NZ stresses opposition to shark finning

The Fisheries Ministry has denied accusations by the Environment and Conservation Organisations that it has supported Japan in blocking a move to ban the finning of sharks.

"New Zealand is totally opposed to the live finning of sharks. It is a barbaric and inhumane practice which is not supported in any way by New Zealand," ministry acting chief executive Stan Crothers said yesterday.

The issue of live finning of sharks arose again at a meeting of the Western and Central Fisheries Commission in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, last week, at which New Zealand officials were present.

"There were two resolutions concerning the management of sharks," Mr Crothers said.

The first was sponsored by the Forum Fisheries Agency which includes Australia, New Zealand and all Pacific Island countries.

"This resolution proposed a number of responsible management actions to help ensure sustainable management of shark species.

"This is consistent with New Zealand Government management of shark species.

"The second resolution was a United States proposal calling for a total ban on shark finning," Mr Crothers said. "New Zealand chaired a working group of FFA and USA officials to broker one agreed resolution.

" ... consensus was reached with FFA and the United States on a compromise resolution which made commitments for a number of actions in the next year. This compromise resolution ... was rejected by Japan who said they would need more time."

Because of that, this resolution could not be adopted by the commission.

He said comments by ECO "do not accurately reflect what took place at the meeting".

- NZPA