In a significant effort to protect the blue shark, Brazil has implemented a series of regulatory measures aimed at limiting the fishing of this species, which has faced excessive exploitation.
This change was announced during the COP15 on migratory species, and represents an important advancement in the management of shark trade on an international scale.
Among the new provisions, strict restrictions stand out, such as precise capture limits, specific prohibitions, and an increase in controls to ensure the sustainability of the blue shark population.
The Brazilian Government, through the environmental agency Ibama, has established regulations that govern the trade of the blue shark (Prionace glauca), one of the most sought-after species globally.
These rules are designed to reinforce sustainability and prevent the decline of their populations.
Caring for the blue shark
One of the key prohibitions is the export of fins that are not attached to the shark’s body, a practice frequently linked to overfishing.
Additionally, the capture of females and juvenile specimens has been banned, thus ensuring the species’ reproductive capacity.
The decree sets a limit of 20% for incidental capture intended for international trade. This control extends to all transactions being carried out in authorized ports and airports, where rigorous technical controls and mandatory analyses will be applied.
Operations must also align with the regulations of CITES, thus ensuring the traceability and legality of the origin of the catches. Furthermore, the entry of endangered shark species has been blocked.
These measures have been introduced in a context of increasing pressure on the oceans due to intensive fishing, underscoring Brazil’s commitment to the protection of marine species and the regulation of the global shark trade.
With these actions, Brazil establishes itself as a leader in the defense of marine biodiversity and in the implementation of stricter environmental regulations.
