Shark protection measures unveiled

The European Union has extended measures to protect the threatened porbeagle shark from overfishing.

Under the new rules, commercial fishing for porbeagles is now prohibited in all EU waters, including the Mediterranean Sea, and by EU vessels fishing in international waters.

In addition, if porbeagles are caught accidentally, they must now be released immediately.

“The protection of porbeagles by the EU represents an important step for the conservation of this species. However, given its highly migratory nature, if porbeagles are to recover, similar actions must follow at the international level”, said Dr Allison Perry, wildlife marine scientist with Oceana Europe.