European Commission is seeking input from the public on policies to better protect and manage shark and related marine ecosystems
In a move to strengthen the protection of sharks and related marine ecosystems, the European Commission has opened a public consultation, inviting feedback on potential policy options.
This initiative follows the 2023 European Citizens’ Initiative “Stop Finning – Stop the Trade” which garnered over 1 million signatures, reflecting widespread concern about shark conservation.
The consultation aims to gather public views on measures that could enhance the protection and management of sharks, aligning with the objectives of the citizens’ initiative. The European Commission has already initiated a call for evidence on a possible ban on the export, import, and sale of loose shark fins within the EU market, seeking data and expertise from stakeholders.
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, emphasized the importance of public input in shaping effective policies. He stated, “The citizens’ initiative ‘Stop Finning – Stop the Trade’ gathered more than 1 million signatures: it is clear that how we treat sharks is an issue close to the hearts of many Europeans. While assessing environmental, social, and economic impacts of measures that could improve shark protection, we also seek views of a wider public, to make sure that the European Commission’s response to this initiative is the best possible one.”
The public consultation is open to a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens, non-governmental organisations, fisheries value chain operators, trade unions, consumers’ organisations, researchers, academics, and public authorities. The questionnaire, available online, will remain accessible for twelve weeks until 04 June 2024.
The feedback gathered from the public consultation will contribute to an ongoing impact assessment. Any potential future action by the European Commission regarding shark protection will be formulated based on the results of this assessment and the public consultations.
Background information reveals that the European Commission is exploring various measures to enhance shark protection, including the possibility of allowing the commercialisation of sharks only with their fins attached, bilateral agreements with key international partners involved in shark fishing, sustainability certification schemes for shark products, and advocating for a global trade ban on loose shark fins.
The European Commission’s response to the citizens’ initiative in July 2023 already outlined steps such as enhanced enforcement of existing conservation and management measures and increased international outreach to reduce shark fin consumption and end finning practices worldwide. Sharks, as vital components of marine ecosystems, are facing threats, with over one-third of shark species considered critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. Shark finning is recognized as a major threat to their conservation.
The public consultation underscores the commitment of the European Commission to inclusive decision-making and ensuring that policies align with the diverse perspectives and concerns of the public.