(GERMANY OUT) Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Carcharhinus longimanus, Brother Islands, Red Sea,
Egypt ... [+] (Photo by Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild via Getty Images) In a significant leap forward for marine conservation, the 14th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals recently concluded, showcasing remarkable achievements in safeguarding sharks and rays. This gathering of experts explored a myriad of challenges facing these oceanic species, delving into ecological connectivity, bycatch issues, and the impact of deep-sea mineral exploitation. The sand tiger shark ( Carcharias taurus ), also known as the grey nurse shark in Australia and the raggedtooth shark in
South Africa, emerged as a focal point, earning a place on both CMS Appendices I and II. “We congratulate the CMS Parties for the consensus inclusion of the Sand Tiger Shark on CMS Appendices,” says Dr. Susan Lieberman from the Wildlife Conservation Society. “These oceanic top predators are assessed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, due to pressure from artisanal, recreational, and commercial fisheries. With this CMS listing, their take is now prohibited for all 133 CMS Party Governments, and we are hopeful that the listing on Appendix II will help enhance international cooperation to both eliminate these threats and conserve their habitats.” Additionally, the global populations of the blackfin guitarfish ( Glaucostegus cemiculus ), Lusitanian cownose ray ( Rhinoptera marginata ), and duckbill eagle ray ( Aetomylaeus bovinus ) secured a spot on Appendix II, with Mediterranean Sea populations receiving an added layer of protection on Appendix I. These listings mark a crucial step in mitigating the threats faced by these species and restoring their habitats. The Angelshark ( Squatina squatina ), listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, also saw a victory with the adoption of a Single Species Action Plan for its conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. “With this action plan countries have an opportunity to implement concrete conservation action to ensure that this threatened shark is safeguarded in one of its last remaining strongholds, the Mediterranean Sea,” said Eva Meyers, co-founder of the Angel Shark Project and partner of the Angel Shark Conservation Network (ASCN). Concerted Actions targeting rhino rays and the blue shark (Prionace glauca) were endorsed, focusing ... [+] on key intervention points to improve conservation status. The dire state of the oceanic whitetip shark ( Carcharhinus longimanus ) was also acknowledged, prompting a call for national and regional management measures. Concerted Actions targeting rhino rays and the blue shark ( Prionace glauca ) were endorsed, focusing on key intervention points to improve conservation status. A resolution supporting the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project garnered widespread approval and was adopted. These discrete, three-dimensional habitat portions are vital for shark species and are now recognized as key elements in marine spatial planning. Dr. Rima Jabado, Deputy Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, hailed this decision as a testament to global commitment in reducing shark and ray mortality: “We welcome the recognition of ISRAs as an expert-driven approach to identifying areas that are critical for the survival of migratory sharks and rays. With this decision, governments further showed their commitments to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by supporting the consideration of ISRAs in marine spatial planning. It’s only by working together and using all the conservation tools available that we will be able to reduce the mortality of sharks and rays and ensure their recovery.” As the conference drew to a close, attention turned to the road ahead. The real work, it became evident, lay in the implementation of these visionary ideals. With the establishment of International Working Groups and the commitment of resources, the stage is set for tangible progress.