In a historic move, governments attending the 20th meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP20) adopted unprecedented measures to protect the most imperiled shark and ray species from the harmful impacts of international trade. All measures proposed at CoP20 passed including an international commercial trade ban (CITES Appendix I) for oceanic whitetip sharks, manta, and devil rays and whale sharks; zero export quotas suspending all exports of wild-caught specimens for wedgefish and giant guitarfish; and measures regulating international trade to ensure it is non-detrimental (CITES Appendix II) for gulper sharks, smoothhound sharks, and the tope shark.
Why These Protections Matter
Shark and ray species are on the brink of extinction with demand for high-value fins as well as meat and other products playing a significant role in driving the population declines. Stronger CITES protection is urgently needed and might be the one lifeline these species need to prevent extinction.
Newly adopted CITES regulations will help close legal and enforcement loopholes that have been exploited by organized criminal networks to perpetuate illegal trade driving species to extinction.
How Born Free USA Protects Sharks and Rays
In addition to advocating for protections for sharks and rays under CITES, Born Free USA has long invested in the protection of these species through its enforcement work across the West African region. Through the development of identification guides and the delivery of specialized identification training focused on shark and ray species, setting up and mentoring of specialized wildlife law enforcement task forces, and the launch of targeted outreach campaigns across the subregion, Born Free USA has greatly contributed to the disruption of criminal networks targeting shark and rays. But, much more work needs to be done to preserve these iconic species. Our organization is currently fundraising to launch Guardians of the Sea, a pilot project focused on marine law enforcement and empowering coastal communities (particularly women) to protect marine ecosystems.
Enforcement Officials in West Africa Trained by Born Free have Undertaken Large Seizures of Shark Product Shipments
On May 20, 2023, Operation TRIDENT, led to the seizure of 661 lb. of dried shark fins and sea cucumbers at Lagos International Airport in Nigeria. The box, destined for Hong Kong, was seized by the Nigeria Customs Service.
In September 2020, the anti-trafficking cell at Cotonou Airport, Benin, intercepted a shipment labelled as fish food products. This shipment contained 106 shark fins weighing 110 lb., which had been shipped from Pointe Noire in Republic of Congo. The fins were of multiple species, including shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), hammerhead spp (Sphyrna lewini, Sphyrna mokarran, Sphyma zygaena), and silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis). The shipment had been sent as unaccompanied luggage on a passenger flight and was to be picked up at the airport by a third party, who intended to transport the shipment by road to Ghana for export to Asia.
In October 2020, the Customs Services at Abidjan Airport, Cote d’Ivoire, seized a shipment of 256 lb. of shark fins, which had been shipped from Point Noire in Republic of Congo. Three days later, the Forest Inspection Service at Abidjan Airport intercepted a shipment of shark fins weighing 771 lb. belonging to the same suspect. This second cargo was to be exported to Asia from Abidjan. The seizures comprised parts of at least 10 species of shark, including four CITES-listed species: hammerhead sharks (Sphryna spp), silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), and long-tailed shark (Alopias superciliosus).
Click here to learn more about how Born Free USA works to protect sharks and rays in West Africa.
Protecting Species Protects Vital Ecosystems
Strengthening the protection of sharks is not just a win for the recovery of species on the brink of extinction, it is also a major step in protecting the vital role these species play in the conservation of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, sharks and rays play a crucial role in keeping ocean ecosystems healthy by maintaining balance by preying on sick, weak, or overabundant animals and significantly contributing to the resilience of carbon-rich ocean ecosystems to extreme climate events. Beyond predation, these species also help redistribute nutrients vertically and horizontally contributing to nutrient cycling in the ocean.
Protect Sharks and Rays with an Adoption
You can make a difference to these species by adopting a shark or ray from Born Free USA. Your adoption gift will help protect these animals from wildlife trade, captivity, and other threats.
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
Alice
Alice Stroud, Born Free USA’s Global Conservation Programs Director, is currently attending the 20th Conference of the Parties (November 28-December 5, 2025) supporting West African Parties in advocating for the adoption of enhanced CITES protection for shark and rays and other species increasingly imperiled by international trade. Follow Born Free USA on social media for updates from the CITES conference or by visiting our CITES Hub.
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