Sharkwww.sharktrust.org FocusTHE MAGAZINE OF THE SHARK TRUST ISSUE 51 November 2014 Sharks of Galapagos Shark fisheries of India Big fish, big value Guitarfish Shark immunity bites back plus all your Shark Trust Supporting the and EEA news CAMPAIGN CORNER The 50th issue of Shark Focus featured a fantastic centre-spread on the launch of the Trust’s No Limits? campaign at Supporting the European Elasmobranch Association London SEA LIFE’s Oceans of Stars event. The coverage highlighted the strength © Mike Kemp. of support from both political and public sectors – bolstered by Shark Trust Patron and No Limits? Ambassador Steve Backshall. Steve Backshall “Lose the SharkIssue Focus 51 November 2014 No Limits? is focused on securing science-based sharks and our planet’s catch limits for a number of shark species facing oceans would be infinitely FEATURES unchecked exploitation and unrestricted trade. poorer places – and that’s Six months into the campaign and No Limits? 4 Sharks of Galapagos why I’m supporting the Shark EDITORIAL continues to develop momentum. The second 6 Between the devil and the deep blue sea Back in the summer I made the rash observation that the tabloid phase of the campaign website was launched in Trust’s No Limits? campaign”. 12 Big fish, big value press, in particular the red tops, were starting to adopt a more October, providing additional information and, 14 Guitarfish perhaps more importantly, allowing mobile users responsible and balanced approach when reporting shark news. improved access, especially to the petition. If 16 Shark immunity bites back We had proof positive to back this up and the miracle persisted through July, August and early September. Sadly in late September you’ve not visited the site yet then please do – the While the Trust team were at the Dive Show, With influential fisheries management meetings animation at the base of the homepage is a great aquariums across the country were hosting convening this autumn and the EU December REGULARS it was back to normal when a young Basking Shark (aka a ‘White way to learn about the sheer scale of Atlantic Blue Shark © Charles Hood Shark’…) made headlines in most of the papers. Someone decided campaign events sponsored by the SEA LIFE Fisheries Council potentially taking decisions with 8 Shark Trust and world shark news shark fisheries. Trust with additional support from the British and ramifications for No Limits? species, we hope to that a clip of YouTube footage taken by a skipper in south Cornwall 9 Policy Sharkwww.sharktrust.org Focus No Limits? is about enabling public Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA). have progress to report in the next edition of THE MAGAZINE OF THE SHARK TRUST was a White Shark. Rather than wait for expert confirmation, ISSUE 51 November 2014 engagement in the Trust’s advocacy for catch- With badges, posters, flyers and stickers on hand Shark Focus. 10 Supporter’s page (or not) the tabloid bandwagon rolled and many jumped on it. limits, and events such as the Birmingham we’re hoping the aquariums have secured several 11 Pup’s activity zone Unfortunate! th International Dive Show (25-26 Oct) gave thousand additional signatures to add to the 18 EEA report www.nolimitsnofuture.org 2014 was an enigmatic shark summer. Basking Shark numbers were the Trust a great opportunity to engage the growing tally. Watch the website for news of more Sharks of Galapagos Shark fisheries of India disappointing in many traditional hotspots, while Blue Sharks were public: and Birmingham did not disappoint! events in February/March 2015. 19 New trustees Big fish, big value Guitarfish often more abundant than in recent years and with many more Show-goers lined up to support the campaign, The more the Trust promotes No Limits? the Shark immunity bites back plus males recorded than normal, smoothhound heads, fins, and other Edited by the Shark Trust all your Shark Trust sign the petition and pen messages on the No and EEA news clearer the message becomes, that what we’re Supporting the ©Shark Trust 2014 parts were found dumped in South Wales and the Isle of Wight, and Limits? photo-boards – all guided by enthusiastic asking for is simply practical, science-based Shark Focus is published three times a year in March, July and volunteers [thank you again!]