THE UK BANS IMPORT AND EXPORT of shark fins following the successful campaign by Shark Guardian

Full statement from the UK Government: (OFFICIAL LINK HERE)

The UK has a strong track record in marine conservation, and we have been pressing for stronger international action to protect sharks against unsustainable fishing practices and shark finning. Shark finning is the practice of removing a shark’s fins at sea and discarding the finless body back in the water. It is a barbaric practice that has rightly been banned in the UK for nearly 20 years, but we do still import shark fins which may contribute to the practice. To this end, we will bring in legislation to ban the import and export of detached shark fins.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

March 2020: Shark Guardian Ambassador Robin Gallagher started UK Government Petition #300535

May 2020: Shark Guardian launched the campaign #FinspireChangeUK & #BanSharkFinUK

May - September 2020:

The Shark Guardian campaign grew the petition which ended on the 11th September 2020 with 115,380 signatures!

December 2020:

In direct response to the Shark Guardian campaign and successful petition, the UK Government launched a 'Call for Evidence on the status of the Shark Fin trade in the UK'. Shark Guardian provided detailed information.

January - May 2021:

Shark Guardian continues direct communication with the UK Government (DEFRA: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

12 May 2021:

The UK Government / DEFRA launches 'Action Plan For Animal Welfare' that states:

"prohibiting the import and export of detached shark fins to protect the iconic shark species"