Policy Event at the EU Parliament: Shark Protection for Healthy Oceans

Shark Allies is proud to have been part of an important event during Ocean Week, held at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. Hosted by MEP Manuela Ripa (EPP) and co-hosted by Michal Wiezik (RENEW), “Shark Protection for Healthy Oceans” was a presentation and panel discussion with policymakers, shark experts, and famous filmmakers who have traveled the globe documenting the demise of sharks. The event was organized by the “ECI Stop Finning - Stop the Trade” (@StopFinningEU) and partner organizations StopFinning, Seas At Risk, Deutsche Stiftung Meeresschutz, Elasmocean, and Gallifrey Foundation. Shark Allies founder, Stefanie Brendl, moderated the panel discussion.

Featured guests were filmmakers Joakim Odelberg from Sweden and Hannes Jaenicke from Germany.

The program focused on the critical impacts of the international shark fin trade on biodiversity and ocean health, the EU’s role in this trade, and the socioeconomic impacts on coastal communities and fisheries resulting from declining shark populations and the threats marine ecosystems are experiencing.