Prohibition of shark finning in the CAMLR Convention Area

In 2006, CCAMLR adopted Conservation Measure 32-18 on the conservation of sharks. The measure prohibits the “directed fishing on shark species in the Convention Area…” and calls for the live release of incidentally-caught sharks where possible. The measure is, however, silent on the practice of shark finning should incidental catches of sharks occur. The U.S. delegation proposes to amend CCAMLR Conservation Measure 32-18 to require that all sharks incidentally-caught in the Convention area be landed with their fins naturally attached, if they are not released alive. This is consistent with United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions adopted by consensus in 2003 and 2004, and again from 2006 through 2010.