The CITES meeting in Samarkand approved stronger trade protections for dozens of sharks and rays, including commercial bans for devil rays and whale sharks. New restrictions target smooth-hound sharks (including dogfish) and impose zero export quotas for some guitarfish, while the oceanic whitetip was elevated to a trade ban. Conservation groups say these measures are urgent because many of the listed species reproduce slowly and cannot withstand heavy fishing pressure. Final confirmation of the measures is pending plenary approval.
CITES in Samarkand Approves Stronger International Protections for Sharks and Rays
05:47 AM, 11/29/2025Environment
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