The IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group
CITES Swims into High Seas
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CITES Swims into High Seas
14 October 2004
Gland, Switzerland, IUCN-The World Conservation Union. During their deliberations, Parties reaffirmed that CITES has an important role in contributing to the conservation and management of marine species in international trade. Specifically, Parties adopted decisions aimed at improving the conservation and management of sea cucumbers and sharks, species whose trade is not currently regulated by CITES. The involvement of CITES in shark conservation and management dates back to 1994. The Convention has not only stimulated the development of a UN Food and Agricultural Organisation International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks, but by reviewing development of National Plans of Action, has raised awareness of fisheries agencies regarding the high priority to be placed upon management efforts for these biologically-vulnerable species, despite their small contribution to global fisheries.
Parties agreed to add three new marine species (humphead wrasse, date mussel, and great white shark) to Appendix II and consequent control of commercial international trade, with final endorsement of these decisions to take place in plenary on October 14th.
The landmark decision to list the Humphead Wrasse, a resident of coral reefs, on Appendix II recognizes the likely benefits of developing new synergies between fisheries and trade management measures. This is particularly the case for small island developing states with large Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and limited enforcement capabilities with respect to the activities of foreign fleets. Much of the trade in this species is in easily recognisable live juveniles and often transported by airplane into key demand centres, so implementation of this listing is less problematic than for many other species. However, the difficulties of regulating imports by sea into some key entry ports were clearly noted, and IUCN will continue working with relevant authorities on this issue.
The Mediterranean date mussel (Lithophaga lithophaga) is a rock-boring mussel that is harvested with highly destructive methods such as blasting and hammering. The high price of this species in European markets has driven over-exploitation of the species in some locations. This species is protected under the Bern and the Barcelona Conventions, and Parties at CITES stressed the need for synergies between environmental agreements, noting that CITES could complement the national and regional efforts undertaken to protect this species and its habitat.
The White Shark, as the other two shark CITES listed species (Basking Shark and Whale Shark), is a highly migratory species. National measures alone cannot deliver sustainable management of stocks that move between range states and the high seas. CITES can play an important role in achieving international and regional cooperation by creating important synergies between traditional fisheries management measures and trade regulation instruments.
For some years, Parties have recognized difficulties in the implementation of the Convention in cases involving highly migratory species, whose range extends beyond the jurisdiction of coastal States. In such cases where species are, in the words of the convention Introduced from the Sea, the issuance of permits and making of non-detriment findings can be challenging. Given the complexity of the matter, Parties agreed to undertake intersessional work on this issue. Conservation of marine resources beyond national jurisdiction will be one of the important issues to be considered by the 3rd World Conservation Congress, both at the Forum and during the MembersBusiness Assembly, as several motions related to High Seas biodiversity conservation have been presented.
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