Conservation Measure on the Conservation of Sharks Caught in Association with Fisheries Managed by SEAFO (No. 04/06). Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2006 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries Keyword Marine fisheries Fishery management and conservation Marine fishes Cartilaginous fishes Bycatch Fishing gear/fishing method Research Abstract This Conservation Measure of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation, bearing in mind the FAO International Plan of Action of Sharks, requires each Contracting Party to annually report data for catches of sharks, in accordance with SEAFO data reporting procedures, including available historical data and take the necessary measures to require that their fishermen fully utilise their entire catches of sharks. Full utilisation is defined as retention by the fishing vessel of all parts of the shark excepting head, guts and skins, to the point of first landing. The Conservation Measure also require Contracting Parties to - require their vessels to not have onboard fins that total more than five percent of the weight of sharks onboard, up to the first point of landing; encourage the release of live sharks, especially juveniles, to the extent possible, that are caught incidentally and are not used for food and/or subsistence; undertake research to identify ways to make fishing gears more selective and to identify shark nursery areas. Fishing vessels are prohibited from retaining on board, transhipping or landing any fins harvested in contravention of this Conservation Measure. Full text English Website www.seafo.org