Story perspectives

70 Shark and Ray Species Gain Global Protections at CITES

11/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

At the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CoP20 meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, more than 70 shark and ray species gained protections.
The critically endangered Oceanic whitetip shark, along with whale sharks and manta rays, was uplisted to Appendix I, banning international trade.
The conference was attended by about 3,000 participants from 185 countries.
Decisions take effect 90 days after the conference.

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Story summary

At the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CoP20 meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, more than 70 shark and ray species gained protections.
The critically endangered Oceanic whitetip shark, along with whale sharks and manta rays, was uplisted to Appendix I, banning international trade.
The conference was attended by about 3,000 participants from 185 countries.
Decisions take effect 90 days after the conference.