THE North coast is to become a haven for sharks that are caught for their fins -the key ingredient in an unusual soup.

Tope sharks swim off the region's coast and have been caught to sell to the Far East to create shark fin soup.

The dish is considered a delicacy and fishermen can charge large amounts for fins.

Once the shark is caught, its fin is cut off and the fish returned to the water.

The North-Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee has applied to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for the introduction of a by-law making the practice illegal. It also wants to ban the commercial fishing of tope sharks to protect the species, but does not object to them being caught during recreational fishing where they are returned to the water.

"Shark finning" is illegal under EU regulations, except for fishermen who have a permit.

If introduced, the by-law will protect topes in water six miles out to sea, from the River Tyne to the River Humber.

The tope is considered harmless to humans, but is a popular game and aquarium fish and is hunted commercially for its meat, liver oil, fins, and for fishmeal.

It can grow almost two metres in length and weigh up to 45kg.

Simon Price, of the committee, said: "We want to stop the trade in shark fins because it is like the ivory trade."

Shark fin soup has been used for more than 2,000 years to honour guests or mark important occasions in China.

At least 125 countries are involved in the shark fin trade, with Hong Kong at its centre.