At UN Summit CMS CoP15: Governments Move to Halt Global Shark Declines with Landmark Protections

In March 2026, a major step forward for global shark conservation unfolded at the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CITES), held in Campo Grande, Brazil. Governments from around the world came together to address the growing crisis facing migratory marine species, and sharks were firmly at the centre of the conversation.

The outcomes of this summit mark one of the most significant international commitments to shark protection in recent years. As populations continue to decline at alarming rates, the decisions made at CMS CoP15 signal a shift from concern to action recognising that urgent, coordinated global efforts are essential to safeguard the future of these iconic ocean predators.

A Critical Moment for Sharks at CoP15

Sharks play a fundamental role in maintaining the balance and health of marine ecosystems. As apex and mesopredators, they regulate prey populations and help sustain biodiversity across ocean habitats. However, decades of overfishing, bycatch, and the expansion of international trade in shark products have pushed many species to the brink.

According to assessments by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, several shark species are now classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered, reflecting steep population declines across their global ranges. What makes their conservation particularly challenging is their migratory nature. Many shark species travel vast distances across national borders and into international waters, exposing them to inconsistent protections and varying levels of fishing pressure.

This is where CMS plays a vital role. Unlike many conservation agreements that operate within national jurisdictions, CMS is specifically designed to protect migratory species across their entire range. By bringing countries together under a shared framework, it creates both accountability and opportunity for meaningful, coordinated conservation.

For more information on CMS and its work, visit: https://www.cms.int

You can also explore how species are listed under the Convention here: https://www.cms.int/en/species

Landmark Protections for Threatened Sharks at CoP15

Thresher Sharks (All Species) – Appendix I

All three species of thresher sharks, the Pelagic, Bigeye and Common Thresher sharks have now been granted Appendix I status. Known for their strikingly long tails, which they use to stun prey, these sharks are among the most distinctive species in the ocean. Yet despite their unique adaptations, they are highly vulnerable to human pressures.

Thresher sharks are characterised by slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive output. These biological traits make it extremely difficult for their populations to recover once depleted. Combined with intense fishing pressure, both as targeted catch and accidental bycatch, their numbers have declined significantly across many regions.

By listing thresher sharks under Appendix I, CMS now requires member states to implement strict protections, including prohibiting their capture and taking steps to minimise accidental mortality. This designation represents a critical opportunity to stabilise and eventually rebuild populations, provided that these measures are effectively enforced.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark – Appendix I

Great Hammerhead Shark – Appendix I

Equally significant was the inclusion of both the scalloped hammerhead and the great hammerhead shark under Appendix I. These species are not only among the most recognisable sharks globally, but also among the most threatened.

By Kris Mikael Krister - Imported from 500px (archived version) by the Archive Team. (detail page), CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71443690

Both species are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, largely due to unsustainable fishing practices and the high demand for their fins in international markets. Their life histories further compound the issue, as they rely on a range of habitats throughout their lives, from shallow coastal nurseries where juveniles develop, to offshore seamounts and open ocean environments where adults congregate.

This complex life cycle makes them especially vulnerable to exploitation at multiple stages. The Appendix I listing is therefore a vital step, obligating countries to enact strict national protections and reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration. Without such coordinated efforts, conservation measures in one region can easily be undermined by continued exploitation elsewhere.

Patagonian Narrownose Smoothhound – Appendix II

While some species received full protection, others were recognised as requiring a different approach. The Patagonian narrownose smoothhound was listed under Appendix II, highlighting the need for improved international cooperation rather than outright prohibition.

This coastal shark species is heavily fished in parts of the Southwest Atlantic, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. It plays a significant role in local fisheries, supporting livelihoods and food security for coastal communities. However, increasing fishing pressure has led to population declines exceeding 80% in some areas over recent decades.

The Appendix II listing aims to bring range states together to develop coordinated management strategies. This includes improving data collection, sharing scientific research, and implementing sustainable fishing practices. By focusing on collaboration rather than restriction alone, this approach seeks to balance conservation needs with the socio-economic realities faced by coastal communities.

From Policy to Practice: The Road Ahead

Despite the significance of these new listings, their success will ultimately depend on how they are implemented at the national level. International agreements can set the framework for action, but it is up to individual countries to translate these commitments into effective policies, enforcement mechanisms, and on-the-ground conservation efforts.

This includes strengthening fisheries management, improving monitoring and compliance, and investing in research to better understand population trends and threats. It also requires engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that conservation measures are both practical and equitable.

Without this follow-through, even the most ambitious protections risk remaining symbolic rather than transformative.

A Defining Moment for Shark Conservation

The outcomes of CMS CoP15 represent a defining moment in the global effort to protect sharks. By recognising the urgent need for stronger protections and greater international cooperation, governments have taken an important step toward reversing the decline of some of the ocean’s most vital species.

For organisations like Shark Guardian, this momentum reinforces the importance of continued education, advocacy, and collaboration. Protecting sharks is not only about preserving individual species, it is about maintaining the health and resilience of entire marine ecosystems.

The decisions made in Brazil send a clear message: the world is beginning to act. The challenge now is to ensure that these commitments lead to real, measurable change in our oceans.