Updates
WWF offers shark management recommendations for ICCAT’s annual meeting
As the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meets in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for their 26th annual meeting on 18 – 25 November 2019, WWF presents its recommendations for better shark and ray management.
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A ray of hope for mako sharks and rhino rays at CITES CoP18 – 18 threatened shark species added to Appendix II
The 18th Conference of the Parties (CoP18) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) concluded in Geneva, Switzerland today, bringing great news for mako sharks and rhino rays. With the support of two-thirds majority of parties secured for each listing proposal, shortfin and longfin mako sharks, wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes will be included in the Appendix II of the convention to regulate international trade in these animals and their products.
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Sharks and rays in the international spotlight at CITES CoP18
[UPDATED on 26 Aug 2019] WWF supports three proposed shark and ray Appendix II listings ahead of the upcoming 18th Conference of the Parties (CoP18) to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Improved management and trade controls are key to reducing population declines in listed species.
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WWF’s shark management recommendations for the Western and Central Pacific laid out
Sharks and rays feature prominently in our recommendations for the 15th regular session of the Scientific Committee (SC) of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) taking place in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, on 12 – 20 August, 2019
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IATTC approves proposals on whale shark and silky shark conservation
The 94th annual meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) concluded with two shark-related resolutions accepted, adopting conservation measures for whale sharks and silky sharks.
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Total federal protection of four shark and two ray species implemented in Malaysia
Following a proposal originally submitted by the Sabah government to the federal government of Malaysia, as of 17 July 2019 four shark species and two manta ray species gain country-wide protection under the Federal Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999, Fisheries Act 1985.
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New conservation measure adopted In the Indian Ocean to protect vulnerable devil rays
The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) has adopted the first ever conservation management measure (CMM) for Mobulid or devil rays. Countries agreed to release caught animals using safe release guidelines, improved data collection and scientific investigation of the survival rates of released rays.
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WWF draws up five-point “to-do list” for Dutch minister
WWF NL recently applauded the work of Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Carola Schouten for drawing up a strategy to protect sharks and rays in the Dutch Caribbean. But WWF NL is also calling on the senior government leader to deliver on an earlier pledge to better protect sharks and rays much closer to home, in the North Sea.
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Atlantic tuna species threatened by record levels of overfishing and alleged criminal activities: WWF urges ICCAT to deliver stringent action
Dubrovnik, Croatia - A €12 million annual trade in illegal bluefin tuna recently uncovered in the Mediterranean and the dramatic overfishing of tropical tunas, pushing populations at risk of collapse, underline the need for serious action by the EU and tuna fishing nations at the ICCAT meeting in Croatia that began 12 November.
See WWF press release
Ecuador strengthens export control abilities of sharks and their by-products
WWF Ecuador recently held a training workshop on Non-detrimental Findings (NDF) for shark species included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
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Encouraging a fin-free culture in Malaysia
WWF-Malaysia, together with partners Association of Wedding Professionals Malaysia (AWP) and Shark Savers Malaysia (SSMY), announced their consumer engagement on shark-fin consumption reduction through the “Wedding without Fins Project.” The objective of this project is to encourage the wedding industry to be stewards and inspire wedding couples to go fin-free at their wedding ceremonies.
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Critically endangered giant sawfish caught and sold by fishermen
A giant 15-feet long female large-tooth sawfish, a species whose fishing is banned under Sindh government notification, was caught by fisherman on Saturday, 26 May along Sindh coast. A shrimp trawler caught the dead but large sawfish - locally known as liara, in its net.
See WWF Pakistan press release
Indian Ocean Tuna Commission must implement agreed actions to rein in overfishing
In advance of the 22nd annual meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), WWF has issued a warning about the repeated failure of member states to implement the limits agreed by the Commission to halt overfishing of a number of key stocks, including yellowfin and bigeye tuna, among others. WWF understands that this matter is unlikely to be tabled for agreement at its meeting from 21-25 May in Bangkok and considers this unacceptable.
See WWF Global Site
Conservation actions highlighted at Second Indonesia Shark and Ray Symposium
The Second Indonesia Shark and Ray Symposium wrapped up with calls for increased research-related improvements to the nation’s waters, such as an integrated research roadmap covering improved fishery data from West Indonesia, more studies on rays, and more research on social, economic and institutional factors affecting marine wildlife populations.
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Fiji taking leadership role in shark and ray conservation
Ian Campbell, Manager of WWF’s Shark and Ray Initiative, Sharks: Restoring the Balance, WWF-Pacific, appeared on live TV in Fiji recently to note that Fiji is stepping up its efforts to drive environmental protection efforts on behalf of sharks and rays.
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