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Shark catch. (Photo: armada.mil.co)
Formal shark capture ban requested
COLOMBIA
Wednesday, October 10, 2012, 16:20 (GMT + 9)
During the next six months, the environmental authorities of San Andres and Providencia archipelago will have to formally ban shark fishing in that region of the country. This was ordered by the State Council while completing regulatory fines and sanctions imposed by authorities on those infringing the measure.
The Council also decided to ban the sale and distribution of shark products, reported El País.
The initiative involves three shark species: hammerhead, bull and tiger.
The measure was decided after a group of citizens requested and demanded the protection of the collective rights to have a healthy environment, the existence of ecological balance and the use of natural resources, arguing that the three species mentioned are in danger of extinction.
The National Attorney General had asked the Court of Administrative Disputes not to agree to the plaintiffs’ claims, because if the sentence was favourable, over 300 families making a living on this type of fishing would be out of work.
However, the State Council ordered the Ministry of Agriculture to make the national plan for the conservation and management of sharks and rays official within six months.
In addition, it also ordered the Ministry and the Board of Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of San Andrés to launch plans to correct and replace by-catch, including sharks, whose fins, meat and liver oil are in great demand in the market, in a period no longer than 12 months, reported RCN Radio.
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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