News
Northwest Atlantic Fishing Countries Take Action for Sharks

Cuba & Norway Help US & EU Win Stronger Finning Ban Despite Japan’s Objection
Greenland Sharks Get Spotlight While Skates Remain At-Risk
In a rare vote, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) has adopted a proposal for a stronger shark finning ban by an overwhelming margin, despite objections from Japan. The European Union and the United States have proposed for several years that NAFO strengthen its ban on shark “finning” (slicing off a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea) by prohibiting the removal of shark fins at sea. This year, the proposal was for the first time co-sponsored by Norway and the host country of Cuba, and gained new, outspoken support from Canada and Iceland. A similar ban was adopted by the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission in 2014, but other regional fisheries bodies have yet to accept such change.
“We are elated that North Atlantic fishing countries have taken a strong stand against shark finning and are leading the way toward adoption of best practice rules to prevent it globally,” said Sonja Fordham of Shark Advocates International. “We are deeply grateful to Cuba, our host country, for introducing the finning ban measure at this year’s meeting, and bringing it over the finish line at last.”
NAFO banned finning in 2005, but allows fins to be removed at sea, as long as the fin-to-carcass weight ratio does not exceed 5%. Using ratios has proved difficult for enforcing finning bans, while “fins-attached” landing rules are widely recognized as best practice. The US and EU are expected to re-introduce a fins-attached proposal at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting in November.
This year’s NAFO meeting marks a dramatic policy change for Canada and Korea, who helped defeat the “fins-attached” measure in 2015. Overall, nine NAFO Parties voted “yes” on the proposal, Japan voted “no,” and Russia abstained.
“We are thrilled that Canada has — at long last – joined the chorus of countries supporting this cornerstone of responsible shark fisheries management,” said Katie Schleit of Ecology Action Centre. “We are grateful for their enthusiastic support and hopeful that this new, national policy means that Canada will now join 30 other countries cosponsoring stronger finning bans and other safeguards for sharks at ICCAT.”
NAFO Parties also requested of their Scientific Council management advice for the Greenland shark, the subject of widespread media coverage and conservation concern last month after scientists reported the species can live 400 years. Parties also took steps that should result in better information on the other species of sharks and skates taken as “bycatch” in fisheries targeting other fish species: a mandate for collecting data on a haul-by-haul basis, and the development of shark and skate species identification guides for observers.
For the annual skate catch limit, however, NAFO Parties kept the status quo of 7,000t. NAFO scientists recommend catches not exceed 4,700t and report little rebuilding for the target species (thorny skate aka starry skate) after more than a decade of NAFO management. Thorny skate is listed by IUCN as threatened.
“We are grateful to the EU and US for taking a strong stand on more enforceable finning bans, thereby leading the charge to minimize waste of sharks,” said Ali Hood of Shark Trust. “At the same time, we are deeply disappointed that no NAFO Parties stepped up as champions for closely related skates. As a result, quotas once again exceed scientific advice, leaving these vulnerable species at risk for further depletion.”
NAFO Contracting Parties include Canada, Cuba, Denmark (in respect to the Faroe Islands & Greenland), the European Union, France (in respect to Saint Pierre et Miquelon), Iceland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Russian Federation, Ukraine, and the US. NAFO Parties develop international management measures for Northwest Atlantic fish (except salmon, tunas/marlins, and sedentary species).
Photo: www.frogfishphotography.com
Marine Life & Conservation
British duo compete to find world’s rarest sharks in Netflix reality series ‘All the Sharks’

British shark specialists Dan Abbott and Sarah Roberts take to the seas in All the Sharks, a major new reality TV series on Netflix.
This six-part competition follows the pair as they go head-to-head against three teams across six stunning global locations, in pursuit of the world’s most elusive sharks. With points awarded for each species spotted, Dan and Sarah must seek out elusive and unusual sharks to stay ahead in the race.
Featuring rare encounters and firsthand accounts from those on the frontlines of marine conservation, All the Sharks is an action-packed, family-friendly series that combines intense competitor drama with heart-racing underwater adventures. Underwater cinematographer and UK shark guide Dan Abbott reflects: “This series has taken us to some of the remotest parts of the world, sharing the water with iconic species.

ALL THE SHARKS. Episode 6 of ALL THE SHARKS. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix, © 2025
“The sharks we encountered are unique, misunderstood and many of them, completely unknown. Shining a spotlight on these incredible animals will help people appreciate them in a whole new way.” Eco journalist, author and presenter Sarah Roberts, says.
The pair are no strangers to global adventure, having collaborated closely for seven years, with Dan typically behind the camera and Sarah in front. Their projects have taken them from the icy Arctic to tiger tracking in Indonesia. Along the way, they’ve encountered alligators and venomous snakes. But this venture is regarded as their wildest yet.
Throughout filming, Dan and Sarah captured footage of as many rare sharks as possible, using their extensive experience to maintain a respectful approach to all shark encounters and ensure minimal disturbance.
The series arrives at a time of growing interest in shark conservation in UK waters, where sightings of basking and blue sharks are growing, making the British connection to these incredible animals more relevant than ever.
All the Sharks is streaming now on Netflix.
Gear Reviews
BARE: 53 Years of Innovation

53 Years Deep
53 years ago, the idea for BARE was kindled in a small shop on the coast of British Columbia. Two passionate divers—hellbent on crafting a drysuit capable of surviving their frigid local waters—came together with a vision and a dream.
53 Years of Innovation
With every stitch, they innovated. Through every failure, they pushed. Not for profit, but for performance. To provide the sport of diving with equipment that fit better, functioned better—and lasted longer.
Ever since, BARE has continued to push, with innovations like their revolutionary Graphene Omnired® thermal technology, their impenetrable No-Stitch Technology, and their relentless dedication to Fit, Craftsmanship and Innovation.
More Than 5 Decades of Passion
Just like their founders over five decades ago, heart and passion drive every suit the BARE team make today. Because, like their founders, they don’t just make the suits—they dive in them. It’s this strong culture and unrelenting dedication that has transformed BARE from that small British Columbia shop into a truly global brand. And they’re just breaking the surface.
So whether you’re taking your first paddle strokes, or venturing out on a worldwide dive odyssey, BARE have the experience and know-how—53 years’ worth—to keep you safer and more comfortable in the water.
When you’re ready, BARE won’t be hard to find. They’ll be there—In Your Element—53 Years Deep.
Sea & Sea is the home of BARE and other Huish Outdoors diving brands in the UK.
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