Loophole allows shark liver oil to be captured illegally

Some species of shark could become extinct because of a loophole in EU law.

It is feared the marine creatures face being wiped out because of a demand for omega 3.

Now, conservation group Oceana has called upon the European Commission to amend weak EU laws that leave European markets open to liver oil from illegally caught deep-sea sharks.

In recent months, vessels which are internationally blacklisted because of previous Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing activities (IUU fishing) have been engaging in pirate fishing for deep-sea sharks in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Although the EU regulation on IUU fishing is intended to prohibit illegally-caught fish from entering the European market, a loophole in this law means that it does not apply to shark liver oil.

Xavier Pastor, Executive Director of Oceana Europe has called for immediate action.

He said: “Vulnerable deep-sea sharks have become the new gold pursued by internationally renowned poachers – including vessels that have been linked to European interests. As long as EU rules against IUU fishing neglect this product, European borders remain wide open to illegal shark liver oil.”

Deep-sea sharks are found in all of the world’s oceans. They are targeted by fishing fleets for their liver oil (which is used in Omega-3 dietary supplements, in cosmetics, and as industrial lubricants), and also for their fins and meat. With slow growth rates and late maturity, these species are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation.

Since 2011, pirate fishing vessels flying flags of convenience have been spotted fishing for deep-sea sharks with gillnets in the Pacific Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean