CITES Conference Imposes Global Trade Ban on Whale Sharks, Other Marine Species

Governments convening at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Conference of the Parties (CoP20) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, beginning November 24, 2025, adopted extensive new international trade restrictions targeting numerous shark and ray species. The meeting, attended by nearly 200 signatory states, focused on regulating global commerce in wild flora and fauna to ensure the long-term viability of vulnerable populations.

The most significant conservation outcome involved elevating several highly imperiled marine species to CITES Appendix I, the most stringent classification, which imposes a complete prohibition on all international commercial trade. This absolute ban specifically targets the critically endangered oceanic whitetip sharks, all species of manta rays, all devil rays, and the whale shark. This decisive action acknowledges the critical necessity to curb overexploitation, a sentiment supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The listing for whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean, is intended to safeguard them against continued international trade for their fins and meat, with conservationists anticipating this Appendix I status will provide a critical defense against further population decline. The proposal for whale sharks was adopted by consensus, originating from the Maldives. These new regulations directly address the catastrophic decline observed in pelagic shark populations, which have plummeted by over 70% in the last 50 years due to intense fishing pressures, coinciding with a documented 71% decline in global shark and ray abundance since 1970.

Beyond the full trade ban, other species received significant, though less restrictive, protections. Wedgefish and giant guitarfish were added to Appendix II with a mandated "zero quota," effectively halting all exports of wild-caught specimens to facilitate population recovery. Additionally, species such as gulper sharks, smoothhound sharks, and the tope shark were listed under Appendix II, requiring permits and non-detriment findings to ensure that any international trade does not further compromise their survival. The inclusion of gulper sharks is notable, as they are heavily targeted for squalene derived from their liver oil used in the cosmetics industry.

Luke Warwick, WCS Director of Shark and Ray Conservation, characterized the passage of every shark and ray proposal as a landmark victory achieved through the solidarity of countries across multiple continents. Shawn Heinrichs, Founder of OnlyOne, noted that this culmination of efforts moves beyond the 2013 Appendix II listing for manta rays to achieve the strongest global protections ever afforded to these species. The successful passage of these proposals sets a global precedent, representing the most comprehensive advance in the history of the convention, shifting the challenge now to swift implementation and enforcement.