Global Governments Enact Historic Protections for Sharks and Rays

Global governments have taken a significant step to protect marine biodiversity by agreeing to impose international trade restrictions on sharks and rays. At the conclusion of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Conference of the Parties (COP20) held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, more than 70 species, including the oceanic whitetip shark, whale shark, and manta ray, were granted new protections.

This landmark decision marks the first time a comprehensive international agreement has been established to curb the trade of these species, which face the threat of extinction. The treaty requires countries to regulate or prohibit trade in species endangered by overfishing and habitat loss, emphasizing the urgent need for global conservation efforts.

Sharks and rays are apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, they have been subjected to extensive fishing practices that have contributed to a market valued at nearly $1 billion annually, according to Luke Warwick, director of shark and ray conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

Urgent Conservation Measures Adopted

The new conservation measures adopted at COP20 signal a pivotal commitment to regulating the demand for shark meat, fins, and other products. “These new protections are a powerful step toward ensuring these species have a real chance at recovery,” said Diego Cardeñosa, an assistant professor at Florida International University and lead scientist at the Predator Ecology and Conservation Lab.

More than a third of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, with pelagic shark populations declining by over 70 percent in the last 50 years. Reef sharks have largely disappeared from one in five coral reefs globally. Warwick noted, “We’re in the middle of an extinction crisis for these species, and it’s kind of a silent crisis.” The major driver of this decline has been overfishing, as sharks and rays have historically lacked the protections afforded to other commercially valuable fish.

The new CITES regulations aim to elevate the conservation status of these species. Species like oceanic whitetips, whale sharks, mantas, and devil rays are now classified as Appendix I species, indicating they face a high risk of extinction due to trade. This classification prohibits their international trade.

Economic Impact and the Role of Trade

Sharks and rays have been targeted for various reasons. Manta rays, for example, are primarily sought after for their gill plates, which are used in traditional medicines in Asia, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. Their meat often finds its way into local diets or animal feed. Shark fins are particularly prized in luxury cuisine, especially in dishes like shark fin soup, while shark meat serves as a low-cost protein source in many regions.

The unregulated trade of these species has led to dramatic population declines of over 80 percent in some areas. The cosmetic industry has played a significant role in driving demand for shark products, particularly their livers, which are harvested for squalene, a common ingredient in skincare products and some pharmaceuticals, including COVID-19 vaccines. “We should be using synthetic options and not exploiting these species,” said Gabriel Vianna from the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Until the recent CITES decisions, there were no international controls to regulate the trade of sharks and rays, even as demand for their livers surged. The new regulations are expected to change this landscape significantly, representing a turning point in marine conservation, as Warwick emphasized.

The European Union, a major player in the shark meat trade, has supported these protective measures alongside the 185 CITES member countries. The adoption of these regulations demonstrates a collective recognition of the need to address the threats facing these marine species.

As a result of the CITES decisions, gulper sharks, smoothhound sharks, and tope sharks are now listed under Appendix II, requiring all member countries to regulate international trade strictly. Some species, including wedgefish and giant guitarfish, have received a temporary suspension of trade, indicating a proactive approach to conservation.

Despite the optimism surrounding the new regulations, experts acknowledge the challenges ahead. Vianna remarked, “We are very happy but very sad at the same time,” highlighting the ongoing concern over the precarious status of these species.

Research conducted by Cardeñosa and Warwick reveals that fins from shark and ray species, including the oceanic whitetip, have been frequently found in Hong Kong, the world’s largest shark fin market. The study found that the number of oceanic whitetip shark fins detected was over 70 times greater than reported in official CITES records, indicating that more than 90 percent of this trade is illegal.

“This tells us that enforcement gaps remain, especially in large, complex supply chains,” Cardeñosa stated. With the new protections in place, there is hope that loopholes allowing illegal trade will be closed. “The new listings will not eliminate illegal trade overnight, but they will significantly strengthen the ability of countries to inspect, detect, and prosecute illegal shipments,” Cardeñosa added.

For these new protections to be effective, a commitment to routine monitoring and investment in identification tools will be essential. The international community now faces the challenge of translating these regulatory advancements into meaningful conservation outcomes for sharks and rays, ensuring their survival for future generations.