Historic Global Victory for Sharks and Rays at CITES CoP20

In a groundbreaking moment for marine conservation, governments from around the world have voted to implement sweeping new international protections for sharks and rays under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The decisions made at the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20), held in Samarkand in late November 2025, mark one of the most comprehensive advances in global shark and ray protection in history.

The highlight of the conference was the upgrading of the Oceanic Whitetip Shark to CITES Appendix I, the highest level of protection under the convention. This historic move completely bans international commercial trade in the species and its products, such as fins and meat, offering one of the ocean’s most iconic predators a genuine chance of recover.

CITES Appendix descriptions

oceanic Whitetip Shark | Carcharhinus longimanus

A Milestone for Marine Conservation

This is the first time in CITES history that a shark species has been granted full trade protection under Appendix I. The decision for the Oceanic Whitetip comes after years of alarming population declines, with studies showing that pelagic sharks have dropped by more than 70 percent over the past 50 years. Globally, more than one-third of all shark and ray species are now threatened with extinction.

The move to ban international trade in Oceanic Whitetip Sharks was part of a broader package of proposals at CoP20, all of which were successfully adopted. In total, more than 70 shark and ray species received new trade protections. Among them were the whale shark, manta and devil rays, and several species of wedgefish, giant guitarfish, and deep-sea gulper sharks. Some of these species have now been moved to Appendix I, while others received Appendix II listings, requiring strict export permits and sustainable trade verification.

In addition, CITES adopted zero export quotas for certain species, effectively halting the export of wild-caught individuals. These measures aim to close long-standing loopholes in global trade that have fueled overexploitation for shark fins, gill plates, and meat — key drivers of population collapse in many regions.

Global Collaboration for Ocean Protection

The CITES decisions were co-sponsored by more than 50 governments from across Latin America, Africa, the Pacific, and Asia — a level of global unity that conservationists have described as unprecedented. The collective effort sends a powerful signal that the world is finally recognizing sharks and rays as critical components of healthy ocean ecosystems.

These new protections also build on years of work by conservation organizations and researchers who have long advocated for stronger trade regulations. With the inclusion of these species under CITES, nations are now legally obligated to enforce restrictions, strengthen monitoring, and report compliance. This creates an opportunity for meaningful recovery — provided enforcement remains strong and community-based solutions are part of the process.

A Turning Point for Shark Guardian’s Mission

For Shark Guardian, this historic outcome reaffirms the importance of continued collaboration, citizen science, and education. Shark Guardian’s long-standing efforts to raise awareness, document sightings, and engage divers and snorkelers in conservation play a critical role in the next phase — ensuring that these global agreements translate into tangible recovery for species in the wild.

By leveraging this momentum, Shark Guardian plans to expand monitoring efforts through its global network of partner dive centers and citizen scientists. Data collected on species such as whale sharks, manta rays, and oceanic whitetips will be vital in evaluating the success of these new trade restrictions and helping governments and NGOs target conservation priorities.

Shark Guardian also sees a renewed opportunity to promote sustainable shark and ray ecotourism, empowering local communities to protect their marine ecosystems while benefiting from them economically. Education remains central to Shark Guardian’s mission, and the group will continue developing workshops and resources to raise awareness of the new CITES listings and their global importance.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these landmark decisions, experts caution that the real test will lie in enforcement. Many countries still lack the resources or political will to regulate trade effectively. Illegal finning and black-market trade are likely to continue unless governments, communities, and NGOs remain vigilant. Data gaps also persist for many deep-sea and lesser-known species, making scientific research and monitoring even more crucial in the years ahead.

Shark Guardian recognizes these challenges but remains optimistic. With trade restrictions now in place, focus can shift toward building resilient marine ecosystems through education, research, and responsible tourism. Every diver, snorkeler, and ocean enthusiast has a role to play — from documenting sightings to spreading awareness about the importance of sharks and rays.

A Message of Hope

As one conservation leader at CoP20 stated, “The world chose action over extinction today.” For the first time, international law is catching up with the urgency of the shark and ray extinction crisis.

This milestone is more than just a victory for conservation policy — it’s a victory for the oceans themselves. Sharks, rays, and all marine life now have a renewed chance to recover and thrive. For Shark Guardian and its global community, this marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and hope.

Together, we can ensure that this historic moment becomes the foundation for lasting change in ocean conservation — protecting sharks, rays, and marine ecosystems for generations to come.