Nations Unite to Shield Over 70 Shark and Ray Species from International Trade

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, also known as CITES, last week. The convention, a United Nations treaty, 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 concluded in 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. "This is a major victory for shark and ray conservation," Warwick said. "The international trade in these species has been driving many towards extinction, and we are thrilled that governments have come together to take action." Sharks and rays are closely related species that play similar roles as apex predators in the ocean, helping to maintain healthy marine ecosystems. They have been caught and traded for decades, with many species targeted for their fins, meat, and liver oil. The new CITES regulations will prohibit international trade in 18 species of sharks and rays, while restricting trade in 54 others. The conservation measures were adopted after years of campaigning by environmental groups, scientists, and governments. "This is a significant step forward in protecting the world's oceans and the species that call them home," said Patricia Wright, a marine biologist at the University of California, Berkeley. "Sharks and rays are not just important predators, but also indicators of the health of our oceans." The new regulations will require countries to implement stricter controls on the trade of sharks and rays, including monitoring and enforcement of catch limits, as well as stricter labeling and certification requirements for traded products. The regulations will also provide a framework for countries to collaborate on conservation efforts and share best practices. The CITES treaty has been in place since 1973, and this is the first time that sharks and rays have been added to the list of protected species. The new regulations will come into effect in 18 months, giving countries time to implement the necessary measures. The move is seen as a major step forward in protecting the world's oceans and the species that depend on them. In a statement, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) welcomed the decision, saying it "marks a significant milestone in the fight against the overfishing and trade of shark and ray species." The UNEP noted that the new regulations will help to reduce the pressure on shark and ray populations, which are essential for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. The conservation community is hailing the decision as a major victory, but also acknowledges that more work needs to be done to protect these species. "This is just the beginning," said Warwick. "We need to continue to work with governments, communities, and industries to ensure that these new regulations are effective and that we can protect these incredible species for generations to come."