There are a range of international and regional initiatives available to encourage or deliver improved management and conservation of shark populations, both within State waters and on the high seas. Here the term ‘shark’ refers to all chondrichthyan fishes, including the sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras.

Some individual States provide national protection for one or more threatened species under wildlife or fisheries legislation. See the Regional Pages for information regional initiatives and national measures.

Why are international and regional initiatives important?
Many shark species and populations straddle boundaries between adjacent EEZs and others are migratory and move among EEZs of different countries and between the high seas and waters under coastal State jurisdiction. As a result no part of any straddling or migratory stock can benefit fully from any regulations introduced within the waters of a single country. Conservation and management of these species will only be effective if introduced by region, or entire ocean basin, therefore coordinated international and regional initiatives are essential for their effective conservation and management.

International Agreements for the Conservation of Natural Resources
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
The Convention aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Trade in species listed on CITES Appendices is either prohibited, except under exceptional circumstances, or strictly regulated and monitored.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS or Bonn Convention)
CMS provides a legal framework within which Parties may adopt strict protection measures for endangered migratory species or conclude agreements for the conservation and management of migratory species that have unfavourable conservation status.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Convention aims to conserve biological diversity and to promote the sustainable, fair and equitable use of its benefits. CBD can influence national conservation policy for commercially fished species, including sharks, if considered appropriate by Parties.