Sharks protected in face of diminishing numbers

Written by Cherelle Jackson / SPREP
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Sharks, although better known for their vicious attacks on people, still need protection despite their strength and reputation. Shark species are now included in the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Regional marine species programme. The SPREP Council approved the inclusion based on recommendations of a technical group that reviewed the regional marine species programme action plans. SPREP Marine Species Officer Lui Bell said there are some shark species that are endangered. “A lot of them are migratory sharks and are now listed in several Conventions as endangered.” Bell added: "The concern over sharks revolves around the increase in direct shark fisheries, both for meat and fin, as well as by-catches in other fisheries. Coupled with the nature of shark themselves (long-lived, slow growing and few offspring), increases in catches and other factors would have an adverse impact on shark populations. Some species of sharks have been listed as endangered by IUCN, and some migratory species such as whale and basking sharks have been listed as vulnerable." According to the Species Officer if no action is taken now, more and more shark species will be threatened. “If we don't work to manage and protect their population now, then we could be seeing a lot more sharks threatened." Earlier year, the Forum Fisheries Agency, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, and the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission met with SPREP to plan a way forward in adopting the best approach to develop a regional action plan for sharks. The meeting was the first held by a working group of relevant intergovernmental organisations to progress the regional shark action plan. "Our meeting produced a working document which will help us move the regional action plan forward. We've agreed on a joint regional action plan and also upon a two-phase consultancy for developing the action plan. The first phase is to outline the structure of the plan, including linkages and consistency with other relevant arrangements. The next phase is the actual compilation of the draft action plan, including identifying priority actions." Bell hopes the Regional Shark Action Plan will be completed by the time of the 20th SPREP Meeting next year. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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