date:Nov 23, 2012
ks are particularly vulnerable to over-fishing because of their slow growth rate and small number of young.
The appetite for their fins, which can sell for up to 1,000 euros ($1,300) each, is greatest in China, where they are the main ingredient of shark fin soup.
Thursday's European Parliament vote is a strong signal, but needs to be matched by approval from member states to make the draft law definitive.
European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki welcomed the st