Ocean Science Factsheet: Genetic Identification of Shark Body Parts in Trade

Four proposals to restrict the trade of shark products will be under consideration by the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at their meeting in March in Doha, Qatar. If these proposals are successful, a number of shark species would be listed in CITES Appendix II, a designation that would require export permits or certificates before international trade would be allowed.

To assist Parties in their decision-making, this document explains how shark fins and other body parts in trade can be identified to the species level, aiding in enforceability.