The 15th meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) concluded in March 2010 in Doha, Qatar. Pew attended the international wildlife conference alongside government representatives, conservation organizations and members of industry to advocate for CITES protection for the Atlantic bluefin tuna and eight shark species–including the distinctive hammerhead sharks.
Up to 73 million sharks are killed annually for their fins. In addition, populations of vulnerable sharks such as the porbeagle and spiny dogfish are killed in large numbers for their meat. A number of other shark species are threatened, with declines of more than 90 percent.
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the most majestic fish in the sea. Studies show that the species has declined more than 80 percent since 1970, and is continuing to plummet, due to overfishing and international trade.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was held in Doha, Qatar from March 13–25, 2010. CITES, with 175 member countries, regulates or prohibits international trade in endangered and threatened plants and animals. This was the first CITES Conference of the Parties held in the Middle East.
Atlantic bluefin tuna was proposed for CITES Appendix I, which would have prohibited international commercial trade in the species. Three hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetips, spiny dogfish, porbeagles, sandbar and dusky sharks were proposed for a CITES Appendix II listing, which would have closely monitored and controlled international trade.
The Pew Environment Group supported these proposals and advocated for their adoption in Doha. Unfortunately, the CITES meetings concluded without providing any trade protections whatsoever for severely depleted Atlantic bluefin tuna and four vulnerable species of sharks – scalloped hammerhead, oceanic white tip, porbeagle and spiny dogfish.