Greater protection for shark species as conservation vote passes

Member states of an international convention on wildlife trade voted to tighten export scrutiny for four species of shark late on Monday night, scoring a major victory for conservationists across Asia and Hong Kong – one of the world’s biggest hubs for shark fin trade.

The proposal to list the silky shark under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) garnered the support 111 members including the 28-member European Union. China and Japan were among the 30 nations that voted against it.

While mainland China is a signatory to the convention, Hong Kong, not being a sovereign state, is not but follows CITES provisions strictly under the scope of local laws.

Also on the agenda was the listing for three types of thresher sharks, which was passed by 108 votes to 29. Devil rays were also given Appendix II protection at the CITES 17th Conference of Parties in Johannesburg, South Africa. The meeting, which dealt with more than 200 documents, concludes on Wednesday.

Species under this appendix are not necessarily threatened by extinction, but trade must be closely controlled through export and re-export permits to ensure it is not detrimental to their populations.

“We are very happy to see the motion passed by a majority vote even in the face of major opposition from countries in and around Asia,” said Hong Kong Shark Foundation executive director Apple Chow Yuen-ping, who attended the meeting.

“After the passing of this motion, Hong Kong will have added responsibility in shark conservation work and management given that it plays host to more than 50 per cent of the world trade in shark fin.” She suggested the government re-examine its role as the global centre of the trade given the falling demand and prices.