Tuna fisheries mask US$411-million blue shark industry -- Oceana

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- A new study commissioned by Oceana reveals that vessels authorised to fish in the waters of designated tuna regional fishery management organisations (RFMOs) are operating major shark fisheries, propping up a massive blue shark commercial fishery with a landing value worth US$411 million. (US$1=RM4.405)

This first-of-its-kind analysis shows the catch value of blue shark exceeds that of each of the three iconic bluefin tuna fisheries.

According to a statement, the report confirms blue shark represents 60 per cent of all reported global shark catches, singularly dominating both the shark fin and meat trade, while direct management of the species remains absent.

Oceana’s Senior Director of Global Policy, Philip Chou said, “Despite being considered one of the most resilient and abundant shark species, blue shark populations are threatened by poor management.

“Without proper management, blue sharks and the ecosystems they balance face a perilous future. Direct and active fishery management of blue sharks must begin immediately,” he said.

Hence, Oceana calls on regional fishery management organisations and member states to comprehensively manage the fishing of blue sharks.

Last month at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, world leaders voted to provide protections for 60 shark species, including blue sharks. This decision means these species can only be traded if their stocks are proven to be sustainably managed.

This report analysed global data on the catch, trade, and management of sharks and tuna reported to the Food and Agriculture Organization and RFMOs.

-- BERNAMA