Prohibition of finning of sharks caught in the CAMLR Convention Area

1.  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 United States proposes to amend CCAMLR Conservation Measure 32-18 to require that all sharks incidentally-caught in the Convention area that cannot be released alive be landed with their fins naturally attached.  This is consistent with United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions adopted by consensus every year from 2007 through 2012.