ISTANBUL (TURKEY)- Turkey has set new measures protecting endangered sharks and rays, like angel sharks and shortfin makos. The list of prohibited species for fishing in the mediterranean country now has 14 species of sharks and rays on it. Already in 2012 the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), which includes Turkey,Continue Reading

WASHINGTON (USA)— The US National Marine Fisheries Service this week protected the oceanic whitetip shark as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The decision recognized threats from overfishing and bycatch in pelagic longline fishing gear as major reasons for drastic population declines.  The listing responds to a petition from Defenders of Wildlife, with supportContinue Reading

WASHINGTON (USA)- Not only does she play the lead role in one of our favorite vampire series, she’s also committed to saving sharks. Oceana announced Nina Dobrev, actress and ocean advocate, as its newest Oceana Ambassador. Oceana is currently advocating for legislation that would ban the sale and trade of sharkContinue Reading

SHIF ISLAND (IRAN)- Another proof of the horror that comes with the fin trade. This week Iranian officials found hundreds of dead sharks with their fins sawed off on Shif Islan, in the Persian Gulf. Butchered and dropped finless but alive back into the sea. According to Hossein Delshab, an environmental official at theContinue Reading