27 November 2014: A workshop on the implementation of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) measures regulating international trade in five shark species brought together more than 60 representatives from CITES authorities and fisheries agencies, customs officials, and other experts, representing over 20 countries.

The workshop addressed measures adopted at the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES.

The meeting, which was held in Santa Marta, Colombia, from 25-27 November 2014, reviewed actions to monitor and control the trade of CITES-listed shark products; and aimed to develop strategies for making a sustainability finding required under CITES. It also addressed the role of tariff codes in facilitating trade monitoring, and control of CITES-listed species through regulatory and enforcement tools.

John Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General, welcomed Colombia’s leadership in helping to develop and expand the capacity to make CITES controls effective. The meeting was hosted by Colombia with the support of the US and the CITES Secretariat and with technical assistance from Pew Charitable Trusts, Humane Society International, Defenders of Wildlife and Conservation International. [CITES News]