Over 70 Endangered Sharks and Rays On Track for Global Trade Protection
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📰 The quick summary: More than 50 governments are pushing to protect over 70 shark and ray species through CITES, aiming to curb commercial trade of these endangered marine animals that face serious extinction threats.
📈 One key stat: More than 37% of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, rising to over 70% for species in international trade, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protection measures.
💬 One key quote: “The world is at a tipping point for sharks and rays,” Luke Warwick, director of shark and ray conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), said in a press release.
1️⃣ The big picture: A significant conservation effort is underway as more than 50 governments have submitted proposals to protect over 70 shark and ray species under CITES, the global convention on wildlife trade. These proposals aim to limit or ban commercial trade of these marine species, many of which are endangered or critically endangered. Among the species proposed for the highest protection level are whale sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, and oceanic manta rays, which would move from Appendix II to Appendix I. Additionally, critically endangered wedgefish and guitarfish rays may receive temporary “zero quota” status, which effectively bans commercial trade to allow population recovery.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The growing international support for shark and ray protection signals a positive shift in marine conservation priorities, with more than 50 countries backing these proposals. CITES listings serve as catalysts for meaningful conservation action, prompting countries to limit or completely phase out catch and trade of threatened species. The proposals include appropriate protection levels tailored to different species’ needs – from complete trade bans for the most endangered to temporary restrictions for those that can recover more quickly. Previously controversial aquatic species listings have successfully passed at recent CITES meetings, showing increasing momentum for protecting these vulnerable ocean predators. This global cooperation demonstrates a growing recognition of sharks’ and rays’ ecological importance.
3️⃣ What’s next: The proposals will be deliberated at the 20th meeting of CITES this November, where member countries will vote on the listings. Implementation will depend on the capacity and political will of individual countries. Success will require continued monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with new trade restrictions.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – Countries seek urgent CITES protection of more than 70 sharks and rays
