Recommendations for Effective Shark management in the European Union

1. Sharks must be landed with their fins attached.

2. The capture of commercially exploited shark species by EU vessels must be regulated under the Common Fisheries Policy, with fishing limits and quotas.

3. Shark fisheries must be controlled wherever the EU fleet operates – in European waters and worldwide.

4. Migratory shark species exploited on the high seas must be regulated with catch limits and quotas.

5. Effective management measures for bycatch reduction must be introduced.

6. Shark discards must be eliminated.

7. Vessels taking sharks must have independent observer coverage on board.

8. Distinct trade statistics for shark products (meat, fins and liver oil), differentiated by species, must be developed.

9. Endangered shark species must be added to international conventions and national legislation that limit or prevent

catches and trade.

10. A European Plan of Action for Sharks must be implemented.