Shark Research Institute SUPPORTS Props 37 and 38

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• Prior to CoP19, CITES has afforded Appendix II protections to 25% of all shark species. With props 37 and 38, there is a chance to protect 90% of global shark species.

• About 70% of the sharks found in the fin trade are species that are threatened with extinction.

• For the family of requiem sharks, 68% of the species are facing extinction

• For the family of hammerhead sharks, 89% of the species are facing extinction.

• To save these families of shark, immediate action for protections is needed.

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Prop 37

There is evidence of many different species of sharks currently in the international fin trade that are not CITES protected species. Also, research shows a 70% decline in some of these species and complete depletions in certain locales. Furthermore, sorting the protected fins from the non-protected fins is a very time-consuming process. By adding these remaining requiem sharks to CITES, the fin trade inspections will be more efficient in properly assessing the industry. The 19 lead species of this proposal are listed as either "ENDANGERED" or "CRITICALLY ENDANGERED" on the IUCN Red List and in accordance with Article II paragraph 2(a) of the Convention, do satisfy Criterion A and B in Annex 2a of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) for Appendix II listing.

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Prop 38

Due to similarities in the fin shapes across the family and the belief that only the current CITES protected sharks are in the trade, a trade loophole has been created. Updated research of the international fin trade shows evidence of non-CITES listed species passing as protected species. This proposal primarily considers the Bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) for consideration but also includes all the remaining species of the Family Sphyrnidae (hammerhead sharks) that are not already listed. All species do meet the criteria for Appendix II listing in accordance with Article II paragraph 2(b) of the Convention and satisfying Criterion A in Annex 2b of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17).

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”All this work for a bowl of soup.”