Oceanic whitetip sharks are quickly disappearing from the ocean, largely due to the illegal trade of their fins for shark fin soup.
But, led by Panama, we have reached a turning point, says a new piece co-authored by @WCSsharks for @TIME.
https://t.co/MiuqRblkkV
Countries showed extraordinary support to safeguard #sharks and rays at #CITESCoP20, adopting all 7 proposals, including 3 unanimously.
This momentum can translate into on-the-water action through MPAs that drive #30x30 goals.
See how #MaputoNationalPark is leading the way: https://t.co/CulfgdF0kU
#Whalesharks are an iconic and beautiful species, and their new #CITES trade regulations mark historic conservation progress.
Sustainable tourism could advance their protection, but a new study highlights the need stronger management measures and robust enforcement.
Read more: https://t.co/Nd1u9mlbUO
History was made at #CITESCoP20 - all seven shark and ray proposals officially adopted, turning the tide for the ocean’s most vulnerable species.🦈🌊
Thank you the the champion governments for making this landmark moment happen.
@TheWCS@ifawglobal
Infographics by WCS
#Sharks & Rays Gain Sweeping Protections From #Wildlife Trade | By @AlexaRoblesGil for @NYTScience
The species brought under an international trade ban “are some of the species that have been traded almost to #extinction,” said Luke Warwick.
https://t.co/8Wmh6AgOoQ @WCSsharks
From @nytimes: Sharks and Rays Gain Sweeping Protections From Wildlife Trade
These represent the first time there’s been recognition that some sharks and rays are wildlife, just like elephants or rhinos, WCS’s Luke Warwick tells the paper.
https://t.co/iBLllZkeK2
Sweeping trade protections adopted for sharks and rays at #CITESCOP20.
“It’s taken 20-30 years to get recognition that sharks and rays — keystone predators in marine ecosystems globally — need that protection,” WCS’s Luke Warwick tells @washingtonpost.
https://t.co/b5cnlGEWsk
WCS Celebrates Historic and Sweeping Trade Protections for Sharks and Rays Adopted at CITES CoP20.
All CITES shark and ray proposals pass - marking the most comprehensive advance in global shark conservation in CITES history.
WCS’s Luke Warwick:
“This is a landmark victory, and it belongs to the Parties who championed these protections. Countries across Latin America, Africa, the Pacific, and Asia came together in a powerful show of leadership and solidarity, passing every shark and ray proposal tabled for the CoP covering over 70 species."
Read the full statement here: https://t.co/Qqw1sd9L1m
Historic victory for sharks: #CITESCoP20 Parties voted to list oceanic whitetip sharks on Appendix I, the highest level of protection offered by CITES.
“A watershed moment for all sharks and rays,” said WCS’s Luke Warwick.
Read more: https://t.co/61oaaTfYX0
The @CITES#Cop20 has kicked off in Samarkand, Uzbekistan! Curious about the conference and what it means for sharks? Listen to: https://t.co/MFJe8YccUP
“If the whale shark disappears from the world, I will lose my livelihood.”
This is what’s at stake at the ongoing #CITESCOP20.
In a new short film from the Philippines, filmmaker Steve De Neef captures the importance protecting species like this.
At #CITESCOP20, governments face last chance to save whale sharks, manta rays, and more.
“The science is unequivocal, and the tools and support to implement CITES already exist for governments once listings pass,” says @WCSsharks.
Read more: https://t.co/IYNwz7ok7K
Markets are still selling fins from iconic #sharks and #rays. How can @CITES#CoP20 deliver the protections these species need? Learn more: https://t.co/elNhRgzk0j
LISTEN: Despite over a decade of protections, a widespread illegal trade in shark and rays persists.
This underscores the importance of the upcoming #CITESCOP20 meeting, where governments have the opportunity to take stronger action.
🔊 https://t.co/dKnCVLd4sS
Despite over a decade of international protections, a widespread illegal trade in CITES-listed sharks remains, a new WCS co-authored study reveals.
Upcoming #CITESCoP20 provides an opportunity to address.
Read more: https://t.co/i5HS9mOHm2
Despite protections, endangered #sharks continue to be traded in large numbers.🚨
SCF grantees found high presence of oceanic whitetip shark fins in Hong Kong, bolstering calls for full trade bans at @CITES#CoP20 to protect these iconic species. Read more: https://t.co/cK8T8fb5Ts
📸: Alexander Schmidt
International trade protections from @CITES have proven valuable to helping sharks and rays in the past. The upcoming #CITESCoP20 meeting is a major opportunity to make further progress. https://t.co/i35XpGZFoW
Oceanic whitetip sharks: ~80% decline in 3 generations
Whale sharks: ~50% decline in 75 years
Manta & devil rays: up to 99% decline in some regions
A CITES Appendix I listing would ban international commercial trade.
Keep them in our oceans, not on the market. Sign: https://t.co/03D7MbpCVV