Canada Protects Endangered Mako Sharks
When mako sharks were listed on Appendix II of CITES last year they gained significant protection in international trade, but the species is still in trouble. The slow growth of mako sharks and makes them exceptionally susceptible to overfishing. Even if mako fishing stops, scientists estimate it will take about 50 years to rebuild its population.
The good news is that Canada has taken the lead as the first North Atlantic country ban the retention of highly migratory mako sharks in Atlantic fisheries by prohibiting retention of the species. Scientific evidence presented by conservation organizations to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) confirmed post-release survival can be as high as 75%, and retention bans can be effective in significantly reducing shortfin mako mortality. Although similar action is needed by other countries to save mako sharks, Canada’s new ban is a important step in protecting this valuable, vulnerable species.