After seeing shark and ray populations decline over the years, countries have finally come together and agreed to protect more than 70 species from commercial trade.
This is not another vague promise — it is a legally binding agreement endorsed by 185 countries at the CITES wildlife conference in Uzbekistan. For the first time, sharks and rays are being recognized as wildlife that needs to be protected, not just exploited. This historic move is considered a turning point in global shark and ray protection.
Yes, sharks may look threatening in movies, but the truth is they are the ones in danger. In the past 50 years, oceanic shark and ray populations have diminished by 71%. Currently, 37% of all species are on the verge of extinction, and the risk for those involved in international trade is over 70%.
These creatures have slow reproductive rates, so overfishing decimates them at a rate faster than their recovery, making shark and ray protection more urgent than ever.
Sharks and rays are killed for their fins, meat, gill plates, and liver oil. Shark fin soup, a culinary delight in some cultures, ray gill plates, which are used in traditional medicine, and shark liver oil, which is found in cosmetics are the products made from these animals.
The demand is huge — and the oceans are the ones that are suffering, further emphasizing the need for shark and ray protection.
What Actually Changed
Every proposal regarding sharks and rays at the CITES conference, which ended on December 5, 2025, was accepted — a feat that had never been accomplished before. This outcome is being celebrated by conservationists as a massive win for shark and ray protection.
1. Complete Trade Bans (Appendix I)
Oceanic whitetip sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, and devil rays have been prohibited from full international trade.
These species have been put under the maximum level of protection along with tigers and elephants. As Luke Warwick from the Wildlife Conservation Society put it, this is the first time that sharks and rays are acknowledged as wildlife that is just as important, further strengthening shark and ray protection at a global scale.
2. Strictly Regulated Trade (Appendix II)
Gulper sharks, smoothhound sharks, and tope sharks were assigned to Appendix II. Countries can trade them only if they demonstrate that the trade is sustainable and have the necessary permits.
3. Zero Export Quotas
Wedgefish and giant guitarfish, which are among the most endangered rays, have been given zero export quotas, i.e., no wild-caught individuals can be exported until the populations are replenished — a crucial form of shark and ray protection for vulnerable species.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
A major study published in Nature revealed that oceanic shark and ray populations have declined by 71% over the last 50 years. The Wildlife Conservation Society states that sharks and rays have become the second most endangered group on Earth. For example, reef sharks have disappeared from 20% of coral reefs in some areas.
- Why so disastrous
- Slow reproduction
- Long maturation periods
- Few offspring
- Loss of habitat
- Pollution
- Climate change
This mix makes populations extremely vulnerable to overfishing, and highlights why shark and ray protection is essential.
How We Got Here
This result is the consequence of many years of scientific warnings and the constant pressure of the conservation groups. At the previous CITES meeting, some species were given a level of protection, but it was far from being sufficient.
This time more than 50 governments from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific cooperated. Even the fishing-dependent countries were of the opinion that the disappearance of these species would be catastrophic for the oceans and the coastal economies.
The outcome was a degree of worldwide support for marine species that had never been seen before — a monumental collective step for shark and ray protection.
Real Hope for Recovery
Marine species have the ability to recover if they are given protection. Wedgefish and guitarfish could become quite fast if they are left unfished for a few years.
On the other hand, manta rays, whale sharks, and oceanic whitetips are slow to recover, but absolute trade bans provide them with a long-term safety net.
Of course, stopping trade does not solve the problem overnight, but it certainly takes away one of the major threats and gives populations the opportunity to rebuild — strengthening long-term shark and ray protection.
The Bottom Line
The protection of over 70 shark and ray species represents the most significant marine conservation measure ever implemented under CITES. It will not be easy to enforce, some species did not get the protection they deserve, but this is a big step forward.
For creatures that have lived for 400 million years and survived several mass extinctions, these protections may be what finally lets them survive us.
Karan Shukla is a college student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, with a strong focus on sustainability and climate change. He is passionate about environments issues, biodiversity and greenery and he also conducts independent studies on them. Karan aims to educate and inspire others on pressing global issues.