MSC places embargo on shark-related products

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world’s largest capacity shipping lines, has placed an embargo on consignments containing shark fins or other shark-related products.

This follows an appeal from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), who have warned that the trade and consumption of shark-related products threaten an endangered species. They have called for air freight companies to ban all such shipments.

Shark parts commonly traded include fins, meat, liver oil, leather and cartilage. Demand is greatest in South East Asia, where the popularity of shark products leads to overfishing. Almost a quarter of all sharks and rays face extinction, according to the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, their numbers down 90% in some regions.

WWF is working with TRAFFIC, an organisation that monitors global wildlife trade, to promote responsible shark fishing and improve the regulation of international trade in shark products.

(Source: Maritime Executive)