CITES and Real-Time DNA Tech Target Hidden Shark Trade to Avert Extinction

Governments convening at the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES CoP20) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, face a pivotal moment to avert the extinction of whale sharks, manta rays, and other critically endangered marine species. Over 37% of shark and ray species are now threatened with extinction, with populations of pelagic sharks declining by more than 70% over 50 years and reef sharks functionally extinct on 20% of surveyed coral reefs. The illegal and unreported trade, evidenced by genetic testing revealing shark products circulating at rates far exceeding official CITES records, exacerbates the crisis.

The proposals under consideration at CoP20-co-sponsored by more than 50 governments-represent the most comprehensive protections for sharks and rays ever introduced under the convention. These include listing the oceanic whitetip shark, all manta and devil rays, and whale sharks under Appendix I, which would prohibit international commercial trade. Zero export quotas are proposed for wedgefish and giant guitarfish, while species like gulper sharks and smoothhound sharks would fall under Appendix II, requiring stricter monitoring according to data. Adoption would bring nearly the entire global fin trade and a majority of shark meat trade under CITES oversight, aligning with existing protections under the Convention on Migratory Species and regional fisheries agreements according to research.

The urgency of action is underscored by a recent study in Science Advances, which found that fins from CITES-listed species, including oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerhead sharks, appear in markets at rates 10 to 70 times higher than official trade records. For example, 81% of shark-fin-exporting countries reported zero exports for threatened species, despite DNA evidence linking the fins to their waters. Hong Kong remains a major hub for the trade, with many source countries failing to account for the volumes revealed by genetic testing.

To combat this, marine biologist Diego Cardeñosa of Florida International University has developed a portable DNA tool capable of identifying protected shark and ray species in real time. The device, tested on 55 species-including 38 CITES-listed ones-can flag unknown species and provide immediate evidence for law enforcement. Cardeñosa emphasizes that without rapid identification tools, illegal shipments often evade detection, undermining international conservation efforts. The technology, adaptable to turtles and mammals, is being deployed in countries like Indonesia and Ecuador to deter trafficking.

Luke Warwick, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) shark and ray program, stressed that "CITES is the strongest global tool we have to ensure wildlife trade isn't driving species toward extinction". Dr. Susan Lieberman of WCS added that the proposed listings "bring CITES in line with other global commitments and send a clear signal that the world intends to protect these species before it is too late" according to reports.

The CoP20 decisions could determine whether these keystone species survive. Sharks and rays, as apex predators and ecosystem engineers, maintain marine biodiversity and fisheries stability. Their loss would trigger cascading ecological effects, reducing resilience in ocean ecosystems already stressed by climate change and overfishing.