Countries have agreed to protect more than a dozen shark species at risk of extinction, in a move aimed at conserving some of the ocean's most awe-inspiring creatures who have themselves become prey to commercial fishing and the Chinese appetite for shark fin soup. Three proposals covering the international
GENEVA — Countries have agreed to protect more than a dozen shark species at risk of extinction, in a move aimed at conserving some of the ocean's most awe-inspiring creatures who have themselves become prey to commercial fishing and the Chinese appetite for shark fin soup.
Conservationists applauded and exchanged hugs after the tallies. Opponents variously included China, Iceland, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand. The U.S. voted against the mako shark measure, but supported the other two. Rima Jabado, a shark expert and lead scientist of the Gulf Elasmo project, said many of the species included in the CITES proposals are classified as"critically endangered." Jabado said there has been an 80% decline in the number of wedgefishes, based on available data. Like giant guitarfishes, the enigmatic wedgefish has an elongated triangle-shaped head and can be found in oceans in Southeast Asia, the Arabian Sea and East Africa.
"Japan has been highly dependent on marine resources from the ancient times," said Hideki Moronuki, director of fisheries negotiations at the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries."It's very, very important for us in Japan to sustainably use all those marine riches," he said. He was among those who noted that even the CITES secretariat had recommended rejecting the mako shark proposal.
"How are we ever going to save these species if we only see them when fishermen bring them in?" she said, adding that even if actions are taken now, it will be decades before shark populations start to recover. Losing more sharks and rays could also have other unintended consequences since they are top ocean predators and help to balance the ecosystems, Jabado said.
While Chinese celebrities like retired basketball star Yao Ming are trying to persuade diners to abandon the soup, many aren't convinced.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Extinction bites: countries agree to protect sharks and raysCountries agree to protect more than a dozen shark species at risk of extinction, in a move aimed at conserving some of the ocean's most awe-inspiring creatures who have themselves become prey to commercial fishing.
Baca lebih lajut »
The Latest: G-7 countries commit $20 million to help AmazonBIARRITZ, France (AP) — The Latest on the summit of leaders from the Group of Seven democracies (all times local): 1:25 p.m. G-7 countries have agreed to an immediate $20 million fund...
Baca lebih lajut »
It's National Waffle Day (seriously) and we're celebrating with this best-selling $10 waffle makerIt's NationalWaffleDay (seriously) and we're celebrating with this best-selling $10 waffle maker
Baca lebih lajut »
Charlize Theron Posts Rare Pic of Her Oldest ChildThe actress is letting fans in on a little bit of her vacation lifestyle.
Baca lebih lajut »
British navy says 3rd warship en route to Persian GulfBritain says a third Royal Navy vessel is heading to the Persian Gulf to protect merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Baca lebih lajut »