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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th August 2021
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Government to ban shark fin trade
"It is encouraging to see the UK addressinf the fin trade as an element of overfishing." - Ali Hood, director of conservation for the Shark Trust.
The new legislation is the first of its kind for shark conservation. 

The UK Government has announced that it intends to ban the import and export of detached shark fins to aid conservation efforts.

Despite the practice of shark finning having been banned for 20 years, it is currently still legal to import shark fins, and shark fin products. 

It is hoped that this ban will assist in the campaign for stronger international action to protect sharks from shark finning and unsustainable fishing practices. 

This intended legislation comes after 143 species of shark have been listed as 'under threat', ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered. 

Lord Goldsmith, who announced the legislation, commented: “Shark finning is indescribably cruel and causes thousands of shark to die terrible deaths. It is also unforgivably wasteful. The practice is rightly banned in UK waters, but the trade continues, with serious implications for the future of these magnificent creatures.

“That is why we are now banning the import both of detached shark fins and shark fin products. Our action will not only help boost shark numbers, it will send a clear message that we do not support an industry that is forcing many species to the brink of extinction.”

Shark conservationist James Glancy commented on the ban: “New measures from the UK Government to protect sharks from the cruel shark fin trade are welcomed by conservationists.

“The unsustainable rate at which sharks are caught by global fishing fleets, as bycatch or deliberately for their fins and meat, has caused a significant decline in worldwide shark populations.

“Sharks have been around for millions of years and play a crucial role for the health of our oceans yet, as a consequence of human activity, many shark species are critically endangered and face extinction in some regions.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.