In a historic decision, over 100 governments have voted to impose sweeping protections on more than 70 species of sharks and rays facing rapid decline due to international trade. The agreement, reached Friday at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) conference in Uzbekistan, marks the first time that these marine species have received the highest level of protection under the treaty.
The Scope of New Restrictions
The landmark decision includes a full ban on international commercial trade for several critically endangered species: oceanic whitetip sharks, manta and devil rays, and whale sharks. This means that the buying and selling of these animals – or their parts, such as fins, meat, and liver oil – across international borders will now be prohibited.
Why This Matters: A Crisis in the Oceans
The move comes as a response to a severe crisis in shark and ray populations. A 2021 study published in Nature revealed that oceanic shark and ray numbers have plummeted by 71% in the last 50 years. This collapse is directly linked to human activity, including targeted fishing for high-value products like shark fins and accidental catches in industrial fishing methods such as long-lining.
The protections are significant because CITES is the only international body with the authority to restrict trade driving these declines. While previous CITES conferences had begun to regulate some species – increasing managed trade to 90% from 25% three years ago – this latest action represents a fundamental shift in how these animals are viewed.
A Recognition of Sharks and Rays as Wildlife
Luke Warwick, director of shark and ray conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society, described the new protections as a “landmark” moment. He added that this is the first time sharks and rays have been recognized as wildlife, just like elephants or rhinos.
Despite these protections, the reality is stark: over 37% of shark and ray species are still threatened with extinction, and many populations continue to shrink. Effective enforcement of these new restrictions will be crucial to ensure that the trade ban translates into real conservation gains.
The agreement is a powerful first step, but it is not a solution in itself. Continued monitoring, enforcement, and sustainable fishing practices will be essential to reverse the decline of these vital marine species.
