Why are sharks important?
Sharks, rays, and chimaeras (collectively known as chondrichthyans, or ‘sharks’) play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by maintaining balance in food chains. They also serve as a food source, similar to other fish species.
What threats do sharks face?
Since the mid-1980s, sharks have been under intense fishing pressure due to rising demand for shark products, including
- fins (used in shark fin soup)
- meat
- skin (for leather)
- cartilage (for supplements)
The high demand - particularly in Asian markets - and related over-exploitation have severely impacted fragile shark populations.
Facts about sharks
What is the EU doing to protect sharks?
The EU’s shark conservation strategy (adopted in 2009) includes
What is shark finning and why is it banned by the EU?
Shark finning is the practice of cutting off a shark’s fins and discarding the body (often still alive) back into the sea. This wasteful and cruel practice has been banned in EU waters since 2003 and for all EU vessels worldwide.
Based on the EU’s "Fins-Naturally-Attached" Policy of 2013
- fins must remain attached to shark bodies until landing
- strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent illegal finning
Isn’t the EU banning shark fishing?
The EU has banned fishing for some of the most endangered shark species. If accidentally caught, these sharks must be released unharmed.
The ban also applies to some species in specific areas, e.g., blue shark in the Mediterranean or shortfin mako shark in the Atlantic.
How does the EU reduce bycatch and protect shark habitats?
Under the 2023 Marine Action Plan, the EU requires member states to
- limit incidental catches of sensitive species
- protect critical habitats (spawning and feeding grounds)
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) also supports
- innovative fishing techniques
- more selective and eco-friendly fishing gear
Areas of action
Citizens calling for stop to trade in detached shark fins and stronger protections for sharks
Protect species, enforce rules, and ensure sustainable fishing with traceability
Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries
‘Stop Finning – Stop the Trade’ initiative
Over 1 million Europeans signed the European Citizens’ Initiative 'Stop finning – Stop the trade', calling for a stop to trade in detached shark fins.
The European Commission responded in 2023 with four key commitments
- Assessing a ban on loose shark fin trade
- Better EU import and export data
- Stronger enforcement of shark protections
- Leading global shark conservation
European Citizens’ Initiative 'Stop finning – Stop the trade'
