustration with continued fishing of endangered hammerheads,” said Alejandra Goyenechea, Senior International Counsel for Defenders of Wildlife. “We urge Costa Rica to collaborate with the US and EU on efforts to establish regional hammerhead safeguards for the eastern tropical Pacific and call them to join Panama and Honduras to fulfil their commitments for all migratory sharks and rays listed under CMS.”
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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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