What is CITES and why is it important?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is a treaty between 175 governments that protects around 33,000 species to some extent. CITES meets every three years to change trade rules and to set in place agreements that member nations adhere to voluntarily.  The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP15) will take place between March 13^th and 25^th in Dohar.  On the agenda are more than 40 proposals – to strengthen or weaken protections.  Generally, the discussions will reflect  concerns – or lack of –  of the international community on the rapid decline of environments by climate change and by the more acute problems created by exploitation of marine and forest environments through over-fishing, illegal hunting and logging.

Where do sharks stand?

Three species of sharks – Great White, Basking and Whale – are already listed on Appendix II of CITES.  This means these species can be imported if the exporting country makes a scientifically-based finding that export will not harm the survival of the species. Additional species can be added to a proposal if they or their parts are similar to those of another listed species.

CITES listings explained

There are three appendixes for CITES.

Appendix I is for species threatened with extinction. Listing under Appendix I means a ban on international trade for the species concerned.

Appendix II includes species that, although may not be under current threat of extinction,  risks becoming extinct without the trade being strictly controlled. Appendix II listings serve to monitor and limit trade to sustainable levels through requirements for export permits and non-detriment findings.  Most of the species covered by CITES are listed in Appendix II.

Appendix III listings are imposed by individual nations unilaterally without further approval by other Parties and serve to encourage cooperation to control the trade in species raising concern.

A species may be placed on more than one appendix depending on populations.

In the works for CITES

Proposals by the European Union, US and Palau –  a country that created the world’s first shark sanctuary – banning all commercial shark fishing in its waters to limit international trade in some types of sharks are scheduled for the CITES meeting.  A US/Palau proposal seeks to add Oceanic Whitetip, Scalloped Hammerhead, Great Hammerheads, Smooth Hammerheads, Dusky and Sandbar sharks to Appendix II (which would require export permits for all international trade).  An EU/Palau proposal seeks to add Porbeagle sharks, and spiny dogfish sharks to Appendix II.

Different interests, who’ll win out?

Again, as in other forums to protect marine species, Japan – a major consumer of shark fin – threatens to put up resistance against conservation moves.  Clearly, those nations that rely on the trade of species in question will have a large stake.  But those who endeavour to protect sharks and ensure the preservation of the oceans have the biggest stake.

What can we do?  Support conservation moves.  Sign petitions.  See organisations working in the area of shark conservation.

Shark Trust (UK)

Shark Savers (USA)

WildAid

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