Bangkok, Thailand—In
a stunning victory, the much-maligned great white shark has won
international trade protection today under the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) in a vitally important vote in Committee. Trade regulation
through CITES would greatly enhance domestic measures to protect
this species and support its listing on the Convention on Migratory
Species.
“This globally-threatened, slow growing, long lived marine predator
needs global help more than ever,” noted Nicola Beynon Humane
Society International spokesperson and Chair of the SSN Fish Working
Group. “Without immediate international action under CITES, the
global trade in shark jaws, fins, and teeth will exacerbate its
decline across its range. We simply cannot stand by while this
species, which has roamed the oceans for millions of years, is
decimated by human greed.”
“In fact,” added Adam Roberts, Executive Director of the Animal
Welfare Institute and an Officer of the Species Survival Network,
“one set of jaws from a great white shark from South Africa was
valued at $50,000, with small jaw sets fetching between $10,000 and
$20,000. Even individual teeth can go for hundreds of dollars.”
Carroll Muffett, Director of International Programs for Defenders of
Wildlife added, “On the first day of the meeting we found hundreds
of great white shark teeth and two complete sets of jaws for sale on
the internet, completely unregulated. Demand like that and ease of
purchase creates a huge incentive for fishermen to kill great whites
wherever they find them—whether they’re targeted internationally or
caught accidentally in nets or fishing lines.”
Australia and Madagascar introduced the proposal, which was approved
by an overwhelming majority vote: 87 in favor, 34 against, and 9
abstentions. “Australia and Madagascar deserve high praise for
acting on behalf of the 45 nations serving as range States for the
species,” Beynon added. “The vulnerable great white has been
subjected to significant population declines, but we’re confident
that listing on Appendix II of CITES will help halt this precipitous
decline and allow the species to recover over time.”
