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Shark Fins Bill - Sitting 1

16 November 2022

Proposing MP
Judith Cummins Lab
Bradford South
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses a Bill aimed at banning the import and export of detached shark fins in the UK to address overfishing and protect marine ecosystems. The statement discusses the Shark Fins Bill, which aims to ban the import and export of shark fins to improve shark conservation. The statement discusses the Shark Fins Bill, which aims to ban the import and export of detached shark fins and fin products in the UK. The statement discusses the progress of the Shark Fins Bill and highlights its importance for protecting sharks.

Action Requested

The MP proposes to prohibit the import and export of detached shark fins, including products containing shark fins, while allowing for exceptions that support shark conservation. The Bill also includes a strict exemption process to ensure ethical use of shark fins for education and training purposes.

Key Facts

  • The Bill aims to ban the import and export of detached shark fins in the UK.
  • Only domestically processed products from sharks landed with their fins naturally attached will be available for sale.
  • A strict exemption certificate application process is outlined in the schedule to support conservation efforts.
  • The Shark Fins Bill aims to ban import and export of shark fins.
  • Up to £3,000 monetary penalty can be imposed for inaccurate or incomplete information provided by applicants for exemption certificates.
  • Paragraph 9 outlines the definition of 'appropriate authority'.
  • Scottish Ministers' appeals should be heard by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland.
  • The UK has banned shark finning for nearly 20 years.
  • Over 25% of sharks, rays and skates are threatened with extinction according to IUCN.
  • About 73 million sharks are caught annually globally.
  • CITES is considering listing an additional 54 shark species under the requiem shark family.
  • The penalties for providing inaccurate information are up to £3,000.
  • Leaving the EU has enabled quicker progress on the Bill without needing agreement from all member states.
  • Non-governmental organisations such as the Shark Trust, Shark Guardian, the Blue Marine Foundation and the Wildlife Conservation Society have supported the Bill.
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