Brazilian Policy Weakens Shark Conservation
- In a move that has sparked international concern,Brazil's Ministries of Fisheries & Aquaculture and Surroundings enacted Interministerial Ordinance No.
- This ordinance represents a troubling shift in Brazil's approach to shark conservation.
- Blue sharks are highly migratory, found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide.
Table of Contents
In a move that has sparked international concern,Brazil’s Ministries of Fisheries & Aquaculture and Surroundings enacted Interministerial Ordinance No. 30 in April, permitting the targeted fishing of blue sharks (Prionace glauca) in both Brazilian and international waters.While officials frame the decision as a step toward lasting fisheries management, conservationists argue it significantly undermines existing shark protections and violates Brazil’s commitments to global wildlife trade regulations.
The Blue Shark: A Vital, Vulnerable Species
Blue sharks are highly migratory, found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide. They are relatively slow-growing and late-maturing, making them especially susceptible to population declines from even moderate fishing pressure. They are apex predators, maintaining the balance of marine food webs. Their fins are highly valued in the shark fin trade, driving demand and incentivizing unsustainable practices.
Contradiction with CITES Commitments
Brazil is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement designed to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Allowing targeted fishing of blue sharks, particularly given the existing pressures on their populations, appears to contradict the spirit – and potentially the letter – of Brazil’s CITES obligations. The ordinance raises questions about Brazil’s commitment to international conservation efforts.
Data on Blue Shark populations & Trade
| Region | Estimated Population Trend (IUCN) | Primary Threats |
|---|---|---|
| Global | Decreasing | Bycatch, Targeted Fishing, Fin Trade |
| Atlantic Ocean | Stable, but Vulnerable | Bycatch in longline fisheries |
| Pacific Ocean | Decreasing | Targeted fishing for fins, bycatch |
Source: IUCN Red List assessment for Prionace glauca https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39386/129333688
What’s Next? A Call for Reevaluation
The Brazilian government must urgently reevaluate Interministerial Ordinance No. 30. This reevaluation should be conducted through a fully transparent, science-based process, involving independent marine biologists and conservation experts.Key considerations should include:
- thorough Stock Assessments: Accurate data on blue shark populations in Brazilian waters and the impact of fishing pressure.
- Bycatch Mitigation Strategies: Effective measures to minimize the accidental capture of blue sharks in fisheries targeting other species.
- Strengthened Enforcement: Robust monitoring and enforcement of fishing regulations to prevent illegal fishing and trade.
- Alignment with CITES: Ensuring that all fisheries management practices are fully compliant with Brazil’s international obligations.
The future of blue sharks – and the health of our oceans – depends on decisive action. Expediting shark conservation measures is not merely an environmental imperative; its a presentation of Brazil’s commitment to responsible stewardship of its marine resources.