Endangered Shark Trade Violates Global CITES Protections

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • A new study reveals widespread non-compliance with CITES protections, showing that the global shark-fin trade routinely violates rules for endangered species.
  • Critically endangered species, such as the oceanic whitetip shark, are found in Hong Kong markets at levels 70 times higher than official CITES reports document.
  • The analysis used DNA technology on over 16,000 fins and confirms that Hong Kong continues to function as the world’s largest hub for the illegal trade.
  • Researchers emphasize that stronger enforcement and accountability by CITES signatory countries are urgently needed to save threatened shark species from extinction.

A new study published in Science Advances reveals widespread non-compliance with international trade protections for endangered sharks, indicating that global wildlife rules are being routinely violated. Researchers, including those from Mote Marine Laboratory and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), used DNA analysis of over 16,000 fins collected in Hong Kong, the world’s largest shark-fin hub, between 2015 and 2021.

The findings demonstrate that critically endangered species, such as the oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks, continue to appear in alarming numbers in the international trade, despite being listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Data shows that the number of oceanic whitetip fins found in Hong Kong markets is 70 times higher than reported in official CITES documents, confirming that over 95% of the trade in that species is likely illegal.

This significant discrepancy highlights a systemic failure in enforcement and compliance across CITES signatory nations. The researchers noted that many exporting countries reported zero trade in these protected species, despite genetic evidence confirming the origin of the fins sold internationally. Experts emphasize that while CITES is a powerful tool capable of stopping trade-driven extinctions (as seen with the rebound of green turtles), its effectiveness for sharks relies entirely on countries upholding and enforcing the agreed-upon protections. Stronger accountability and better traceability tools are urgently needed to prevent these threatened shark populations from being pushed beyond recovery.