Colombia Bans Shark Fishing

Colombia has announced that shark fishing is now banned in the country. making the policy announcement, President Ivan Duque Marquez promised full legislation is to follow.

Until recently, Colombia had only protected sharks from finning; permitted was all other capturing of sharks (incidental or otherwise) not exceeding 35% of the catch per single fishing session. Once the new legislation is passed, it will prohibit all forms of shark fishing in Colombian waters.

“Today we have made a government decision, supported and sustained, and that is that any form of shark fishing is prohibited in Colombia, be it industrial or artisanal. And as we know that this has effects on some artisanal fishing sectors, with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture we will establish compensation measures through a decree to serve this sector, ” said President Marquez.

The main driving force behind this ban has been the INVEMAR (Institute for Marine and Coastal Research), with help from @fundacionmalpelo, @biodiversityconservationco, and the NGO community in Colombia.

Considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Colombia is home to 15% of the 500 identified shark species. 

President Marquez and Minister of the Environment, Carlos Eduardo Correa understand how important sharks are for our ecosystem. Correa further backed the country’s decision by stating “It is a very important decision for the country, because it means taking care of natural resources and our ecosystem.”

The economic impact has also been addressed by Marquez who announced that people of the Caribbean and Colombian Pacific who’s incomes are affected by the new law  will be able to replace their income sourced from shark fishing. They will be entitled to receive payments for environmental services so that they do not lose their means of income.