The World Species Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, concluded with a landmark decision to impose a global commercial trade ban on certain shark species. This historic move marks the first time that a comprehensive restriction has been placed on the international trade of sharks, aimed at curbing their declining populations and promoting marine biodiversity.

The newly introduced measures grant heightened protection to several marine species, including various sharks and rays. Notably, the oceanic whitetip shark will now benefit from a complete commercial trade prohibition. Conservation groups have indicated that such measures could play a critical role in preventing the extinction of this species.

Additional trade bans have been implemented for whale sharks and devil rays. Furthermore, strict trade restrictions now apply to other species, such as certain smooth-hound sharks. These decisions reflect a growing international consensus on the urgency of safeguarding marine wildlife from over-exploitation.

Stricter Controls on Frog Leg Trade

Alongside marine protections, the conference addressed issues related to amphibians. New regulations will introduce stringent controls on the trade of specific water frog species starting in mid-2027. These frogs are primarily collected for their legs, which are considered a delicacy in various regions, particularly Europe. Advocacy groups highlighted that the European Union is the largest global importer of frog legs, and the new trade rules are expected to mitigate risks associated with unsustainable harvesting.

Decisions on Eel Species Protection

Efforts to extend trade restrictions to additional eel species did not gain sufficient support at the conference. Proposals, particularly from the European Union, sought to include Japanese and American eels under protective measures similar to those for the already regulated European eel. However, the conference rejected these proposals, leaving only the European eel under current trade restrictions due to its endangered status. The decision was met with criticism from environmental organizations, who argue that commercial interests should not override the need to protect vulnerable migratory fish species.

Continued Protections for Giraffes, Rhinos, and Ivory

The conference reaffirmed the existing protection status for certain terrestrial species, including giraffes, rhinoceroses, and elephants. Despite proposals from some nations to relax regulations on the trade of giraffes, rhino horns, and elephant ivory, these measures were declined. For instance, Namibia reported holding approximately 92 tonnes of ivory and had sought permission to trade a portion of it, citing management and security challenges. The continued ban on ivory and rhino horn trade reflects ongoing global efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and poaching.

Some stakeholders, such as hunting associations, have argued for exploring regulated trade as an alternative means of financing conservation. However, the prevailing approach at the conference favored maintaining strict prohibitions to ensure the long-term survival of vulnerable species.

Ongoing Role of CITES

The decisions made at the World Species Conference fall under the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which governs the global trade of threatened animal and plant species. To date, CITES has implemented trade regulations or outright bans on over 40,000 species, reflecting the international community's commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.