King Charles makes shark fin history
July 2, 2023Exciting news! King Charles III has recently enacted a law banning the import and export of shark fins, putting the UK at the forefront of global shark conservation and dealing a significant blow to the shark-fin trade. You can read more about this ban on the Scuba Diver Magazine website.
This accomplishment is the result of eight years of campaigning by Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation. Their No Fin To Declare campaign, which began in 2015, has shed light on the UK’s involvement in the controversial shark-fin trade. Through national media coverage, engagement with politicians, the support of celebrities, and petitions, Bite-Back has successfully guided a private members’ bill through parliament to achieve Royal Assent.
Graham Buckingham, Campaign Director for Bite-Back, expresses his joy and states that this is a significant day for shark conservation. He hopes that other countries will follow the UK’s lead in ending the cruel and unnecessary trade in shark fins.
Bite-Back acknowledges the influential work of Christina Rees MP and Baroness Maggie Jones, who played crucial roles in the passage of the private members’ bill through Parliament.
Steve Backshall MBE, TV presenter, wildlife expert, and patron of Bite-Back, commends the UK for becoming a leader in shark conservation. He congratulates Bite-Back for their tireless efforts and expresses gratitude to everyone who has supported this landmark victory for sharks.
The Shark Trust also celebrates this historic news. Ali Hood, Director of Conservation for the Shark Trust, explains that The Shark Fins Act now incorporates the principle of Fins Naturally Attached into UK law. This Act not only applies to UK fisheries but also prohibits the import and export of detached shark fins. While it may not be a complete ban on shark fin consumption and trade, it creates a more challenging environment for traders, streamlines customs checks, and holds other countries to the same high standards as the UK.
Christina Rees, MP for Neath and Port Talbot, expresses her privilege and delight in guiding this Act through the House of Commons and seeing it receive Royal Assent. She thanks the dedicated campaigners from marine conservation charities such as Bite-Back, The Shark Trust, and Shark Guardian, as well as Baroness Jones of Whitchurch for her work in ensuring the smooth passage of the Act through the Lords.
Baroness Jones of Whitchurch adds that she is pleased to have played a role in ending this cruel and wasteful practice, but credits the shark and marine conservation charities for their significant contributions towards the ban.
