11th September 2007
Luso-American Foundation
Rua do Sacramento à Lapa 21, 1249-090 Lisboa.
Tel: (+351) 21 393 5800

Sharks, skates and rays are among the most vulnerable and under-protected species in European waters. The IUCN estimates a full third are threatened with extinction due to overfishing. Still, interest in fishing for these species is increasing in the face of inadequate or non-existent limits. Action is urgently needed to safeguard and restore these key components of our ocean ecosystems.
Portugal has assumed the European Union Presidency at a critical time for sharks. The European Commission is formulating its long-awaited Community Plan of Action for Sharks and has pledged completion by 2008.
With its rich maritime history and interest in sustainable fisheries, Portugal is well poised to bring the EU into a new era of responsible shark fishing, recovery of depleted species, and international leadership in global shark conservation.

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