As the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20) opens today, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is calling on governments to take urgent action to halt the accelerating collapse of global shark and ray populations.
Currently, over 37% of all shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, and the risk nearly doubles for species involved in international trade. Recent genetic testing in major markets has revealed that far more shark products are circulating than recorded in official CITES data, exposing pervasive illegal and unreported trade. Over the past 50 years, pelagic shark populations on the high seas have declined by more than 70%, while reef sharks are now functionally extinct on 20% of surveyed coral reefs. Without immediate, coordinated action, many species face total disappearance.
The proposals under consideration at CoP20, co-sponsored by more than 50 governments, represent the most comprehensive suite of shark and ray protections ever proposed under CITES. Key measures include:
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Appendix I: Oceanic whitetip shark; all manta and devil rays; whale shark
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Zero export quotas: All wedgefish and giant guitarfish species
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Appendix II: Gulper sharks; smoothhound and tope sharks
If adopted, these measures would bring nearly the entire global fin trade and the majority of shark meat trade under CITES control.
“CoP20 is a test of global will,” said Luke Warwick, Director of WCS Shark & Ray Conservation. “Species like oceanic whitetip sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks cannot survive commercial trade. The science is clear, and the tools exist for governments to implement CITES protections once listings pass. Parties must act before these animals disappear from our oceans.”
The proposed listings would also align CITES with the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and key tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, which already prohibit retention of many of these species. Governments have access to free ID guides, genetic tools, and enforcement resources to support rapid implementation.
“Recent science shows we are approaching a conservation tipping point for sharks and rays,” said Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS Vice President of International Policy. “We are running out of time to enact and enforce measures that prevent widespread extinctions. These listings align CITES with other global commitments and send a clear signal that the world intends to protect these incredible species before it is too late. This is how we turn the tide.”
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