SHARK FINNING

Early day motion 1195, tabled 26 March 2009 by Martin Horwood (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 53 members.

That this House notes that over 70 per cent. of UK sharks, skates and rays are categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as threatened or near threatened with extinction; further notes the recent publication of the European Community Plan of Action for Sharks, and the context of EU legislation EC No. 1185/2003, prohibiting the removal of shark fins at sea; believes the UK Government should build on the foundation of previous shark conservation actions and lead the way in Europe as a champion of shark conservation, promptly implementing effective shark conservation and management measures; further believes that, on no occasion should the UK Government approve any derogation from the shark finning legislation in order to allow UK-registered vessels to remove shark fins at sea; and urges the Government to lead the way in Europe by ceasing provision of special permits to remove shark fins at sea, thus enforcing the original intention of the shark finning legislation, and supporting improved shark fisheries monitoring, management and conservation measures.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 8, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.