Silky Shark has been listed in the Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of WilD Fauna and Flora (CITES). The proposal of Maldives was voted by 111 member nations out of 146 members during the 17thconference of the parties held at Johannesburg today.
Due to this listing, the illegal trade of these sharks will be controlled, regulated and monitored. Also, if any of the CITES member nation wants to export these sharks, or any by-products of the silky shark, they will need an export permit from the CITES management authority of that country.
Maldives co-sponsored the proposal with Bahamas, Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Egypt, EU, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Gini, Mauritania, Palau, Panama, Samao, Senegal, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
Silky Sharks are an important organism in the marine life of Maldives and also a vital organism for sustainable fishing in Maldives.
In 2010, all species of sharks were protected in the Maldives, but since they are migratory species, protecting them in the Maldives is not enough. International Union for Conservation of Nature has listen silky sharks as an endangered species. The silky shark population in Maldives has decreased by 90%.
The reason why shark populations are decreasing due to the demand for shark fins around the world. Silky sharks are among the second most sold species of sharks in the world. In 12 months time, member nations should implement the listing of silky shark in CITES appendix II.
This time period was given so that member nations can fully prepare to implement it perfectly. Training of customs officer and other related authorities will be done during the period.
Since all species of sharks are protected in Maldives, it is illegal to catch or sell any types of sharks or by-products of sharks.
In addition, Maldives co-sponsored a proposal by Sri Lanka to include all types of fishes living in the sea in CITES appendix II and also cosponsored the proposal of Fiji to include Mobiular Rays in the appendix. Both the proposals were passes successfully.
Because of these listings, all these species will be protected and it will encourage member nations to use these species in a sustainable manner.
Silky shark added to Appendix II of CITES convention
