Sharks: What Oceana Does
In the U.S., Oceana is pushing for legislation that will require sharks to be landed whole, with their fins attached.
The current legislation, the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000, contains a few loopholes that still allow finning to occur, make enforcement difficult, and allows fins to be imported from countries that don’t have bans. A fins-attached law is needed for consistent and enforceable shark protection, as well as improved fishery management.
In Europe, where shark fisheries management is either nonexistent or ineffective, the majority of shark species lack fishing quotas or other control measures, such as closed areas or minimum catch sizes.
Oceana is working for more effective shark management in the European Union, including fins-attached regulations, catch limits and quotas, bycatch reduction, the elimination of shark discards and the implementation of a European Plan of Action for Sharks.
In South America, Oceana is working toward a shark finning ban in Chile, and to increase knowledge of shark species in Chilean waters.
In addition, through reports and other materials, Oceana is raising awareness of the need to conserve sharks. By illustrating sharks’ importance to the ecosystem and economy, Oceana hopes to change people’s misconceptions about these beautiful predators.
In 2009 actress January Jones ("Mad Men") joined Oceana as the spokesperson for the shark campaign. Learn more about her involvement with Oceana at http://oceana.org/north-america/scared-for-sharks.
Help us in our efforts to protect the ocean’s top predators.
