Brussels, 27/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 26 February, the Shark Alliance, a coalition of more than 60 conservation, scientific and recreational organisations, issued its “EU Member State Challenge”, an exercise in tracking and publicising countries' activities in protecting sharks against fishing activities. In April, European fisheries ministers will adopt conclusions on the European action plan for the conservation of sharks (presented on 5 February, see EUROPE 9834). In the light of the in formation gathered, the Shark Alliance will list member states according to their measures to protect sharks species (http: //http://www.sharkalliance.org/challenge ). This is an intelligent way to push EU countries to implement early the measures contained in the European action plan. (L.C./transl.rt)