Two new guides to help identify sharks and rays in the Southeast Asian region have been released.
The guides, collectively called Pocket Field Guide: sharks and rays in Southeast Asian region and have descriptions of the most commonly found 25 species of rays and 25 species of sharks.
The guides are the work of the CITES Secretariat and the Secretariat of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).
The primary purpose of the publication is to allow fisheries officers, researchers, and CITES authorities to better identify sharks and rays found in their waters.
Ivonne Higuero, the CITES Secretary-General, commented on the guide, stating:
“We believe the information in these new guides will greatly support efforts to conserve CITES-listed marine species from overfishing in South East Asia, thus contributing to ensure fisheries in the region can remain sustainable. As Parties continue to discuss the potential listing of additional marine species and the implications for fisheries and fishing communities, tools like these guides and SEAFDEC’s technical reports can only support Parties in implementing the Convention and achieving its conservation and sustainable use objectives.”
You can find out more information here.
