For the first time ever, countries around the world have come together to protect sharks and rays from overfishing and extinction. Last week, more than 70 species, including well-known ones like oceanic whitetip sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays, received new legal safeguards. These protections aim to help species that have been heavily targeted for their fins, meat, and other products, pushing them toward the brink of extinction.

Historic Agreement Under CITES

The new protections were established through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as CITES. This is a United Nations treaty that requires countries to regulate or ban international trade of species threatened with extinction. This marks a major milestone for marine conservation, as sharks and rays are now recognized as needing urgent international action.

Sharks and rays play crucial roles in maintaining healthy oceans. As apex predators, they help control populations of other marine animals, keeping the ecosystem balanced. For decades, they have been caught and traded globally, fueling a market worth nearly $1 billion each year. Their decline has raised alarms among scientists and conservationists.

Why These Protections Matter

The new safeguards mean that nations must now implement stricter controls on catching, trading, and exporting these species. This can include bans, permits, or other restrictions designed to prevent overexploitation. The move is seen as a critical step to curb illegal fishing and trade that threaten shark and ray populations worldwide.

According to Luke Warwick, who leads shark and ray conservation efforts at the Wildlife Conservation Society, these protections could help stabilize declining populations. They also send a strong message that the international community values these animals and recognizes their importance to ocean health. It’s a hopeful sign that more efforts will follow to protect marine biodiversity.

Overall, the agreement represents a major shift in how the world views sharks and rays. Instead of just commodities, they are now recognized as vital parts of the ocean ecosystem that deserve legal protection. This could inspire further national and regional measures to safeguard these species for future generations.

Inspired by

• https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/12/sharks-and-rays-gain-landmark-protections-as-nations-move-to-curb-international-trade/

Sources

• insideclimatenews.org
• wcs.org
• nih.gov
• insideclimatenews.org
• science.org