Europêche rejects Panama’s proposal to include blue shark in CITES Appendix II. The European fishing industry represented by Europêche urges the EU not to co-sign a Panama’s proposal to include blue shark in Appendix II of CITES. This country is seeking support from the international community to adopt trade restrictions for this and other shark species at the 19th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Panama City, 14-25 November 2022).
A Europêche statement said:
“Furthermore, according to the sector, the proposal lacks both the necessary scientific and legal basis. Blue sharks are sufficiently protected and regulated to ensure its sustainable exploitation and legal trade, rendering unnecessary additional CITES measures.
“The fishing sector recognises the work of CITES to ensure that the international trade does not threaten the survival of marine species. However, the sector notes with concern that some countries like Panama consider the need to heavily restrict the commercialisation of blue sharks, just because there is a “visual resemblance” with other shark species which are protected.”
Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared:
“Regardless of the fact that this approach completely disregards the good state, control and management of the stock, we are shocked to learn that a government is seriously considering restricting trade just because it looks like other sharks for the untrained eye. First, blue sharks, including their fins, have clearly distinguishable biological characteristics that can be verified by fisheries inspectors and DNA tests. Second, in the EU and many other parts of the world, the fins must remain attached to the body up until the place of landing. Once landed and then exported, governments issue a catch certificate that accompanies the fish up until it reaches the consumer.”
The Europêche statement continued: “Europêche reminds that before taken a decision with an impact on commercial fish stocks, the EU is bound by the Common Fisheries Policy. This Regulation requires the EU to take decisions based on scientific advice, including a socio-economic impact assessment, and following consultation with the stakeholders. Regrettably, none of these steps have been taken so far.”
Daniel Voces concluded:
“The listing of blue shark in Appendix II of CITES, would bring about unnecessary red tape and adverse socio-economic effects to the fleet. The EU should instead put a stop to irrational and disproportionate proposals of dubious credibility. It should be reminded that the initiative comes from a country against which the European Commission has reissued for the second time a yellow card, warning that it is not doing enough to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing”
The EU sector has been working on a Fisheries Improvement Project covering 90% of the EU blue shark catches. This project is the first of its kind in the world that includes the blue shark and monitors the status of the stocks, currently meeting high sustainability levels.
Source: Europêche