Last week, at the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), governments reaffirmed stronger protections for sharks and rays.
The oceanic whitetip shark, porbeagle, three species of hammerheads, and both manta rays (all classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List) will now be added to CITES Appendix II, which prompts permits to ensure exports are sustainable and legal.
The only sharks listed under CITES previous to this meeting (basking, whale, and white sharks) are not taken in the high volumes associated with the newly listed sharks. The freshwater sawfish will be transferred from Appendix II to I, where all other sawfishes are listed, thereby completing a global ban on international commercial trade in these critically endangered species.
The shark and ray proposals received more than the two-thirds majority of votes necessary for adoption, while the sawfish listing succeeded by consensus.
Dr Carlos Drews, head of WWF’s CITES delegation, said, “This is a historic moment, where science has prevailed over politics, as sharks and manta rays are being obliterated from our oceans. This decision will put a major dent in the uncontrolled trade in shark meat and fins, which is rapidly destroying populations of these precious animals to feed the growing demand for luxury goods.”
