IFAW has campaigned strongly for the protection of the basking shark, noting that commercial fishing for fins and oil for international trade have seriously depleted shark stocks.
Fins continue to increase in value as an ingredient in shark fin soup.
The proposal was supported by Brazil and the United States, who complimented the United Kingdom on their efforts to protected the basking shark. It is very clear that regional fishery management organizations have failed to properly conserve shark populations. Today's vote means that the basking shark will become even more threatened by the growing demand for its fin and oil. This is a great disappointment for shark conservation. All Rights Reserved.