DEFRA, the UK government agency with responsibility for fisheries, has been awarded a ‘Shark Champion’ award from the Shark Trust for taking the decision to end the permits that allow sharks fins to be removed at sea.

Shark finning is the practice of removing fins from the shark and disposing the carcass at sea. The high price for fins gives an incentive for this wasteful practice. Ending the permits ensures that all UK registered fishing vessels land sharks with their fins still attached wherever in the world they are fishing.

Fisheries Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies accepted the award from Ali Hood, Shark Trust Director of Conservation.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “Sharks are some of the most vulnerable species on Earth and action must be taken to protect them. I am proud that my decision has allowed the UK to lead the way in Europe by ending the permits which allow fins to be removed at sea.

“Now all UK registered vessels will have to land sharks with their fins attached - wherever in the world they are fishing. Not only will this end the wasteful practice of removing fins and discarding the bodies at sea, but we’ll also be able to get better scientific evidence to help conservation.

“I am grateful to the Shark Trust for their support as I continue to push in Europe to end the issuing of these permits for all European countries.”