Press release n°5
CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
17th Conference of the Parties. Johannesburg – South Africa
September 24 to October 5, 2016
Sharks
Sharks fall victim of targeted and accidental catches from the fishing industry. The fins are subjected to intense international trade and aimed at the Asian market. Once the fin cut off, the carcass is the most often thrown back to sea; it is rare that the meat be used.
The silky shark was listed in Appendix II of CITES with 111 votes in favour, 30 votes against, 5 abstentions. Their name comes from their soft skin. Found in the tropical ocean and coastal waters, populations in the Atlantic have dropped by 90% since the 1950s.
Thresher sharks have been listed in Appendix II by 108 votes against 29, 5 abstentions. Its name comes from its extraordinary long caudal fin. Thresher sharks are found in all temperate and tropical oceans of the world. Populations have dropped by 99% in the Mediterranean. The fins are sold under the name “wu gu” for 25 US$/kg.
Historical opponents to listing sharks under CITES Appendices rose to the occasion, especially Japan and Island.
Mobula rays (9 species spread around the world in temperate and tropical waters). Listing in Appendix II. The gill lamellae are sold between 290 and 557 US$/kg as fortifier in China.
Banggai cardinalfish. The European Union surrendered to Indonesia. Proposal to list the Banggai cardinalfish in Appendix II has been withdrawn. Indonesia pledges to take measures in favor of conservation, a promise it has been making since 2007.
Clarion angelfish. Listing in Appendix II. It is an orange colored fish found off Mexico and Clipperton sold up to 2000 US$ to aquarium collectors. Listing was accepted (95 votes for, 5 abstentions, 21 against) despite opposition from Vietnam and Japan.
Nautilius. Listing in Appendix II was approved (112 for, 10 abstentions, 9 against).
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