The IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group
Shark News 6: March 1996
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Center for Marine Conservation
The November 1994 meeting of the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) proved to be a pivotal event for
sharks when a resolution to improve international shark data collection
received unanimous approval. Since that time, international efforts to
fulfil this resolution have flourished, and many anticipate that the
information gathered through this process will lead to significant
improvements in shark conservation efforts worldwide. The Center for
Marine Conservation (CMC) believes strongly that resulting shark
management policies must be based in science and supported by an
informed public. Since Shark News contributes immensely to both of
these objectives, CMC is proud to be a sponsor of its publication.
CMC is a private, non-profit organisation dedicated wholly to
maintaining the ocean's ecological integrity for sustainable use and
enjoyment. We use science-based advocacy to prevent over-
exploitation of living marine resources and degradation of marine
habitats. Representing 120,000 members, CMC headquarters is in
Washington, DC, with regional offices in virginia, Florida and California.
CMC has worked for many years to promote comprehensive
management for shark species in US waters and abroad. We
played a leadership role in advocating the implementation of the
US Atlantic shark management plan and we continue to be closely
involved in its amendment. On the US Pacific
Coast, CMC successfully supported a bill in the California legislature
to prohibit directed fishing for white sharks in state waters. CMC has
served on the Executive Committee for the IUCN Shark Specialist
Group since its inception in 1991.
At the 1994 CITES meeting, CMC lobbied for the shark resolution,
and we remain committed to its fulfilment. To this end, CMC is
conducting a review of the international legal authorities relevant to
management and trade of sharks. We will analyse these provisions
against the conservation and management standards set forth in the
UN Treaty on Straddling Stocks and Highly Migratory Stocks, and
other model conservation agreements. Following the release of
TRAFFIC'S shark trade study, CMC and TRAFFIC will produce a joint
shark trade report including policy recommendations.
In the coming year, as we move towards the decisive shark
deliberations at the next CITES meeting, Shark News will serve as an
important vehicle for fostering communication and cooperation on
the various shark initiatives being conducted around the globe. CMC
looks forward to participating in this collaborative process.
For more information on CMC or our shark conservation
efforts, write to: Sonja Fordham, Center for Marine
Conservation, Suite 500, 1725 DeSales St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, USA.
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