At the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) this week, governments are considering proposals to offer better protection for three species of sharks as populations are rapidly decreasing worldwide.
With shark population losses of up to 86% in some locations, overfishing to feed the luxury goods market is having a dramatic effect on the species.
Governments at CITES voted to accept all three species of sharks proposed for listing on to CITES appendix II, which will regulate trade internationally reducing the risk of extinction of these species.
The species under consideration include Oceanic whitetip shark, which received 68.7% of votes for protection, scalloped, great and smooth hammerhead shark, which received 70%, and porbeagle shark, which received 70.4%.
Carlos Drews, head of WWF’s delegation at CITES, said: “It has been shown that governments followed the best available science to make decisions on commercially exploited marine life. Regulating the trade of marine species like sharks, which are facing unprecedented commercial pressures, is key to saving them and ensuring our oceans contribute to food security by staying healthy and productive.”
All of the shark proposals under consideration could come up again before the CITES conference ends on Thursday 14 March 2013.
Mr Drews added: “We encourage governments to stick by these decisions and not reopen the debate before the end of the week – or put this victory for sharks at risk.”
