The International Trade of Shark Fins: Endangering Shark Populations Worldwide | Oceana

Report | March, 2010

The International Trade of Shark Fins: Endangering Shark Populations Worldwide

 

Oceana released this report during the 2010 CITES Conference of the Parties in Doha, Qatar. The harvest for international fin trade is one of the greatest threats to the shark species proposed for inclusion in CITES Appendix II. If gone unchecked, the high demand for shark fins will undoubtedly lead to further declines in the populations of these apex predators around the world.

Inclusion in CITES Appendix II will ensure that international commercial trade of specimens and their fins does not put the species in danger. Export permits and “non-detriment findings” are necessary for species included in Appendix II and are only authorized if the specimen was legally obtained and if the export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species.