Sharks and Rays Receive Increased International Trade Protection!

On November 22 the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) added global trade protection to some of the most imperiled shark and rays. In a tidal wave of motions, the protections for all species proposed (over 70) passed this year.
Species listed included:

Appendix I (full international commercial trade ban):Oceanic whitetip sharks
Manta and devil rays
Whale sharks
Zero export quotas (suspension of all exports of wild-caught specimens) for:Wedgefish and giant guitarfish

Appendix II (regulated trade requiring permits and non-detriment findings) for:Gulper sharks
Smoothhound sharks and the Soupfin (tope) shark
 
Together, these listings close major loopholes in the international market for fins, gill plates, meat, skin, jaws and other products helping combat pressures that have caused sharks and ray populations to collapse worldwide.  
More than 37% of shark and ray species are threatened globally with extinction. CITES is an important tool to save endangered sharks and rays. Pelagic shark species have declined by over 70% in just 50 years, and without increased trade regulation and limits on fishing many species are at risk of extinction. Sharks need trade restriction, fisheries protection and additional protection to fend off extinction.
 
Endangered Species Act at Risk- Give Your Voice
Directed by the Trump Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service have proposed to dismantle protections to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including the Blanket Rule that automatically shields threatened wildlife from harm. Other amendments regarding the definition of harm, and the protection of critical habitat are also proposed.

This could have devastating impacts on oceanic whitetips, hammerheads and other species. If these proposals pass, a species listed as "Threatened" will no longer receive automatic protection- like the newly-listed soupfin (tope) shark.

Call to Action: How You Can Help Protect the ESA.  DEADLINE to COMMENT DECEMBER 22

Please sign our petition on Change.org share with your network and contact your representative using the email example at sharkstewards.org

Thanks for supporting sharks and endangered wildlife!

David McGuire, Director,

Shark Stewards