Shark defenders win battle
Silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis caught by the fin on an illegal longline hook.
From NETANI RIKA, Islands Business
Danang, Vietnam
RELIEF tonight for shark advocates after new measures were adopted here at the 19th Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
Delegates voted to prohibit the use of wire leads and shark lines used on longline fishing vessels to target sharks.
These lines cannot be used 20 degrees north or south of the equator.
World Wide Fund for Nature's Bubba Cook said the WCPFC talks had been positive.
Advocates have tried for eight years to ban fishing gear which specifically targets or is dangerous to sharks.
The adoption of the new rules was made possible through extensive research into Silky and Oceanic White Tip sharks.
Experts say the measure will protect all shark species and ultimately lead to recovery of stocks.
The adoption of the new rules was made possible through extensive research into Silky and Oceanic White Tip sharks.
Experts say the measure will protect all shark species and ultimately lead to recovery of stocks.
Silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis caught by the fin on an illegal longline hook.
