‌ International trade regulations for sharks and rays have been substantially strengthened following decisions made at⁢ the 19th Conference of the⁢ Parties (COP19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of⁤ Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Panama City, Panama,‍ in November⁣ 2023. These new protections aim⁢ to address the escalating threat ‌to these species, driven by‌ a⁢ global trade estimated to be worth over ⁢2 billion euros according to the World ⁣Wildlife Fund.
⁣

Species Added ‌to⁤ CITES Appendices

‍ Several ⁢shark and ray species were added to‌ CITES Appendices, each level conferring different degrees of ⁢protection. Gulper sharks, targeted for their livers (used for squalene, an oil used in cosmetics and health supplements), along with smoothhound and tope sharks⁤ (primarily fished ⁤for their meat), were listed under CITES’ Appendix II.

​ Appendix II listing requires CITES ‌parties to strictly regulate international trade, ensuring it is traceable and biologically sustainable. This means countries exporting these​ species must demonstrate that the trade isn’t‌ detrimental to the species’ survival.​ The listing covers 20 species⁢ of gulper sharks and 30 species of smoothhounds,grouped together due to the difficulty in distinguishing their products in trade.

More⁢ critically endangered species, including wedgefish and giant guitarfish – large, ⁤shark-like rays prized for⁣ their highly​ valuable fins – are now subject to a ​temporary suspension of trade.

⁢ ​ The most critically important change involves oceanic whitetips, whale sharks, manta rays, and devil rays. These​ species⁣ have ⁢been added to CITES Appendix I, meaning they face a high risk of extinction due to⁣ trade and are afforded the treaty’s highest level of protection.⁣ International trade in these species is now‍ prohibited, except for non-commercial purposes.

Understanding the CITES appendices

CITES⁢ categorizes species⁣ into three Appendices, each with different implications for trade:
‌

• Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction.Trade is generally prohibited except under exceptional circumstances.
• Appendix II: Species​ that may become threatened with extinction. Trade is permitted but strictly regulated.
• Appendix III: Species that require cooperation to control trade in a specific‌ country.

The Scale of the Shark and⁢ Ray Trade

The global trade in shark and ray meat, fins, and other products is significant and growing.The WWF ⁤estimates the trade to be ⁢worth over 2 billion euros annually. Demand is driven by