Over 70 species of sharks and rays — including gulper sharks, who are heavily exploited for their liver oil that is used in cosmetics and personal care products — have been granted new international trade protections, according to CNN.
Governments agreed to list gulper sharks on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II, which covers species that may not be endangered yet but are at risk of becoming so if trade is not carefully regulated.
While the species can still be traded, exporting nations must now obtain a permit or re-export certificate and demonstrate that trade will not jeopardize the species’ survival.
Whale sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, and manta rays were among the species listed in Appendix I. This listing prohibits all commercial trade in these animals and in products made from them.
Gulper sharks are deepwater animals who are uniquely vulnerable because they reach maturity late and reproduce slowly, making it extremely difficult for populations to recover once depleted.
Three-quarters of gulper shark species are at risk of extinction as they are hunted for their liver oil, which is rich in squalene, a common cosmetic ingredient.
Lady Freethinker is grateful for the international action taken to safeguard these vulnerable marine animals, and we will continue fighting for stronger protections for animals everywhere.
