Countries back strong new trade limits for sharks and rays at CITES summit

Mongabay
Mongabay
5d ago • 6 views
Delegates at a CITES summit have agreed to new protections for over 70 shark and ray species, marking a significant step in marine conservation. This decision aims to combat the decline of these threatened species due to overfishing and habitat loss.
Countries back strong new trade limits for sharks and rays at CITES summit
A What happened
During the CITES summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, delegates from 184 countries and the European Union reached a consensus on new protections for over 70 species of sharks and rays. This includes elevating certain species, such as the oceanic whitetip shark and whale shark, to Appendix I, which prohibits commercial trade. This is a significant move as it marks the first time CITES has applied full trade prohibitions to widely traded shark and ray species. Experts emphasize that these measures are crucial for the conservation of these species, which are facing drastic population declines due to overfishing and habitat loss. The new regulations also include zero annual export quotas for heavily exploited species like giant guitarfish and wedgefish. All species listed will now be subject to strict trade controls, ensuring sustainability and legality in international trade.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Significant conservation step: New trade limits aim to protect threatened shark and ray species.

  • 2

    Global support for measures: All proposals received broad backing, highlighting concern for marine life.

  • 3

    Impact of overfishing: Sharks and rays face population declines due to fishing and habitat loss.

Takeaways

The adoption of these new trade limits at the CITES summit represents a crucial advancement in the global effort to protect vulnerable shark and ray species. Effective implementation of these measures could lead to improved conservation outcomes and sustainable fisheries management.