This Conservation and Management Measure of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) seeks, through the application of the precautionary approach and an ecosystem approach to fisheries management, to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of sharks. shall apply to: (i) sharks listed in Annex 1 of UNCLOS and (ii) any other sharks caught in association with fisheries managed under the WCPF Convention and shall apply to the high seas and exclusive economic zones of the Convention Area. Nothing in this measure shall prejudice the sovereignty and sovereign rights of coastal States to apply alternative measures for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving and managing sharks. CCMs should implement, as appropriate, the FAO International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA). CCMs shall also take measures necessary to require that all sharks retained on board their vessels are fully utilized. CCMs shall ensure that the practice of finning is prohibited. Measures further concern, among other things, shark finning, reduction of bycatch, reporting obligations and protection of specific species.
2019-12-11