Conversation starters
Most popular
Bonneville Seattle is raising funds for the construction of a second Fisher House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma and we need your help.EU takes major step to protect sharks
November 22, 2012 @ 6:53 amAssociated Press
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union took a major step to protect sharks on Thursday, banning the brutal practice of hacking off their fins before throwing the fish back into the sea to die.
The European Parliament voted by an overwhelming 566-47 margin to force all boats in EU waters and EU-registered vessels around the world to land sharks with their fins attached and prove the animal had not been thrown back finless.
The practice of shark finning stems from the high price the body parts fetch in China for the shark fin soup, a specialty at high-class banquets, and the low value of the rest of the body. The consumption of fins has risen as China's living standards have increased. Fins can sell for as much as $700 a pound.
The European Union has said that some 75 million sharks are killed for their fins only. Since the EU is the biggest exporter, the move should have a sizable impact on shark populations.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature says that about one third of sharks and rays are threatened both in EU waters and around the globe.
Uta Bellion of the Pew Environment Group said that "the parliament's vote is a major milestone in ending the wasteful practice of shark finning." EU nations are expected to back the rule soon.
The EU had rules in place which included the loophole that fins and bodies could be landed in different port, making enforcement that no sharks were tossed back overboard next to impossible.
Now the EU is moving toward a total ban of finning, following a six-year legal fight.
Spain is the top fin exporter. The Oceana conservation group said the EU is the largest shark fishing power in the world with 17 percent of reported shark catches and the largest exporter of shark fins to Hong Kong and mainland China.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
-
Sopranos Star Dies at 51
James Gandolfini, the actor famous for "The Sopranos", died suddenly in Italy -
More to the Story
Liberace's ex-lover says the world will hear more of his story, and Michael Jackson's in there -
A Skeptic's Doubts
An ESPN columnist doubts Russell Wilson will ever be elite
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.