Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Finning to Be Banned in New Zealand by 2016
The finning of dead sharks in New Zealand waters will be completely banned by 2016, the NZ Government has announced.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy released the National Plan of Action for Sharks yesterday, which laid out Government’s objectives for managing shark populations for the next three years.
In November, ministers proposed a ban on the finning of dead sharks in a draft version of the plan.
They initially recommended that the ban should be applied to all fisheries by 2016.
Under the plan released today, the first tranche of species would be protected from finning in October this year.
All other species except blue sharks would be protected from October 2015. The finning ban would apply to blue sharks from October 2016.
The tighter deadline was due to an overwhelming public response, ministers said.
Around 45,000 submissions were received on the proposal.
Dr Smith said: “Sharks may not be as cute and cuddly as our kiwi and our kakapo but we have 113 species of shark in our waters, a significant number of them are endangered and this additional protection will ensure their survival.
“The 45,000 submissions the public has made… shows that New Zealanders have matured in their attitude to the oceans a great deal from the ‘Jaws’ days when the only good shark was a dead shark.
“This measure of phasing in a ban on shark finning is also very important for New Zealand’s clean, green reputation.”
Read more on this story here.
Source: www.nzherald.co.nz
Photo: David Vogt
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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