Voices for Makos

Why Speak up for Makos

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.

Your Questions Answered

ICCAT 2021 FACTSHEET

Who is Speaking up 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.

Who we are and What we do

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.

Advocacy

Outreach

Resources

Impact

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

Vocal, sustained support for shark conservation from the public is not only truly meaningful; it’s essential for creating a brighter future for these extraordinary animals.

Sonja Fordham

President of Shark Advocates International - Shark League Partner
We must all stop catching Shortfin Mako in the Atlantic if there's to be any hope for the future of this extraordinary species.

Lord Zac Goldsmith

UK Minister of State for the Pacific & the Environment
More needs to be done to stop the decimation of this iconic species and we need to be willing to take the steps to make it happen.

Hon Bernadette Jordan

Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard
We are troubled that the European Commission has not only failed to champion the urgent scientific advice for endangered North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks, but that – with excessively lenient counter proposals – has served as the primary obstacle to an international agreement that could end overfishing and begin the long journey to population recovery.

Caroline Roose

French MEP
We need the US and the EU to stop stalling and get on board with the simple, science-based, and urgently needed remedy: a complete ban on retention.

Shannon Arnold

Ecology Action Centre Senior Marine Program Coordinator
Overfishing is by far the biggest threat to shortfin mako sharks, with the problem particularly dire in the Atlantic.

Ian Campbell

PADI AWARE Foundation Associate Director, Policy and Campaigns.
We appreciate MEPs’ engagement in the mako crisis and call on the Commissioner to heed their requests for an amended EU position that aligns with scientific advice from ICCAT as well as EU obligations under CITES. Such action is the key to a brighter future for makos, but time is running out.”

Ali Hood

The Shark Trust Director of Conservation