At the end of August, despite fierce opposition from influential governments, 102 signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) voted in favor of a proposal led by the government of Mexico to include mako sharks in CITES Appendix II listing. The vote was then ratified in Plenary during the closing session of the 18th Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP18) held in Geneva, Switzerland from 17 to 28 August, meaning both species will now be granted new global trade controls when the new listing comes into effect.

What does Appendix II Listing mean for mako sharks? Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. When a species is listed under CITES Appendix II, International trade may be authorized through a system of export permits and certificates. It helps ensure that trade is sustainable, legal and traceable. A CITES Listing complements other conservation measures and can prompt improved Global Shark Trade data as well as much-needed limits on exploitation.

Mako sharks are sought for their meat and fins. They are either targeted commercially or captured accidentally in fisheries targeting other species. For far too long, the top mako fishing nations have landed this now endangered species without limit and with international trade being a major factor in the depletion of their slow-growing populations. CITES Member countries who agreed to control the trade of both species of mako sharks at CITES CoP18 this August are now duty-bound to follow through with commitments to actively reduce fishing pressure on these overfished shark species.

What now? Trade controls are just one step in the right direction. As overfishing is the main threat to sharks and rays, our relentless work to put an end to uncontrolled mako shark fishing continues. Through collaboration, together with our supporters and partners, we are a powerful movement determined to create positive change for the most vulnerable species. We are actively collaborating with our Shark League partners, namely Sharks Advocates International, The Shark Trust UK, and Ecology Action Centre, as well as with scientists, government officials, and most importantly our supporters, to get commercial fishing operations to significantly reduce the catches of mako sharks.

“We are deeply grateful to the many divers who joined us in voicing support for the CITES listings. We now look forward to working with this network and our other partners toward ensuring prompt and full implementation of the international conservation commitments made today.” adds Ian Campbell, Policy and Campaigns Director

Sign the #Divers4Makos petition and find out more about Project AWARE’s shark work.