Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

Even sharks in danger

The European Commission has halved its fishing quotas for melka this year. Overexploitation has put this shark species in danger of extinction.

We'll change themes and dive into the sea now. Bisigua, anchovies... there are more and more fish species that have diminished and almost disappeared in European waters. The disappearance of fish is not only an ecological problem, but also an economic problem, among other things because our fishermen are directly affected by the decrease in prey and/or the decrease in fishing quotas. The

European Commission has halved its fishing quotas for melka this year and has also announced a number of other safeguard measures. Overexploitation has put this shark species in danger of extinction. However, for the balance of marine ecosystems, melka and other shark species are indispensable.

In the last 20 years, the catch of sharks and rays has increased by 35%. Currently, about 800,000 tons are fished annually. As a result of this overexploitation, some shark species around the world are in danger of extinction, even in the European seas. It's a melka example of this danger. This small shark, which feeds on the seabed, has been the main target of shark fishing in Europe. in the 1960s, 60,000 tons of melka were caught each year. These pictures are from more than 20 years ago. The world they explain is gone. The arrests have been drastically reduced.

At present, it is difficult to see a small number of melkas in fish auctions. This species has two years of gestation. No other species with such a long gestation period are known. Because of such a long reproductive cycle, it is a very vulnerable species to overexploitation. Other shark species have the same problem.

JIM ELLIS; CENTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL, FISHERIES AND MARINE SCIENCES: The main target of the fishery has been large fish, the largest of which are usually females. The females are accompanied by their offspring, whose capture has led to a total decline in the populations. As a result, and according to our data, the melka is disappearing. The capture rates on research vessels have fallen sharply, and commercial data also explain the total decline.

the European Union has halved its quota for melka in 2009 and warns that it will require a further reduction by 2010. In addition to

the urgent measures, the Commission has proposed an action plan for the conservation and management of sharks. In order to maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, these species are indispensable. Protecting sharks is essential.

ANTONIO DI NATALE; AQUASTUDIO: They help to control the diseases of large pelagic species.We believe that if the sharks had been enough, many of the swordfish we found sick in the Mediterranean Sea would not have survived. They are an indispensable element of natural selection.

The action plan proposed by the Commission aims to make the exploitation of sharks and rays by the Community fishing fleet sustainable. To do this, it is necessary to have a better knowledge of these species. Not only this, but also the effectiveness of the management measures to be implemented must be ensured.

NATALIE CHARBONNEAU; MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION: In order to ensure sustainable fishing, we need to take concrete measures for each species of sharks and rays. Among other things, we can reduce fishing in certain areas and/or in laying areas. We also need to protect the puppies. A

total ban on fishing may be one of the measures. This has already happened in the case of the giant shark, a species of shark that is in danger of extinction due to overexploitation.