1 week ago
Kiribati Detains Chinese-Licensed Vessel Over Illegal Shark Finning
Kiribati officials stopped a Chinese-licensed fishing vessel in the Pacific.
Inspectors found shark fins on the ship.
Keeping the fins broke the rules of the vessel’s licence.
The ship was taken to Christmas Island so officials could investigate further.
The detention happened during a larger patrol involving 11 Pacific island nations.
Shark finning means cutting fins from sharks and often throwing the rest of the animal back into the ocean.
The practice is banned in much of the Pacific.
Researchers say it has badly reduced shark numbers, even though some illegal trade continues.
Kiribati maritime police detained a Chinese-licensed vessel after finding shark fins onboard.
The vessel was licensed to operate in Kiribati waters but violated its licence conditions by retaining shark fins.
Authorities escorted the vessel to Christmas Island for further investigation.
The detention occurred during a regional surveillance operation involving 11 Pacific island nations from August 3 to 14.
Researchers said shark finning has caused major declines in shark populations, although demand and illegal trade continue.
- Who
- Kiribati maritime police detained a Chinese-licensed vessel during a regional operation involving 11 Pacific island nations.
- What
- Authorities found shark fins onboard and said the vessel had breached its licence conditions by retaining them.
- Where
- The vessel was detained in Kiribati waters and escorted to Christmas Island for investigation.
- When
- The detention took place during a surveillance operation held from August 3 to 14.
- Why
- Kiribati and regional partners were cracking down on illegal fishing and shark finning.
Key facts
- Detaining authority
- Kiribati maritime police
- Vessel status
- Chinese-licensed and authorized to operate in Kiribati waters
- Alleged breach
- Retaining shark fins onboard, contrary to its licence conditions
- Investigation location
- Christmas Island, Kiribati
- Regional operation
- Surveillance operation involving 11 Pacific island nations from August 3 to 14
- External assistance
- The US Coast Guard assisted in some areas, and an Australian military aircraft supported the operation
- Kiribati maritime zone
- Kiribati’s exclusive economic zone covers 3.5 million square kilometres
Quotes
Demian Chapman
Director of the Sharks and Rays Conservation Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory
“Because it is now illegal, if people are doing it, it is going to be hidden and really hard to detect.”
firstpost.com
“We have seen evidence of illegal trade from the western and eastern sides of the Pacific.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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