March 30, 2026
Governments at the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) have agreed to significant new protections for some of the world’s most endangered species of large sharks.
The decisions adopted at the the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) in Campo Grande, Brazil last week included new listings of Hammerhead and Thresher sharks on CMS Appendix, I, the highest amount of protection provided internationally.
Targeted for fins and meat and killed as bycatch across the global ocean, Appendix I provides protection for all thresher shark species and two species of hammerhead sharks. As apex predators in ocean ecosystems, these sharks play a more important role than most species regulating ocean health. Signatory countries to the CMS Party, Governments are obliged to implement these listings through national prohibitions on the catch of these species.
“These charismatic predators are iconic and vanishing in global ocean, as much as 95% for great hammerhead sharks. They are all listed by the IUCN as threatened with extinction and we need to to take every measure available to protect them form local to international,” said David McGuire, Director of the non-profit Shark Stewards.
“These CMS Appendix I listings are an important recognition of this urgency, and all nations should observe trade and fishing regulations immediately in recognition of this international consensus.”
Another species protected included the Patagonian narrownose smoothhound (Mustelus schmitti). These small groundsharks are one of the most heavily landed shark species in Argentina and Uruguay are a coastal species vulnerable to habitat loss, bycatch in trawls and targeted catch.
Additionally, previously listed under Appendix I, Oceanic Whitetip sharks received increased measures to prevent their extinction. Bowmouth guitarfish also received actions to prevent their decline from the wildlife trade and habitat loss.
Shark Outcomes at CMS CoP15
Thresher Sharks (Pelagic, Bigeye, Common) – Appendix I (Proponent: Panama)
The Convention listed all three species of thresher shark species (Genus Alopias) on CMS Appendix I, requiring strict national protection measures across their range. These highly migratory sharks move across national boundaries into international waters, where they face intense fishing pressure as both from the fin trade, as targeted catch and bycatch. Severe global population declines, combined with low reproductive rates, have made these sharks vulnerable to overexploitation. The Appendix I listing will require countries to prohibit take and reduce human-caused mortality, providing a critical pathway for recovery and reinforcing the need for coordinated international action.
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark – Appendix I (Proponent: Ecuador)
Governments adopted an Appendix I listing for the scalloped hammerhead shark. This species is classified globally as Critically Endangered. Populations have declined sharply due to overfishing, bycatch, and international trade in fins. This species’ complex life cycle, including migratory behavior across multiple national jurisdictions from coastal nurseries to seamounts, including offshore aggregation sites coordinated protections critical. The listing strengthens national protections and enhances international collaboration to support recovery.
Great Hammerhead Shark – Appendix I (Proponent: Ecuador)
The great hammerhead shark was also listed on CMS Appendix I, recognizing its Critically Endangered status and severe population declines driven by unsustainable fishing and high-value trade. As a highly mobile species that undertakes long-distance movements across ocean basins, it depends on strong protections across its full range. Appendix I status reinforces the need for urgent action to prohibit take and reduce mortality through coordinated international efforts.
Patagonian Narrownose Smoothhound – Appendix II (Proponent: Brazil)
Governments agreed to list the Patagonian narrownose smoothhound on CMS Appendix II, strengthening regional cooperation for this Southwest Atlantic species shared by Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. With population declines exceeding 80% over three generations, largely due to fishing pressure, the listing will support improved monitoring, data sharing, and fisheries management. This coordinated approach is essential for both species recovery and the sustainability of coastal livelihoods that depend on it.
Oceanic Whitetip Shark – Appendix I Additional Measures
- As a species previously listed on Appendix I, CoP15 focused on tightening enforcement, with documents highlighting the need for bycatch management as it is still frequently found in trade despite protection.
- Parties adopted decisions requesting reports on national measures to meet obligations and ban retention.
- Bow Mouth Guitarfish & Rhino Rays:
- The conference agreed to intensified Concerted Actions for rhino rays, a group that includes Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) and other critically endangered wedgefishes and guitarfishes.
- These actions target key points in their lifecycle to stop population declines.