Sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii spp.)

Decision directed to Standing Committee

The Standing Committee shall: 
a) consider if there is a need to develop new guidance or identify existing guidance on the control and monitoring of stockpiles of shark parts and derivatives for international trade, in particular for specimens caught prior to the inclusion of the species in Appendix II, and, if there is a need, develop such guidance that Parties may use as appropriate; 
b) consider the FAO’s on-going guidance on Catch Document Schemes, Port State Measures and any other measures to reduce Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing; 
c) in consultation with the Animals Committee, review challenges and consider the need for the development of further appropriate mechanisms, including guidance, 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) and, if there is a need, develop such guidance that Parties may use as appropriate; 
d) taking into account document SC79 Doc. 9 on Reporting catch locations for introduction from the sea, further consider the feasibility of including the addition of catch location in the Guidelines for preparation and submission of CITES annual reports, necessary amendments to Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev. CoP20) on Permits and certificates to facilitate implementation of catch locations in the annual reports, and further develop practical guidance on how Parties can consistently and accurately collect and report this information for all relevant trade; and 
e) report its findings under the present Decision to the 21st meeting of the Conference of the Parties.