Nations Unite to Shield Sharks and Rays from Extinction

Global governments have agreed to widespread international trade bans and restrictions for sharks and rays being driven to extinction. Last week, more than 70 shark and ray species, including oceanic whitetip sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays, received new safeguards under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The convention, known as CITES, is a United Nations treaty that requires countries to regulate or prohibit international trade in species whose survival is threatened. The sweeping conservation measures were adopted as the treaty's 20th Conference of the Parties (COP) came to a close in Panama City, Panama. According to Luke Warwick, director of shark and ray conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an international nonprofit dedicated to preserving animals and their habitats, the global market for sharks and rays is worth nearly $1 billion annually. Warwick stated, "This is a major victory for sharks and rays, and for the oceans as a whole. These incredible animals play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, and it's essential that we take action to protect them." Sharks and rays are closely related species that have been caught and traded for decades, contributing to their declining populations. The new protections aim to curb the unsustainable trade of these species, which are often targeted for their fins, meat, and other body parts. The CITES agreement requires countries to implement strict regulations and monitoring systems to prevent overfishing and ensure that trade is sustainable. The conservation efforts have been years in the making, with scientists, policymakers, and conservationists working together to raise awareness about the plight of sharks and rays. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed many shark and ray species as vulnerable or endangered, highlighting the urgent need for action. Dr. Amanda Vincent, a marine biologist and director of the Project AWARE Foundation, said, "This is a critical step forward in protecting these incredible animals. We must now work together to ensure that countries implement these new protections effectively and that trade is monitored and regulated to prevent overfishing." The CITES agreement is a significant milestone in global efforts to conserve marine biodiversity. The treaty has been instrumental in protecting numerous species, including elephants, rhinos, and tigers. The new protections for sharks and rays demonstrate a growing recognition of the importance of marine conservation and the need for international cooperation to address the challenges facing the world's oceans. As the CITES agreement comes into effect, countries will need to work together to implement the new regulations and monitoring systems. The Wildlife Conservation Society and other conservation organizations will continue to work with governments and stakeholders to ensure that the protections are effective and that trade is sustainable.