Voices for Makos asked that ICCAT countries take responsibility, and support the call to ban retention of North Atlantic Makos.
Their voice was heard.
The decline of North Atlantic shortfin makos is among the clearest and most urgent shark conservation crises in the world. The population is seriously overfished and headed for collapse. Since 2017, scientists associated with the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) have advised banning retention of North Atlantic shortfin makos, without exception, as the cornerstone of a recovery plan.
ICCAT fishery managers have finally agreed that, in 2022 and 2023, all retention of North Atlantic shortfin makos will be prohibited. However, it is crystal clear from the latest ICCAT negotiations that the EU remains focused on reviving exploitation as soon as possible. To prevent shenanigans and backsliding in 2024, we need even more countries and voices at the table fighting back to rebuild the population. We urge all ICCAT Parties to align their ICCAT and CITES obligations for makos.
In 2021, conservationists, concerned citizens, scientists, scuba divers, aquarium representatives, and policy makers from Atlantic fishing countries, including some EU Member States, called for urgent science-based mako protection.
Support among governments has grown for finally adopting what scientists call the most effective immediate measure to reverse decline of North Atlantic shortfin makos: a prohibition on retention, without exceptions.
ICCAT Parties have what they need to save North Atlantic makos: clear scientific advice, shark conservation mandates, the capacity to enforce a straightforward ban, a platform for dedicated deliberations, and encouragement from conservationists around the world.
Click here to see how Voices for makos made a difference and get in touch to find out how you can continue to help.
American Elasmobranch Society: Resolution regarding North Atlantic Shortfin Mako Sharks
West Africa Statement on Actions for Conservation on the Mako Shark
Scientists Issue Grim Status Update on Atlantic Mako Sharks
Making Time For Makos with Partners and Supporters Around the World
Conservation NGOs Urge European Commission Support for Mako Protection
Scuba Divers and Marine Scientists Call on International Fisheries Managers to Act Now
Senegal Set to Champion Shark Conservation at International Fisheries Meeting
Canada Steps Up with Bid to Save Endangered Atlantic Mako Sharks
MEPs Urge EU Support for Protecting Endangered Mako Sharks
Mako Shark Virtual Rally Opening Remarks from Canada and the UK
Mobilisation au Parlement: pour sauver les requins mako, l’UE doit aller plus loin
Seafood Retailers Urge ICCAT Action for Mako Sharks
Joint U.S. Aquarium Statement on ICCAT Mako Protections
PADI AWARE Foundation’s Mako Shark Campaign Expands Collective Conservation Efforts
PADI Mako Position – A letter from PADI President & CEO to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce
The Shark Trust, Ecology Action Centre, Shark Advocates International, and the PADI AWARE Foundation, with support from the Shark Conservation Fund, formed the Shark League of the Atlantic and Mediterranean to advance responsible regional shark and ray conservation policies.
GLOBAL ACTION FOR MAKO SHARKS IN OVER 35 COUNTRIES
65K+ CONCERNED CITIZENS MAKING THEIR VOICE HEARD FOR MAKOS
5 YEARS SINCE ICCAT SCIENTISTS ISSUED THEIR FIRST WARNING
Voices for Makos asked that ICCAT countries take responsibility, and support the call to ban retention of North Atlantic Makos.
Their voice was heard.
Funded by the Global Partnership for Sharks and Rays
If you would like to contact the shark league please send an email to:
info@sharkleague.org