A coalition of over 50 governments is pushing for increased protection of more than 70 shark and ray species. This initiative precedes the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, scheduled for late 2025.
The proposals aim to list these species under CITES Appendix I, which would ban all international commercial trade. The oceanic whitetip shark, facing a 90% decline, and the whale shark, with a population drop of over 50%, are key targets.
Temporary "zero quota" measures are proposed for critically endangered wedgefish and guitarfish rays. The United States, alongside organizations like Shark Stewards, is actively supporting these efforts. These measures are crucial for halting the rapid decline of these species.