Spain and Japan joint forces to defend their sustainable shark fisheries
The Spanish and Japanese fishing sectors met in Kesennuma and Tokyo in order to exchange information on shark good fishing practices and their sustainable use.
During the meeting, the delegations, led by Javier Garat (Cepesca) and Toshiru Shisaru (JFA) respectively, shared their knowledge about sustainable shark fishing, the management measures implemented in each country and their commitment against the threat posed by IUU fishing and the real pressure by some environmental organizations.
Both fleets have the blue shark as their target species and, to a lesser extent, the shortfin mako, of the almost 500 species of sharks existing in the world. These two species account for more than 92% of their catches. Scientific evaluations, in general, show the stability trend for both of them. There are, on the other hand, other stocks which are vulnerable and that require their protection.
Both delegations also agreed to make effective use of all parts of the sharks.
In addition, they analyzed the problems and threats facing the sectors dedicated to fishing, processing and commercialization of sharks. Among them, the indiscriminate attack from several environmental organizations, the veto on air and maritime transport by some companies, the intention to unjustifiably include some of the species in CITES and illegal fishing.
Source: industriaspesqueras.com