In the late hours of March 12 news of the historic CITES Appendix II approval for five species of sharks spread like wildfire. This listing will require strictly controlled permits to export fins from not only the 3 species of hammerheads( great, smooth and scalloped), but also porbeagle and oceanic white tip sharks. With the recent publication of scientific findings estimating the numbers of sharks killed each to year to be approximately 100 million (range of 63 to 273 million) this is a groundbreaking moment seeing science and conservation triumph over politics and greed.
This is a historic accomplishment for our oceans and offers hope that voices will be heard and the hard fought efforts have and do make a difference.
This victory is worthy of celebration, but also a reminder there is still a great deal of work to be done. You don’t have to be an expert, a biologist, a diver or on the frontlines of conservation everyday to make a difference. Every person can make a difference!
YOU Can Help Sharks
For more information:
Shark Savers
PEW
Shark Defenders
Woo Hoo! It's about time!
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