Raising voices for makos
It is vital that those who make decisions in key policy fora such as annual meetings of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) hear from scientists and concerned citizens, not just vested industrial interests.
The Shark League works with others on issues of critical conservation concern to help get those voices heard.
Protection was stuck on the starting line for the worlds fasted shark
Shortfin makos, the fasted shark in the world, are among the most valuable yet vulnerable of those taken in the high seas.
Scientists had since 2008 been warning of their exceptional vulnerability in ICCAT fisheries but although many other species had been offered some protection, makos were passed over time and time again.
When the Shark League came together in 2017, we identified makos as a priority as new scientific advice called for a ban on retaining makos in the North Atlantic but the annual ICCAT meeting again failed to do what was needed.
The story was repeated the following year and again in 2019 when the EU and US quashed hopes at the consensus-based annual meeting.
2020: Time for makos?
It was clear this couldn’t go on and we needed to Make Time for Makos.
We launched a “Mako Map of Champions” to track and publicize each of the ICCAT Parties’ stances on mako fishing limits. And intensified our work with potential supportive countries as well as the main blockers.
Spain and Portugal – as the main catching countries - had been allowed to dictate the EU’s position and this looked likely to continue despite growing calls from conservationists to the European Commission and Germany which held the EU Presidency. In September we joined partners in Germany and freediving legend Fred Buyle on a webinar with over 100 supporters who jumped onto twitter generating a storm of tweets urging the German Government and European Commission to make time for makos.
More than ninety participants from across West Africa also joined us in October for another webinar co-hosted with regional partners that led to a statement of support for mako bans.
Despite such efforts, and the backing of countries like Senegal and Canada showing leadership, the 2020 annual meeting yet again saw the EU and US block vital protection.
2021: More voices join the call
But momentum was growing and we stepped up efforts to ensure decision-makers heard even more Voices For Makos.
In 2021, we mobilised even more conservationists, concerned citizens, scientists, scuba divers, aquarium representatives, and policymakers from Atlantic fishing countries, to push for urgent science-based mako protection: no retention, no exceptions.
Conservation community
Regular newsletters and resources helped keep the conservation community informed and action facilitated.
An EU-focussed virtual #Rally4Makos engaged over 50 organisations from 16 EU Member States in public appeals for the European Commission to change course.
We were delighted to have Hon Bernadette Jordan, Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard, open the Rally in April, with a clear commitment for continued global leadership as a mako shark champion. Lord Zac Goldsmith, UK Minister of State, also spoke saying “We must all stop catching shortfin mako in the Atlantic if there's to be any hope for the future of this extraordinary species”.
Scientists
Science-based conservation policy is at the heart of our approach and we worked with scientists around the world to ensure their voices were heard. Scientists and scientific associations from the EU [link] and north America to west and central Africa joined the call for mako protection in the Atlantic.
Scuba divers
With founding partner PADI Aware, recreational divers had been campaigning for mako protection from day one, work that continued through 2021 with events in places from Spain to Curacao.
In Brazil and South Africa PADI worked with dive centers, resorts and diving professionals to encourage the public to rally their governments in support of mako shark fishing bans in the Atlantic. Twenty dive businesses offered mako-specific dive courses, used as a hook to generate and demonstrate dive community concern. South African divers took photos with underwater “MakeTime4Makos” banners that were collected into photobooks for presentation to the Minister and businesses generated citizen pleas, prompting the Minister to respond.
Aquarium curators and visitors
Aquariums are the only opportunity for many to experience these remarkable animals. We work with aquariums to help educate the public and support conservation efforts.
The Shark Trust expanded its #NoLimits campaign with COVID-compliant activities across Europe. 26 aquarium displays in 11 countries generated postcards and digital calls from visitors for mako action boosted by curators, noted scientists, and celebrities.
They were joined by aquariums in the US who also issued a joint statement
on mako protection.
Companies
Our work with the NGO Tuna Forum established makos as a priority and the focus for communications to hundreds of market partners.
In June, more than 80 seafood companies sent letters to key ICCAT delegations urging them to protect shortfin makos.
Politicians
Ultimately, politicians make the decisions. Political support to finally protect makos was building and politicians were calling on others to act. As well as video statements from Canadian and UK Ministers our work with a cross-party group of Members of the European Parliament generated an appeal to the European Commission and media attention across Europe.
Voices for Makos
Bringing it together, we launched the Voices for Makos video and presented it to the European Commissioner’s Cabinet showcasing EU citizens, politicians, scientists, divers, and aquariums voicing their support for the science and asking that the Commission takes responsibility, and squander yet another chance to take a stand for imperilled mako sharks.
In July 2021 Representatives of Atlantic fishing nations convened virtually for a special meeting to continue negotiations on a multi-national proposal to ban retention of shortfin mako sharks from the seriously overfished North Atlantic population.
They had what they needed: clear scientific advice, a mandate to conserve sharks, the capacity to enforce a straightforward ban, a platform for dedicated deliberations, and encouragement from conservationists around the world.
Although support among governments was growing, the EU and US again continued to ignore the scientific advice.
2021 Summer Rally for Makos
Even though the summer holidays are often a time to slow down and take it easy, we thought what better way to remind government officials of their responsibility than by sending a summer postcard! Our 2021 summer holiday campaign targeted EU and US officials with citizen appeals for mako protection.
The final push saw us pulling out all the stops with Shark League postcards, digital selfie-frames, animated GiFs and a host of other resources in multiple languages.
Protection was finally secured. For now
In November 2021, ICCAT fishery managers finally agreed to a complete ban on the retention of North Atlantic shortfin makos, but only guaranteed for a limited period. The following year this was complemented by science-based catch limits for the South Atlantic.
These results were testament to the collaborative efforts from conservationists, scientists, and champion countries over many years, with supporters from aquarium visitors to divers and action in over 25 countries, involving over 65,000 concerned citizens.
But with major fishing Parties keen on reviving exploitation, work continues to ensure the prohibition stays and is complemented with serious attention on reducing bycatch.
To prevent shenanigans and backsliding we need even more countries and voices at the table fighting back to rebuild the population.
Follow the latest updates on our work to protect makos and other sharks caught in high seas fisheries and get in touch if you can add your voice.