AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT IN FAVOR OF SHARKS …… SO EXPECTED

The 178 member countries of the International Convention on Threatened Species have proposed a protective status for four new species of sharks, fished in large numbers for their fins.

“It's a great victory for the protection of sharks. We have come a long way ”welcomes François Sarano, doctor in oceanology and president of the Longitude 181 association. The international community represented in Bangkok by 178 member countries of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has just proposed a protective status for four sharks: the oceanic whitetip shark (or long-legged shark) and three species of hammerhead sharks (scallop, tall and smooth).

"We are delighted that the trend is now towards shark conservation and that governments are finally listening to the science and acting in the interest of species protection," said Elizabeth Wilson, the head of the Shark Campaign at from the American NGO Pew. "With this protection, the populations of the sharks concerned will have a chance to rebuild themselves and once again fulfill their role as predators at the top of the marine ecosystem," she adds.

A low number of fatal accidents

"But we must remain measured", nuance however François Sarano "because we do not prohibit fishing we control it. And we need authorities for that. ” The proposal of the members of Cites is indeed to include these species in Annex II which regulates trade. Shark fins, popular in Asian cuisine, are sold at high prices. "The cutting of the fins is done on board boats (except in Europe where it is now prohibited) and once at the dock, it is very difficult to say whether they belong to protected species or not", specifies the scientist.

Sharks are threatened around the world and are very unloved. The film The Jaws has participated a lot in the fear they inspire and therefore in their rejection. Yet the number of fatal accidents caused by sharks is relatively low. Each year, they rarely exceed ten in the world. Much less than for other animals, and in particular man's favorite companion, namely the dog. But the attacks are still very impressive. There have been several in recent years at the meeting, provoking the anger of the population.

Vote to be confirmed Thursday in plenary session

Only five species of sharks are considered dangerous: the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri), the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), the Bulldog shark (Carcharhinus leucas), the mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the long-legged shark (Carcharhinus longimanus).

At the previous conference in 2010, similar proposals to protect sharks had narrowly failed in the face of a front of capitals worried about the fishing industry. This vote must still be confirmed Thursday March 14 in plenary session. The measure will then come into force in 18 months. Exporting countries will be required to issue export permits while ensuring the survival of the species.

Since the entry into force of the Convention in 1975, only the great white shark, whale shark, basking shark and sawfish have been protected.

La Cites is also discussing the inclusion of the majestic manta rays in Appendix II of its convention to regulate their trade.