Shark catch criticised

A FISHERMAN from Ruan Minor who has caught more than 100 porbeagle sharks over the past week has been criticised by conservationalists.

Martin Ellis, 49 of Glebe Place, landed almost 70 porbeagle sharks to Newlyn market last Tuesday. He landed another 50 this week following a second trip on his vessel Prevail.

Ali Hood, conservation officer with the Plymouth-based Shark Trust, condemned Mr Ellis' actions, saying the practice of fishing in shark-feeding areas could put the species at risk.

"These catches are disastrous", she said. "Shark species only increase their populations by around three per cent a year because their only real predator is man.

"Targeted shark fishing is very, very short-sighted. It means we could lose one of the most wonder types of wildlife in our waters and it messes up the balance of the ecosystem".

The porbeagle, although described as "near-threatened" is not protected by a fishing quota, and large numbers have been landed this year to Westcountry fish markets including Newlyn.

Mr Ellis, who used 300 baited hooks along a six-mile-long fishing line to make the catch, said he did not believe his actions were threatening the species.

He added that a fleet of French long line boats successfully worked the Bristol Channel each year looking for porbeagle shark.

Helston Packet - 6th December 2003