IFAW News from CITES-THE GREAT WHITE SHARK BITES BACK

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THE GREAT WHITE SHARK " BITES " BACK

(Bangkok, Thailand - 12 October 2004) - A major victory has been won for the

great white shark, which has been rescued from the jaws of extinction.

Parties at the 13th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International

Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), approved the proposal from Australia and

Madagascar to list the great white shark on CITES Appendix II.

¡°The booming trade in teeth, jaws and fins has decimated populations of the

great white shark,¡± said Peter Pueschel, Head of IFAW CITES delegation.

¡°Great white shark jaws can reach more than US$10,000 each and demand for these

trophies is escalating.¡±

Other threats include the growing demand for fins for consumption, fisheries

bycatch, sports fishing, bather protection programs using nets and drumlins and

habitat degradation.

Great white sharks are particularly vulnerable because of their slow growth and

low reproductive capacity. Large mature females represent only a small

proportion of the total population, meaning that any loss to this population can

have devastating effects.

¡°Great white shark populations are unable to withstand targeted exploitation

for long period before crashing, and once a crash occurs the chances of the

species rebounding are extremely low,¡± said Mr Pueschel.

The proposal to list this species on Appendix II of CITES passed by an

overwhelming majority, with 87 votes in favour, 34 opposed, and 9 abstentions.

¡°Australia and Madagascar are to be commended for bringing the plight of the

great white shark to the world and fighting so hard to help CITES countries

understand the urgent need for this protection,¡± said Mr Pueschel.

¡°The great white shark finally has the recognition it deserves rather the

reputation that has worked against it for so long.¡±

This decision makes it much safer to go back in the water - for the great white

shark that is.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

Founded in 1969, IFAW works to protect animals and their habitats. With offices

in 15 countries around the world, IFAW works to protect whales, elephants, great

apes, big cats, dogs and cats, seals, and other animals. To learn how to help

animals, please visit www.ifaw.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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