As we approach the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES in November 2025, there is a growing push to increase international trade regulations for critically endangered shark species. This proposal aims to move several shark species, including the scalloped hammerhead, whale shark, and oceanic whitetip shark, from Appendix II to Appendix I of CITES. But why do these magnificent creatures deserve such heightened protection from the wildlife trade?
The Urgent Need for Stronger Protections
Sharks are facing an unprecedented crisis. According to recent studies, more than 37% of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, with this figure rising to a staggering 70% for species involved in international trade. These statistics underscore the critical importance of strengthening global protections for these vulnerable marine predators.
The scalloped hammerhead, whale shark, and oceanic whitetip shark are prime examples of species in dire need of increased protection:
- Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini): Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, this species has experienced severe population declines due to overfishing and demand for its fins.
- Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus): Despite being listed under Appendix II two decades ago, the whale shark’s conservation status has worsened to Endangered. This gentle giant continues to face threats from fishing and the wildlife trade.
- Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus): Once abundant in tropical oceans worldwide, this species is now Critically Endangered. Despite current Appendix II protections, it continues to be caught and traded for its fins.
The Impact of CITES Listings
A recent study by Bond et al. (2022) highlights the positive impact of CITES listings on shark and ray conservation globally. The research found evidence of political will (54% of CITES Parties) and regulatory reforms (48% of Parties) to protect listed species. Additionally, 27% of Parties have implemented effective compliance monitoring and enforcement, including confiscations of non-compliant trade.
These findings demonstrate that CITES can play a crucial role in improving shark and ray conservation and management measures at national scales. However, the severity of the conservation crisis suggests that trade reforms driven by CITES listings alone may not be sufficient to address the complex challenge of overfishing.
Global Support and U.S. Position
The proposal to increase protections for these shark species has garnered support from more than 50 governments, including Panama, Ecuador, Brazil, Senegal, Benin, Maldives, the EU and its member states, and the U.K. However, notably absent from this list of supporters is the United States. Under the previous administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) did not back these proposals, raising questions about the country’s commitment to shark conservation on the global stage.
Shark Stewards: Champions for Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
Organizations like Shark Stewards have been at the forefront of efforts to protect endangered shark species, particularly the oceanic whitetip shark. Their work includes:
- Advocacy: Pushing for stronger international protections and domestic regulations to safeguard oceanic whitetip sharks.
- Research: Supporting scientific studies to better understand the species’ population dynamics and threats.
- Public awareness: Educating the public about the importance of shark conservation and the negative impacts of the shark fin trade.
As we approach CoP20, the fate of these critically endangered shark species hangs in the balance. By increasing international trade regulations and moving them to CITES Appendix I, we can provide these magnificent creatures with the strongest possible protections and give them a fighting chance at recovery. The time to act is now – before it’s too late for these irreplaceable species that play such vital roles in marine ecosystems.
Sign the petition: Support Shark Stewards’ Change.org petition calling for increased protections for oceanic whitetip sharks
Other Ways You Can Help
Individuals can play a crucial role in supporting the protection of these critically endangered shark species:
- Spread awareness: Share information about the plight of these shark species on social media and within your community.
- Contact your representatives: Urge your government officials to support the proposal to move these shark species to CITES Appendix I.
- Make sustainable choices: Avoid consuming shark products and support sustainable fishing practices.