Environmentalists have welcomed important new legal protections for dozens of threatened marine species after productive talks in Central Asia.
According to Phys.org, more than 70 shark and ray species are currently subject to enhanced international protections. Signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) backed tighter restrictions on trade in endangered marine species during talks in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
“This is a historic victory for sharks and one we strongly hoped for,” said Barbara Slee, senior program manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Species listed under CITES are divided into three appendices. The most threatened is Appendix 1, which means a complete ban on commercial trade and strict regulation of research specimens. Appendix 2 involves access to threatened species and similar species; trade is strictly regulated. The third annex may be applied at the request of a Member State, but enforcement is less stringent.
The most notable additions to Appendix 1 include whale sharks, manta rays and manta rays.
The first is a critically endangered, temperate giant animal whose fins, oil and meat have been overexploited, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Adding it to Appendix 1 fills the gap in its legal protection in some countries.
Manta rays are also harmless behemoths with the largest brains of any fish. In fact, according to Oceana, their impressive heads are 10 times larger than those of whale sharks.
Manta rays get their name from their unique “horns,” which are actually just their head fins. They are known for their incredible agility, with some able to leap up to two meters out of the water at a time.
Marine megafauna such as sharks and rays play a vital role in the health of marine ecosystems through nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.
CITES has had problems with uneven enforcement, but has had some important successes, notably the 1989 crackdown on the ivory trade. Getting it on the list is a crucial first step, but it also requires support from officials.
It’s more important than ever to support candidates who will enact and support climate legislation.
If implemented correctly, these measures could lead to a turnaround. “This should mark the end of overfishing and provide new hope for sharks,” Slee said.
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.