Spiny Dogfish or Spurdog were at one time the most abundant shark species in the world.  However intensive fisheries pressure has brought many populations around the world to the brink of catastrophe. The North East Atlantic population has declined by over 95%, in this region Spiny Dogfish are now considered Critically Endangered on the IUCN Redlist.

Consumed in many European countries Spiny Dogfish are favoured by fish and chip shops in the UK.  Customers consume Rock Salmon, Rock Eel or Flake probably unaware that they are buying an endangered shark.   

Current Front-Bench Spokesman on Fisheries for the UK Conservative Delegation of MEPs. Struan Stevenson commented to the Shark Trust, “It is essential that all Fish & Chip Shops stop selling Rock Salmon immediately. In the meantime the European Commission should take urgent steps to provide this slow-maturing species of shark with proper protection, prohibiting the catching of Spurdog.”

In response to these concerns the Shark Trust has launched a national public survey of the estimated 13,000 fish and chip shops in the UK. This is where you can help! 

The Rock Salmon National Public Survey

British Fish and Chip shops are the latest focus in a bid to halt the demise of a once common shark. But with 13,000 fish and chip shops throughout the UK, we need you help!

How can I help?