Local NGOs are said that they are delighted that all five Maltese MEPs recently signed the shark finning declaration.
“I would like to thank our MEPs, for showing that they care about our seas and its biodiversity. Sharks are vulnerable creatures that need all the support they can get from our decision makers, who have the power to make these types of regulations,” said Graziella Cavlan, Marine Conservation Officer, Nature Trust (Malta).
Four members of the European parliament launched a written declaration to strengthen the shark finning regulation. The shark finning regulation at present is fraught with loopholes allowing finning of sharks to take place. In the year of biodiversity, it is only right to protect such a vulnerable species from becoming extinct. Shark finning is a wasteful practice of removing the sharks’ fins and dumping the carcass at sea, often while the shark is still alive.
Nature Trust (Malta) said that overfishing and finning has led to the decline of shark species all over European waters especially in the Mediterranean. If the declaration is passed, then it will mean that sharks must be landed with all fins attached.
Much lobbying was done by over a hundred NGOs who form part of the Shark Alliance coalition, to inform Maltese MEPs and urge them to sign the declaration. Here in Malta a film event was held last October during European Shark Week, where the audience signed cards urging our MEPs to sign.