Sea Save
2022 CITES CoP19
(c) Sea Save Director Georgienne Bradley with Secretary General, Ivonne Higuero
Why was Sea Save's participation at CoP 19 Different than Previous CoPs?
Sea Save’s participation in CITES CoP19 was distinguished by a strategic and highly informed approach, largely driven by the extensive experience and advanced education of its Director, Georgienne Bradley. Having already participated in three previous CITES CoPs, Bradley was acutely aware of the complexities and intricacies of these international meetings. To maximize her effectiveness and influence, she pursued and obtained a Master’s Degree specifically focused on the study of CITES, a move that significantly enhanced her understanding and capabilities.
Bradley’s advanced education provided her with a comprehensive grasp of the Convention Charter, equipping her with the knowledge necessary to navigate the technical and procedural aspects of CITES. However, what truly set her apart was the network of life-long colleagues she developed during her studies. Many of these former classmates are now influential leaders of various delegations, creating a unique fraternity of UNIA Masters graduates within the CITES community. This network proved invaluable at CoP19, as it facilitated direct and meaningful dialogue with key voting members.
This combination of deep expertise and strategic networking enabled Sea Save to effectively advocate for the protection of entire families of marine species. Bradley’s ability to secure time with delegation leaders and engage in persuasive discussions about the proposed species listings was instrumental in garnering support for the crucial Appendices Appointments. This integrated approach, blending expert knowledge with established relationships, exemplified a new level of participation for Sea Save at CoP19, marking it as a uniquely impactful presence in the history of the organization’s involvement with CITES.
(c) Master’s Graduate Students reunite at CITES
What did we Accomplish?
At CITES CoP19, Sea Save had the opportunity to protect entire families of sharks and marine species. We were faced with the challenge of communicating and educating the attending an voting Parties, why the data in the proposals was sound and why action was critical.
Many developing nations rely upon fishing as a way to feed and support entire coastal communities, so our message had to clearly layout why immediate action was critical to protect the opportunities for healthy ecosystems for future generations. Without these changes species were on a trajectory to become extinct.
At CITES CoP19, Sea Save had the profound responsibility and opportunity to advocate for the protection of entire families of sharks and other critical marine species. This conference was a pivotal moment where our expertise and dedication were put to the test as we engaged with attending and voting Parties to communicate the urgency and validity of the data presented in our proposals.
Our primary challenge was to clearly articulate why the scientific data underpinning our proposals was robust and why immediate conservation actions were indispensable. It was essential to underscore the criticality of our initiatives, particularly to nations where fishing is integral to the sustenance and economic stability of coastal communities.
Key points from our advocacy included:
Scientific Data Validation: We meticulously presented peer-reviewed studies and comprehensive data sets demonstrating the alarming decline in shark populations and other marine species. Our proposals were backed by empirical evidence highlighting the ecological roles these species play and the cascading effects their decline could have on marine ecosystems.
Ecosystem Services: We emphasized the role of sharks and other marine species in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. As apex predators, sharks help regulate the populations of other marine organisms, thus ensuring the stability and diversity of oceanic life. The loss of these species could disrupt food webs, leading to unpredictable and often detrimental ecological consequences.
Sustainable Fisheries: We addressed the concerns of developing nations by illustrating how sustainable management practices could benefit both marine biodiversity and local economies. Protecting marine species does not preclude fishing activities; rather, it ensures the long-term viability of fish stocks, securing food resources and livelihoods for future generations.
Extinction Trajectories: We presented compelling evidence that without immediate intervention, numerous marine species were on a trajectory toward extinction. The proposals outlined necessary conservation measures, such as habitat protection, fishing quotas, and international trade regulations, designed to halt and reverse these trends.
(c) Sea Save Team celebrates strong victories
At the 19th Conference of the Parties (CoP19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the global community witnessed a landmark series of proposals aimed at the comprehensive protection of entire shark families. This unprecedented move underscored the growing recognition of the critical role these apex predators play in marine ecosystems and the urgent need to halt their decline.
Sharks have long been victims of overexploitation, primarily due to the demand for their fins, meat, and other products. The alarming rate at which shark populations are declining has profound implications for marine biodiversity and the health of ocean ecosystems. Recognizing this, CITES CoP19 saw a concerted effort to include several shark species under its Appendices, thereby regulating their international trade and ensuring their survival.
The proposals presented at CoP19 were rooted in robust scientific data, demonstrating the precarious status of various shark species and the ecological importance of their conservation. The efforts to protect these species were not only about preserving individual species but also about maintaining the integrity of marine ecosystems that rely on the presence of these top predators to function correctly.
One of the key aspects of the proposals was their comprehensive scope. Instead of focusing on individual species, several proposals sought to protect entire families of sharks. This holistic approach acknowledges that conservation efforts need to address broader ecological dynamics and the interconnected nature of marine life. Protecting entire families of sharks helps ensure that conservation measures are effective and sustainable, providing a buffer against the myriad threats these species face.
The success of these proposals at CITES CoP19 represents a significant step forward in global shark conservation. By securing international trade regulations for these species, CITES aims to curb overexploitation and promote sustainable practices that benefit both marine biodiversity and human communities that rely on healthy ocean ecosystems.
Proposal 37: Requiem Sharks (Carcharhinidae Family)
Proposal 37 aimed to include all species within the Carcharhinidae family, commonly known as requiem sharks, in CITES Appendix II. This family includes several species that are heavily exploited for their fins and meat. The proposal was successfully adopted, ensuring that international trade in these species will now be subject to strict regulations to prevent overexploitation.
(c) Ilan Elgrably
Proposal 38: Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrnidae Family)
Proposal 38 focused on the inclusion of the entire Sphyrnidae family, which comprises hammerhead sharks, in CITES Appendix II. Hammerhead sharks are particularly vulnerable due to their distinctive fin shape, which is highly valued in the shark fin trade. The adoption of this proposal marks a critical step in protecting these ecologically important predators.
Proposal 39: Guitarfish (Rhinobatidae and Glaucostegidae Families)
Proposal 39 sought to include species from the Rhinobatidae and Glaucostegidae families, known as guitarfish, in CITES Appendix II. These species are increasingly targeted for their fins and meat, making them vulnerable to overfishing. The successful listing will help regulate their trade and support their conservation.
(c) Elke Bojanowski
Proposal 40: Wedgefish (Rhinidae Family)
Proposal 40 proposed the inclusion of wedgefish, from the Rhinidae family, in CITES Appendix II. Wedgefish are among the most threatened groups of cartilaginous fish due to high demand for their fins. The acceptance of this proposal provides essential protection to these species by regulating their international trade.
Proposal 41: Zebrafish, Hypancistrus zebra
Proposal 41 at the 19th Meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP19) in 2022 was introduced by Brazil to move the zebrafish (Hypancistrus zebra) from CITES Appendix III to Appendix I. The proposal was amended by the EU and voted on by Committee I on November 18, 2022, with 60 votes in favor, 52 against, and 12 abstentions. The proposal failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority.
