Landmark CITES Pact Shields Over 70 Shark and Ray Species from Trade

A Bold Stand Against Collapse (Image Credits: Flickr)

Delegates from more than 85 countries forged a pivotal agreement at the CITES Conference of the Parties to curb international trade threatening sharks and rays.[1][2]

A Bold Stand Against Collapse

Shark and ray populations plummeted after decades of unchecked exploitation, prompting global leaders to act decisively. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as CITES, witnessed one of its largest expansions of marine protections during its 20th Conference of the Parties in late 2025. More than one-third of all shark and ray species now teeter on the brink of extinction, with open-ocean populations suffering sharp declines over the past half-century.[1]

Delegates from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas rallied behind proposals that tighten trade rules. This consensus marked a watershed moment, as nations recognized the urgent need to halt overfishing driven by demand for high-value products.

Key Threats Driving the Crisis

Global markets fueled the decline through relentless harvesting for shark fins used in soup, meat sold in seafood outlets, and liver oil destined for cosmetics and supplements. The meat trade alone surpasses fins in volume and economic value, amplifying the pressure on vulnerable species.[1]

Fisheries targeted these animals indiscriminately, often as bycatch in other operations. Without intervention, ecosystems faced irreversible damage from the loss of these apex predators, which regulate marine food webs.

Breakdown of the New Protections

The agreement uplisted over 70 shark and ray species to stricter CITES appendices. Species listed under Appendix I, such as whale sharks, manta rays, devil rays, and oceanic whitetip sharks, now face a complete ban on international commercial trade.[1][3]

Other listings under Appendix II demand export permits backed by scientific evidence of sustainable harvests. Nations must suspend exports for critically depleted groups like wedgefish and giant guitarfish until populations stabilize. For details, see the Mongabay report.[4]

• Whale sharks: Appendix I, full trade ban.
• Manta and devil rays: Appendix I protections.
• Oceanic whitetip sharks: No commercial trade allowed.
• Gulper sharks and houndsharks: Require trade permits.
• Wedgefish and giant guitarfish: Export suspensions.

Ecosystem Guardians Restored

Sharks and rays maintain ocean health by controlling prey populations and supporting biodiversity. Their depletion triggered cascading effects, from algal blooms to shifts in fish stocks. These protections aim to foster recovery, ensuring balanced marine environments for future generations.[1]

Conservation groups like the International Fund for Animal Welfare hailed the outcome as a clean sweep for marine life. Further reading available via the IFAW press release.[3]

Implementation will challenge fishing nations to adopt sustainable practices, with CITES monitoring compliance closely.

This CITES milestone underscores international cooperation’s power to safeguard oceans. Populations may rebound if trade curbs hold firm. What steps should follow to ensure lasting impact? Share your thoughts in the comments.

• About
• Latest Posts

Sumi Sarkar

Latest posts by Sumi Sarkar (see all)

• South Texas Eyes U.S. Record for Hottest Winter Temperature With 106°F Inferno in February - May 9, 2026
• Bats Play a Crucial Role in Controlling Insect Populations Across the United States - April 30, 2026
• The Recovery of the California Condor Offers Hope for Other Critically Endangered Birds - April 30, 2026