Worldwide Accord Achieved by 185 Nations to Safeguard 70 Threatened Shark and Ray Species
The 20th conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has recently wrapped up with a significant resolution to enhance protections for 70 species of sharks and rays. Convened in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, representatives from over 185 nations reached an agreement to bolster regulations under an international wildlife trade agreement. This resolution is set to be implemented within a timeframe of three to 18 months and is deemed vital for reversing the declining populations caused by overfishing and the high demand for their body parts.
Traditionally, sharks and rays have not been given the same level of protection as other marine species such as whales and turtles. Consequently, they have been subjected to unsustainable fishing methods. Wedgefish and related guitarfish are sought after for shark fin soup, gulper sharks for their liver oil which is used in skincare products, and rays for their gill plates in traditional medicinal practices. Their susceptibility is heightened due to their slow growth rates and late onset of reproductive maturity.
The treaty classifies species into appendices based on their protection requirements. Appendix I consists of species such as whale sharks, oceanic white tip sharks, and manta rays, for which all forms of commercial international trade are banned. Appendix II, which permits regulated trade, now includes gulper sharks, smooth-hound sharks, and guitarfish.
The pledge to safeguard these apex predators is not just a move toward protecting specific species but also a major initiative to uphold the equilibrium of marine ecosystems. Robust populations of sharks and rays are essential for the overall vitality of oceanic environments. Although implementing these measures will be challenging, the resolution is regarded as a pivotal moment in conservation efforts, potentially protecting some of the ocean’s most endangered species.
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