Global Agreement Enforces Protections for Sharks and Rays

Governments around the world have taken a significant step to protect sharks and rays, which are facing extinction largely due to overfishing. At the conclusion of the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, more than 70 species of sharks and rays, including the oceanic whitetip shark and manta ray, received new protections under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This landmark agreement marks a historic commitment to regulate or ban international trade in these threatened species.

Sharks and rays serve as apex predators in marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining ocean health. Despite their importance, these species have been subjected to extensive fishing pressures, contributing to a global market valued at nearly $1 billion annually, according to Luke Warwick, director of shark and ray conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The new conservation measures aim to curb demand for shark products such as meat and fins. “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. More than one-third of shark and ray species are now threatened, with pelagic shark populations declining by over 70 percent in the past 50 years.

Addressing the Silent Crisis

The reality of the situation is alarming. Reef sharks have largely disappeared from one in five coral reefs globally, and Warwick described the ongoing extinction crisis as a “silent crisis.” Historically, sharks have lacked the stringent regulations applied to commercially valuable fish like tuna, resulting in their exploitation as if they were fast-reproducing species. Sharks and rays mature slowly and produce far fewer young compared to many other fish. For example, manta rays typically give birth to only seven live pups during their lifetimes.

Manta rays are particularly targeted for their large gill plates, used in traditional medicines in Asia despite the absence of scientific support for their efficacy. Shark fins are considered a delicacy in luxury cuisines, especially in Chinese dishes like shark fin soup, while shark meat finds its way into both human and pet food.

The unregulated trade has led to population declines exceeding 80 percent in some regions. “The cosmetic industry, really, in a way, is driving the trade of the sharks,” stated Gabriel Vianna from the Charles Darwin Foundation, which focuses on conserving the Galapagos Islands. Squalene, derived from shark livers, is a common ingredient in skincare products and has also been used in vaccines, including those for COVID-19.

A New Era for Marine Conservation

Prior to the recent decisions made at CITES, there were no international controls to regulate trade in sharks and rays, despite increasing demand for their livers and other products. The recent agreements represent a turning point in marine conservation, with all proposed protections for sharks and rays being adopted with near-unanimous support from CITES’ 185 member countries and the European Union. This unprecedented backing reflects a growing recognition of the need for urgent action.

Historically, CITES has focused on protecting iconic land species such as elephants and rhinos. Only in the past decade has it begun to address the plight of sharks and rays with similar seriousness. This year, significant species such as the oceanic whitetip and whale sharks have been uplisted to CITES’ Appendix I, which prohibits international trade due to their high extinction risk.

The new listings require all CITES parties to strictly regulate international trade and ensure that it is traceable and biologically sustainable. Some species, like the wedgefish and giant guitarfish, are now protected by a temporary trade suspension. For species listed under Appendix I, any illegal trade will be subject to immediate enforcement.

While many advocates celebrate this progress, they acknowledge the complexity of implementation. “We are very happy but we are very sad at the same time,” said Vianna, emphasizing the need for effective enforcement to protect these vulnerable species. Research indicates substantial gaps in monitoring and enforcement, particularly in complex supply chains. Genetic analyses have shown that illegal trade significantly exceeds documented legal trade, revealing the challenges ahead.

As countries work to implement these new protections, the focus will be on investing in identification tools, capacity building, and routine monitoring to ensure that the protections translate into tangible reductions in illegal trade. According to Cardeñosa, while these new listings will not eliminate illegal trade overnight, they significantly enhance the ability of countries to detect and prosecute illegal shipments.

The recent decisions at CITES signal a critical moment for marine conservation and the future of sharks and rays. If effectively enforced, these protections could pave the way for the recovery of species that have suffered under decades of unregulated trade.