. Engagement with as far as I know there were no makos caught this year... management – it’s not a big ask, but there is a November. Copy date for the next issue is 31st January 2015. Shark Scalloped Hammerheads the Dive Community should get an extra boost, Sphyrna lewini, Galapagos The new EU Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister is great deal of legislative process between the Focus is copyrighted and therefore those wishing to reproduce articles #NoLimitsNoFuture © Simon Pierce. as in September Project AWARE signed up as an No Limits? species and a sustainable future and must first contact the Shark Trust. The views and opinions expressed by Karmenu Vella from Malta. He takes over from Maria Damanaki who official campaign supporter. during that time, public support is vital. www.nolimitsnofuture.org the authors in Shark Focus are not necessarily those of the Shark Trust. was wholly committed to the principle of sustainability, we hope the new Minister follows suit. There are many challenges in the EU, not least of which are claims (mainly from sectors of the Spanish industry) that FNA (Fins Naturally Attached) is an unworkable Housekeeping policy. This is despite clear evidence to the contrary and the Trust The Shark Trust continues to monitor such developments very closely. Generosity consists not the sum given, but the I have had several reminders this month of changes 4 Creykes Court, The Millfields, The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) was in conference as I manner in which it is bestowed Mahatma Gandhi in address, so can I ask all of you on the move or relocating, to please make sure you tell me where Plymouth PL1 3JB wrote this editorial. The conference in Quito, Ecuador, debated the We have just returned from a very successful Dive you are. This is so I can ensure you get your Shark listing of 32 species – including the Polar Bear, African Lion and 21 Show in Birmingham and it was lovely to see so many Tel: +44 (0)1752 672008/672020 Focus magazine and not just to invite myself around species of shark and ray, three of which – the Common, Bigeye and of our members visit the stand, and new ones join us. for drinks or a holiday. If you miss out on copies we Email: [email protected] Pelagic Threshers – were proposed by the EU, but originated from Thank you all! The ‘Sharks of the World’ book up for might not have back issues when you remember grabs was won by Greg Williams from Aberystwyth Website: www.sharktrust.org the UK. Incredibly delegates agreed to list all 21 sharks and rays you didn’t get one. and I hope he has enjoyed reading it. under the Appendices of the Convention – see p.9 for more on this We depend on regular income to support the Renewal emails are sent out regularly from the historic step forward for global shark conservation. office and it would certainly be very beneficial work and projects of the charity, so your ongoing I will be back in South Africa this winter working on my new book generosity and regular fundraising events have never if you would consider setting your subscription which is the story of Nicole the White Shark. If you are in the Cape been so important to us, and everyone involved with up by standing order. This ensures continuity of The Shark Trust sends a very big thank you to all. subscription and always getting your Focus when it please look me up, I am easy to find. is due. You can download a form from the website Established in 1997, the Shark Trust works to advance the worldwide If you didn’t get the chance to buy any of our wares Happy Christmas, Happy New Year, and this can be done at any time. Also, can everyone conservation of sharks through science, education, influence and action. The at the show please do take a look at the web shop, please ensure you have signed a gift aid form if you Trust is the UK member of the European Elasmobranch Association and currently Go well and stay safe. as we have a small but selective range of goods are a taxpayer in the UK. provides the EEA’s secretariat services. all very reasonably priced which will be perfect for Christmas gifts, and whilst picking up a bargain you Thank you all again for your continued support Trustees: Richard Peirce (Chair), Stephen Allen, Sue Bates, Roger Covey, Sarah Fowler OBE, Alan Goodwin, Tom Kennard, Annabelle Lowe, John Nightingale and Sune Nightingale. are helping shark conservation - see the new Shark and I look forward to being able to report in the Trust range of goodies on page 10!. Alternatively Spring that the Winter season brought us more new Glenys Heafield, Patrons: Steve Backshall, Nick Baker, John Boyle, Leonard Compagno, Marc Dando, Bob Earll, Nigel Eaton, members, re-joiners and lots of donations. Company Secretary/ Ian Fergusson, Mariella Frostrup, Loyd Grossman, John Gummer MP, Monty Halls, Martha Holmes, Kate Humble, gift someone a membership or adoption, or make a Sir David Jason OBE, Gordon Ramsay OBE, Simon Rogerson, Jeremy Stafford-Deitsch, Michaela Strachan and Head of Finance & donation on their behalf. Valerie Taylor Administration Richard Peirce Design: Fluke Art. www.flukeart.com Chairman 2 www.sharktrust.org/campaign Shark Focus 51 Shark Focus 51 www.sharktrust.org/about 3 marine ecosystem becomes devastatingly apparent.