Home / Environment / Historic Win: Sharks and Rays Granted Enhanced CITES Protection
Historic Win: Sharks and Rays Granted Enhanced CITES Protection
8 Jan
Summary
- Over 70 shark and ray species now have enhanced international protections.
- Whale sharks, manta rays, and devil rays are notably added to Appendix 1.
- New protections aim to curb overfishing and support ocean ecosystem health.
Conservationists are celebrating a significant victory for marine life, as over 70 species of sharks and rays have secured enhanced international protections. These crucial safeguards were established during recent talks in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The most impactful additions include whale sharks, manta rays, and devil rays, now listed under CITES Appendix 1. This designation imposes a total ban on commercial trade for these critically endangered species, closing vital protection gaps. These gentle giants play a critical role in ocean ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.
This CITES listing marks a pivotal first step toward ending overfishing and offers a fresh wave of hope for marine megafauna. While CITES has faced challenges with enforcement in the past, this development, if adequately supported by officials, could catalyze a much-needed turnaround for threatened marine species.
