Colombia has banned the artisanal and industrial fishing of sharks in its waters, promising aid to the fishermen engaged in this practice.
"Since we know that this has effects in some sectors of small-scale fishing, with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture we will establish, through a decree, compensation measures for this sector", said President Iván Duque, who announced the decision.
Carlos Correa, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, explained that the ban will put an end to the practice of some fishermen mutilating shark fins to sell them to markets where they are considered exotic food.
"We still see shark fishing, the practice of removing its fins and throwing it into the sea, and all of this will be remedied with this decision. It is a very important decision for the country, because it means taking care of natural resources and our ecosystem", Correa said.
The minister recalled the importance of sharks in the marine ecosystem and spoke of the option of a "payment for environmental services" for local artisanal fishermen.
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