Member countries at the Conference of Parties (CoP) agreed to grant strict protection to 21 species of sharks and rays under the Appendices of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
Protection has been granted for the reef manta, nine devil rays, and the five sawfishes, while the member countries committed to conserve all three species of thresher sharks, two types of hammerheads, and the silky shark, much to the satisfaction of conservationists.
“Manta and devil rays are exceptionally vulnerable to overexploitation, usually having just one pup every few years,” explained Ian Campbell from WWF.“The Appendix I listing obligates CMS Parties to ban fishing for reef manta and all devil ray species, and reflects a responsible, precautionary approach in light of their inherent susceptibility to depletion.”
The proposal to list the thresher shark was brought by the EU. Silky shark listing was proposed by Egypt, while Ecuador and Costa Rica jointly proposed the two hammerhead species. Kenya put forward the sawfish proposal, and both the reef manta and devil rays were proposed by Fiji.
Listing on CMS Appendix I commits countries to strictly protect species, while Appendix II listing encourages international co-operation towards conservation of shared species. The rays (including sawfish) were listed under both Appendices, while the six shark species were added to Appendix II.
The CMS Parties also agreed a Resolution encouraging improved data collection and fisheries managements for sharks and rays.
“We could not be more pleased that, in the end, all of the proposals to list sharks and rays under CMS were adopted, and yet we stress that the benefits of such listings depend on concrete follow-up action by the Parties,” added Amie Brautigam of the Wildlife Conservation Society. “We urge countries to channel the overwhelming concern for sharks and rays demonstrated at this historic meeting into leadership towards national protections and regional limits on fishing.”
