All four proposals to list ~100 additional sharks & rays on Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) have received the final approval for adoption at the closing session at the CITES Conference of Parties in Panama!

The proposals cover previously unlisted requiem sharks (such as reef sharks, Tiger and Blue Sharks) and hammerheads, as well as guitarfishes and freshwater stingrays.

CITES Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid unsustainable use. The listing of the requiem sharks has been heralded as a game changer, given their fins represent the vast majority (85-90%) of the fins in trade.

Congratulations to all groups, organisations and governments who’ve contributed to this fantastic result!

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