CITES and Instant DNA Technology Aim to Uncover Covert Shark Trade and Prevent Species Disappearance

At the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES CoP20), held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, government representatives are at a crucial crossroads to prevent the disappearance of whale sharks, manta rays, and other highly threatened marine animals. Currently, more than 37% of shark and ray species are at risk of extinction, with pelagic shark numbers having dropped by over 70% in the past five decades and

. , as revealed by genetic analyses showing shark products circulating at levels far above what official CITES data indicate, is worsening the situation.

The measures being discussed at CoP20—with backing from over 50 nations—would provide the most extensive protections for sharks and rays ever seen under CITES. These proposals include moving the oceanic whitetip shark, all manta and devil rays, and whale sharks to Appendix I, effectively banning international commercial trade. Zero export quotas are suggested for wedgefish and giant guitarfish, while species such as gulper sharks and smoothhound sharks would be added to Appendix II, requiring tighter oversight

. If approved, these changes would place almost the entire global fin trade and most shark meat trade under CITES regulation, complementing protections already in place through the Convention on Migratory Species and regional fisheries bodies .

The need for immediate action is highlighted by a recent Science Advances study, which discovered that fins from species listed under CITES, such as oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks, are found in markets at rates 10 to 70 times higher than what is officially reported. For instance, 81% of countries exporting shark fins claimed no exports of threatened species, even though DNA evidence traced the fins back to their waters. Hong Kong continues to be a major trade center, with many source countries failing to report the quantities uncovered by genetic testing.

To address this, marine biologist Diego Cardeñosa from Florida International University has created a portable DNA testing device that can instantly identify protected shark and ray species. The tool, tested on 55 species—including 38 listed by CITES—can detect unknown species and provide immediate proof for authorities. Cardeñosa points out that without fast identification methods, illegal shipments often go unnoticed, weakening global conservation efforts. The technology, which can also be used for turtles and mammals, is now being used in countries such as Indonesia and Ecuador to help stop trafficking.

Luke Warwick, who leads the Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) shark and ray initiative, emphasized that "CITES remains the most powerful international mechanism to ensure that wildlife trade does not push species to extinction." Dr. Susan Lieberman of WCS further noted that the proposed listings "align CITES with other international commitments and clearly demonstrate the global intent to safeguard these species before it is too late"

.

The outcomes of CoP20 may decide the fate of these vital species. As top predators and key ecosystem engineers, sharks and rays are essential for maintaining marine biodiversity and the stability of fisheries.

, further weakening ocean ecosystems already under pressure from climate change and overfishing.