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The Shark Trust applauds the Scottish Government’s proposal for new rules to further protect vulnerable sharks, skates and rays.
Yesterday, Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead announced the Elasmobranch Protection Order, an Order which proposes to bring the recreational angling community in line with the commercial fishing industry with regards to the prevention of landing of over 20 vulnerable species of shark and skate.
When a species has been declared ‘Critically Endangered’ (according to the IUCN Red List) the trust believes it should not be targeted by any group, either commercial or angling, as any catching of these animals can result in mortality and thus exert further pressure on the population.
For some time the Shark Trust has urged Scotland to take the initiative, building on existing English regulations requiring anglers to release Tope Shark, by encompassing additional vulnerable species such as the Critically Endangered Porbeagle, Spurdog and Common Skate.
However, the trust recognises the need for population monitoring, and as such believes that if angling is carried out in a responsible manner, it can provide a valuable mechanism for data collection.
“The Shark Trust supports well managed recreational sea angling, where best practice catch and release methods are employed,” said Ali Hood, Shark Trust Director of Conservation. “The Trust welcomes Scotland’s proactive approach in creating a level playing field, where all vulnerable species are afforded the same protection whatever the fishing method.”
In 2009 the Shark Trust awarded Mr Lochhead a Shark Champion award for ensuring the Scottish fleet landed all sharks with their fins naturally attached, removing any opportunity for shark finning activities.
The Shark Trust will be approaching other devolved administrations in the UK to seek support for the adoption of similar measures so as to ensure a more sustainable future for sharks in British waters.
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