I agree that this is an important issue and I am pleased the UK has a strong track record in marine conservation, leading the charge to ban shark finning across the EU.
I continue to support the Government in pressing for stronger international controls in this area. While a member of the European Union, the UK raised the issue of an EU-wide ban on shark fin imports with the Commission on a number of occasions, and will continue to push for stronger regulation. When sharks are caught, I agree with the position of Ministers that they must be landed with their fins naturally attached to their bodies.
I also recognise that the demand for shark fins can be a significant driving force behind the capture of sharks and can fuel unsustainable practices. This is why the UK continues to press for stronger international controls within the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention on Migratory Species and the associated Sharks Memorandum of Understanding.
While we were a member of the EU it was not possible to introduce additional restrictions on shark fin trade, but leaving has given us an opportunity to consider further controls. This includes looking into whether our country can go further in controlling the quantity of dried shark fins permitted for personal consumption. As I am sure you do too, I look forward to this opportunity.