CITES 13th Conference of the Parties Outcomes

October 22, 2004

Release from:
NOAA

This international meeting concluded October 14, 2004, with significant conservation achievements for marine species. As a result of the meeting, Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) were afforded the full protection of CITES by a listing in Appendix I. The great whales also retained their status under Appendix I. International trade in great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), European date mussel (Lithophaga lithophaga) will now be tracked in Appendix II of CITES. Revised criteria for evaluating species proposals that include specific guidelines for evaluation of marine fish species were adopted at the meeting. The Animals Committee of CITES was directed to continue their review of shark species affected by international trade and to consider and review progress with the implementation of FAO’s International Plan of Action for Sharks. In a ground-breaking move, first proposed by NOAA-Fisheries in 1997, the CITES Standing Committee was directed to convene a workshop to consider implementation, legal and technical issues associated with listing marine fish species in the CITES Appendices.

For more information, contact Nancy.Daves@noaa.gov or (301) 713-1401 x143.