The challenge
Our solution
How we work
The challenge
Conservation of wide-ranging sharks depends on continuing policy advances through Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) and wildlife treaties, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), as well as proper implementation of resulting obligations at the national level. Progress has been hindered by government inaction, stemming from insufficient capacity and industry pressure, as well as a lack of scrutiny and accountability regarding conservation commitments. Governments’ approaches to obligations under environmental and fisheries agreements are often misaligned. Because overfishing is the primary driver of shark depletion, bridging these divides is critical to population recovery.
As a leader in oceanic shark assessment and management, the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) remains a promising platform for promoting and exporting beneficial conservation practices for CITES-listed sharks and rays. Other regional fisheries and environment treaties provide additional opportunities to leverage positive change.
Our solution
Our unique coalition is dedicated to advancing shark and ray conservation through regional fisheries bodies where real, lasting impact can be made. What sets us apart is our primary focus on securing science-based protections through international decision-making spaces like ICCAT, backed by deep technical expertise and a strong track record of policy wins.
We work across borders to influence negotiations, mobilise support, and ensure commitments are followed through at the national level. Together, we bridge science and policy—driving collaborative action to safeguard some of the ocean’s most vulnerable shark and ray species.
How we work
For the many sharks and rays that are fished by several countries, the international actions by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) have the potential to swiftly safeguard species throughout their ranges. The sharks and rays of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea are particularly beleaguered. International and domestic fisheries management improvements are needed to protect these vulnerable species from overfishing and finning. Specifically, our coalition is aiming to secure through RFMOs and follow-up domestic actions:
- Shark and ray catch limits that align with scientific advice,
- Strict protections for endangered species, and
- Strong, enforceable bans on shark finning.
SPOTLIGHT:
ICCAT & CITES
Sharks are exceptionally threatened, primarily by overfishing; international trade in their parts is a key driver of shark population depletion around the world.
While significant strides toward shark conservation have been made in recent decades through wildlife and fisheries treaties, the perception of sharks as both commodities and wildlife has led to misalignment in governments’ approaches to fulfilling obligations. Despite a rising profile under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), sharks remain a relatively low priority for fisheries bodies. Fisheries management, however, is essential to proper implementation of CITES listings for sharks. CITES improvements can, in turn, inform fisheries bodies’ management efforts, particularly regarding compliance with shark safeguards.
The 2023 Shark League report, Gaps that Hinder Shark Conservation: An analysis of ICCAT Parties’ policies for CITES-listed Atlantic elasmobranchs, examines the implementation of conservation obligations for various Atlantic shark and ray species by Parties and Cooperators (CPCs) to the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The analysis explores problematic gaps between commitments and compliance, specifically regarding:
- CITES and ICCAT protections (through reservations and exceptions)
- nations’ species-specific reporting of trade, landings, discards, and regulations
- transparency associated with essential exploitation statistics
- environmental and fisheries authorities’ policy work.
Prior to launching the full report at the ICCAT annual meeting (Cairo, November 2023), we issued preliminary findings to feed into key processes undertaken by the CITES Animals Committee and the ICCAT Compliance Committee.
SPOTLIGHT:
Our track record
Through active, collaborative engagement in domestic and international policy meetings, the Shark League has led successful efforts to secure groundbreaking international conservation advances for Atlantic sharks and rays.
Our successful efforts to secure groundbreaking international conservation advances for Atlantic sharks and rays include:
- Retention bans for exceptionally vulnerable whale sharks, manta rays, and Greenland sharks
- Tighter trade restrictions for hammerhead and silky sharks
- A multi-year pause on retention of depleted North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks, and
- Unprecedented support for stronger finning bans.
Snapshots
PUBLICATION:
Analysis
Bridging the Gaps that Hinder Shark Conservation
CAMPAIGN:
Voices for Makos
Making time and rallying for mako sharks
ADVOCACY:
ICCAT Annual Meeting
The Shark League at the ICCAT Annual Meeting