The world’s main land trade agreement increased protections for more than 70 species of sharks and rays last week. This action is groundbreaking in protecting shark and ray species from the wildlife trade at the highest level.
More than a hundred governments voted to protect declining shark and ray species at CITES, which stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The decision, announced on Friday (28) in Uzbekistan, includes a complete ban on international trade in oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharinus longimanus), manta rays (Mobula peristris(And the rays of Satan)Mobula Tarapakana) and whale sharks )Rincodone type).
Luke Warwick, conservation director for sharks and rays at the Wildlife Conservation Society, described the new protection as a “milestone”, adding that it represents “the first time these species have been recognized as terrestrial animals as well as terrestrial species”.
Over the past 50 years, humans have caused a sharp decline in the number of sharks and rays swimming in the open ocean. Overfishing has led to a 71% decline in these ocean species, according to a study published in the journal Nature in 2021.
Sharks and rays are hunted for their fins, gills, meat, and liver oil. They are often caught as bycatch while longline fishing for tuna or swordfish, a method that involves thousands of baited hooks.
Three years ago, at the previous CITES conference, some species of sharks and rays were listed in Appendix 2, increasing the proportion of fin trade managed by CITES from about 25% to 90%.
On the other hand, more than 37% of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, and many species are continuing to decline. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which has been in force since 1975, is the only international agreement with the power to restrict international trade behind these declines.
Cites regulate and monitor international trade in certain species, and are listed in three appendices, depending on the level of protection required.
Shark species placed under a comprehensive international trade ban were moved on Friday from Appendix 2 to Appendix 1, the strictest level of regulation.
“These are some species that have been trafficked to near extinction,” Warwick said.
The plant and animal species listed in Appendix 1, which include tigers, gorillas and scarlet macaws, are considered endangered and at greatest risk of extinction.
Quilme (Centrophorus granulosum), smooth dogfish (Mostelos Mostelos(And the dogfish with the crystal beak)Galliorhinus gallius) were recently listed in Appendix 2, a lower level of protection that allows trade with certain licenses. Deep-sea species, including kelp, are sought after for their liver oil, which is used to make products such as moisturizers and antioxidants.
The guitarfish and giant guitarfish are also being promoted in Appendix 2, both of which are often traded for their fins. These species have been added to the “zero quota” category, which is prohibited from being exported, to allow their numbers to recover.
“This is really just the beginning,” Warwick said. “It encourages stronger preventive measures, and perhaps national protection measures, in countries around the world.”
The restrictions associated with the new listings will take effect over a period of 3 to 18 months, depending on the type. Implementation is one of the most challenging steps, said Rima Jabado, a shark expert at the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
“But we have the tools,” he added. “We have the information, so we know what we need to do to implement. We just need to make sure countries know it and can act on it.”
More shark species could be added at future CITES, Jabado said, adding: “Because we are not keeping up with the pace of exploration, and this exploitation is driven by trade.”
Whales and turtles have been protected by CITES for four decades. As for sharks and rays, which have historically been viewed as little more than fishing commodities, “it took us a long time to get there,” Jabado added.
Among other animals that received new protections on Friday was the elusive and endangered okapi (okabia johnstony), a giraffe-like antelope with zebra-like stripes, endemic to the Congo. The species is now listed on Appendix 1, which prohibits all international trade of the animal or its parts.