Looks like several shark species will be getting more international protection.
Project AWARE contributed to the 12th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention of the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS CoP12). The conference was held in Manila, the Philippines, from October 23-28, and was attended by representatives of over 90 countries.
During the conference, nations agreed to list the whale shark on Appendix I, and the angel shark on both Appendicles I and II. Additionally, the dusky shark, blue shark, the common guitarfish, and the white-spotted wedgefish, have all been added to the list on Appendix II.
Project AWARE welcomed the new actions, but also expressed their concerns along with two other NGO partners about the plight of the mako shark. Although listed, the mako has not benefited from any definitive action taken to help protect the species.
In addition to the conservation of migratory fish species, a side to the conference agreed that more action needed to be taken to combat the negative effects of marine trash on these migratory species.
Find out more about the role of Project AWARE in the CMS here. You can find out more about the Convention of the Conservation of Migratory Species here.
