By JYOTI PRATIBHA
Air Pacific has banned the carriage of shark fins and shark-related products which are sourced from unsustainable and unverified sources.
The airline’s acting chief executive, Aubrey Swift, said the national carrier would accept those products which are from sustainable sources.
These include shipment of products where individual shark species are not threatened.
The airline will also work with stakeholders to institute an independently verifiable process to achieve this.
The airline, which will be rebranded Fiji Airways on Thursday, conducted a month-long review of its freight policies relating to the carriage of shark and shark-related products.
“We have always understood that this is a sensitive and important matter,” Mr Swift said.
“Notwithstanding the gross inaccuracies and misleading reporting about this issue by some sections of the media, we recognise and accept our responsibilities on environmental and conservation issues and take them very seriously.”
The airline was severely criticised by foreign media for carrying shark fins to Hong Kong.
Many foreign media reports alleged Air Pacific flights to Hong Kong were commercially viable only through the freight of shark fins.
Documented standards
During its review, the airline held discussions with freight forwarders, suppliers and the fishing industry, and sought the expertise of conservation organisations.
“Our findings indicate that Fijian-licensed vessels have documented standards in place on how to effectively manage this issue,” Mr Swaift said.
“The situation is not so clear for unlicensed or foreign vessels.
“After taking into account various considerations, our review highlights we need clearer and stricter policies in place to ensure suppliers only ship sustainably–sourced shark products.
“This is consistent with our overriding commitment to environmental protection and conservation efforts in Fiji.”
“We believe a ban on the shipment of unsustainably-sourced shark fins is the right thing to do, and have implemented this policy effective immediately.
“We will now work with conservation partners and the fishing industry to prepare and implement policies and processes that will ensure that future shipments are sustainably sourced.”
Korean Air too bans
Korean Air has taken a similar stance and followed through with their declaration that they would not be carrying shark fins in their aircrafts.