EU and US block plans to protect endangered shortfin mako sharks

The species, mainly caught as bycatch but also prized by sports fishermen, is facing an alarming decline in numbers

Conservationists accused the EU and the US at negotiations of Atlantic fishing nations this week of blocking urgently needed plans to protect the world's fastest shark species.

The strength and speed of the shortfin mako, which can swim up to 43mph, makes it a target for sports fishermen, particularly in the US, while its highly prized meat and fins have led to the shark being overfished globally - and dangerously so in the north Atlantic.