- 18 species of sharks and rays, were included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These sharks and rays species are threatened by the scale of international trade in their fins and meat.
- The decision was taken at the ongoing CoP 18 of CITES being held in Geneva, Switzerland.
- CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. It aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
- 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.
- Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.
