Global Protections For Sharks & Rays: Strengthened Under CITES
The global community has taken a major step forward in protecting sharks and rays—species essential to the health and balance of our oceans. At the 20th Conference of the Parties to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), more than 70 shark and ray species received strengthened international protection through landmark decisions that represent one of the most significant conservation advancements in recent years.
This collective action marks a powerful moment of global unity to safeguard vulnerable marine species that have faced decades of pressure from overfishing, habitat loss, and international trade.
What the New CITES Protections Include
The decisions made at CITES COP20 reshape global protections for sharks and rays across multiple families and ecological roles. Key measures include:
Appendix I Uplisting: Full Ban on International Commercial Trade
CITES voted to uplist several highly vulnerable species to Appendix I, the highest level of protection, prohibiting all international commercial trade:
Whale sharks
Oceanic whitetip sharks
All manta rays
All devil rays
These species have suffered dramatic declines in recent decades, making this protection critical for global recovery.
Zero Export Quotas: Complete Suspension of Wild-Caught Trade
Two families of rays will now have zero export quotas, effectively banning the export of wild-caught specimens:
Wedgefish
Giant guitarfish
These species are among the most threatened on the planet, and the ban represents a major conservation victory.
Appendix II Listings: Regulated Trade With Strict Safeguards
Several species will now fall under Appendix II, meaning trade can occur only with permits and non-detriment findings ensuring sustainability:
Gulper sharks
Smoothhound sharks
Tope shark
This regulatory framework puts essential guardrails in place to prevent further population declines.
Why This Matters for the Ocean
Sharks and rays are keystone species—their presence, abundance, and health influence the entire marine ecosystem. As apex and mesopredators, they help regulate food webs, maintain species diversity, and support the ocean processes that sustain all life on Earth.
Strengthening protections for these species is a direct investment in ocean balance and resilience at a time when global marine systems are under increasing pressure.
OCEARCH’s Perspective
For more than a decade, OCEARCH has worked to advance open-source science that supports evidence-based conservation and global policy. The new CITES protections align with our mission to return the world’s oceans to balance and abundance through collaborative research, transparency, and scientific understanding.
John Tyminski, OCEARCH Data Scientist, shared:
“These new global protections under CITES represent a historic breakthrough for marine conservation, with more than 70 species of sharks and rays now receiving stronger international protection. This breakthrough decision offers real hope and symbolizes multinational solidarity and commitment to protecting these vulnerable species that are vital to the health and balance of our oceans.”
This moment underscores the power of collective action and the importance of research-driven decision-making. The next step is ensuring that these protections are implemented effectively across international borders—and that the science continues to guide how we protect sharks and rays moving forward.
What's Next?
OCEARCH will continue to:
Advance science on shark movement, life history, and population structure
Share open-source tracking data with the world
Support global partners and policymakers with actionable insights
Advocate for science-based management and conservation
Educate the public on the critical role sharks play in ocean health
These protections are a milestone—but not the finish line. Sustained collaboration, enforcement, and scientific research will determine the future of these species.
