Council Regulation (EC) No. 1185/2003 on the removal of fins of sharks on board vessels.

This Regulation aims at preventing further development of the practice of shark finning. The provisions hereby laid down in fact shall apply to the removal of shark fins and to the retention on board, transhipment and landing of sharks or shark fins (i) by vessels in maritime waters under the sovereignty or the jurisdiction of Member States, or (ii) by vessels flying the flag or registered in Member States in other maritime waters. Article 3 prohibits the following: (a) the removal of shark fins on board vessels and the retention on board, transhipment or landing of shark fins; (b) the purchase, offer for sale or sale of shark fins which have been removed on board, retained on board, transhipped or landed in contravention with this Regulation. Article 4 lays down particular exemptions in connection with the possession of a special fishing permit. Article 5 prescribes the keeping of records by masters of vessels holding such special fishing permit.