Sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii spp.)

Decision directed to Secretariat

The Secretariat shall: 
a) issue a Notification to the Parties, inviting Parties to: 
i) consistent with Resolution Conf 12.6 (Rev. CoP18), provide concise (with 200 word executive summary, if the report exceeds four pages) new information on their shark and ray conservation and management activities, in particular: 
A. the making of NDFs; 
B. the identification of CITES-listed shark-products in trade; 
C. the monitoring of export data of CITES-listed shark, parts and derivatives, and any suitable remedial measures applied to limit the export of specimens in order to maintain each species throughout its range at a level consistent with its role in the ecosystem; 
D. capacity-building needs; and 
ii) share with the Secretariat their non-detriment findings (NDFs) and conversion factors used when estimating catch live weight through converting recorded shark landings and trade, where available, and any other scientific information on sharks and rays, to post in the sharks and rays web portal; 
iii) share with the Secretariat their experience in implementing CITES provisions for listed shark and ray species, in particular: 
A. challenges related to CITES permitting process including but not limited to the making of non-detriment findings and legal acquisition findings; and 
B. challenges related to transport of biological samples for research and data collection purposes in the context of fisheries management including the context of the provisions on introduction from the sea in Resolution Conf. 14.6 (Rev. CoP16) on Introduction from the sea; 
b) provide information from the CITES Trade Database on commercial trade in CITES-listed sharks and rays since 2010, sorted by species and, if possible, by product at the shipment level; 
c) invite non-Party, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organization observers to support Parties by providing concise information related to the above; and d) collate this information for the consideration of the Animals Committee and the Standing Committee, as appropriate.