CITES members agree on enhanced protection for sharks and rays

The CITES World Species Conference concluded on Friday in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with agreements to enhance international safeguards for specific shark and ray species. Among the new measures are bans on commercial trading of endangered devil rays and whale sharks.

Additional strict regulations were introduced for species including those within the smooth-hound shark family, such as dogfish. Certain guitarfish also saw their trade rules tightened, with a complete prohibition on exports of individuals caught in the wild.

The resolutions impact numerous species and are pending final approval during the conference plenary session. On Thursday, the endangered oceanic whitetip shark received an upgraded protection status, moving to a full commercial trade ban.

Environmental groups praised the conference outcomes. Heike Zidowitz from WWF Germany commented that the dogfish, native to the region and facing extinction, will now be traded only under controlled conditions. Ralf Sonntag from Pro Wildlife highlighted that the newly protected sharks and rays reproduce slowly, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing.

The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) oversees the trade of threatened animals and plants, aiming to limit international commerce to ensure species survival. Delegates from signatory countries have been meeting in Samarkand since Monday to discuss these measures.

Author: Sophia Brooks