"Seven proposals at the upcoming Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species conference of the parties would benefit up to 70 species of sharks -- if they pass."
"On July 1 more than 70 species of sharks and rays, including beloved species like whale sharks and manta rays, were proposed for strict protections under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES (pronounced 'sight-ease'). Oceanic whitetip sharks -- once considered one of the most-abundant large animals in the ocean but whose populations have declined by 90% or more -- are also up for protections.
These proposals have the potential to help transform international shark conservation.
This year is an important conservation milestone: the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP) of CITES. Described as 'the world's largest and most influential meetings on international wildlife trade,' the nations meeting at the conference will debate and vote on a variety of proposals that help regulate global trade of plants and animals.
International trade poses a major threat to many species, since the highest demand for wildlife products like meat, fins, feathers, or wood often comes from countries outside of these species' native ranges. The decisions made at CITES, therefore, have the power to save species of conservation concern from extinction."
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