Thousands of spurdogs, a critically endangered species of shark according to Marine Conservation Society, are discarded into the sea dead anually. They get caught up and crushed in the nets by trawlers pulling up massive catches from the depths.
Fishers want Spurdog numbers to be included in their quotas, which would be a less wasteful solution. But really we need to completely restrict the limits of these large fish hauls if we are to protect sharks and the future of our oceans. I am appealling to the UK Minister of State to review fishing methods and quotas to ensure a sustainable future for UK seas. Much better management is needed.
Trawling is very destructive and unselective as the nets haul every life encountered. A vast number of marine species, known as 'bycatch' are caught and thrown overboard dead or dying, including those listen as vulnerable, threatened or endangered. Bycatch amounts to up to 90% of a trawl's haul.
The ocean produces more oxygen than the rainforests combined, provides a third of the world with food, removes half of the atmosphere’s greenhouse gases, and controls our planet’s temperature and weather... and sharks are vital to maintain this important ecosystem.
Dear Minister George Eustice
I am appealling to you to review fishing methods and quotas to ensure a sustainable future for UK marine species. Much better management is needed. Recent reports show a devastating 50% decline in marine populations since 1970.
As I'm sure you are aware, thousands of spurdogs, a species of shark that is considered critically endangered according to Marine Conservation Society, are discarded into the sea dead anually by fishing trawlers.
Fishers want spurdog numbers to be included in their quotas, which would be a less wasteful solution. But really we need to completely restrict the limits of these large fish hauls if we are to protect sharks and the future of our oceans.
Trawling is very destructive, unselective and unsustainable.
Please bear in mind when making decisions on fishing regulations that the ocean produces more oxygen than the rainforests combined, provides a third of the world with food, removes half of the atmosphere’s greenhouse gases, and controls our planet’s temperature and weather... and sharks are vital to maintain this important ecosystem.
This petition should make you aware of the great number of people who support much stricter fishing regulations. Trawling needs to be prohibited worldwide, but the UK should set the precedence for more sustainable fishing methods and outlaw it while it's not too late for our oceans.
Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Yours Sincerely
Esther Jacobs Overbeeke
Founder
Keep Fin Alive Campaign
