Aquatic Species ONG welcomes a major breakthrough for marine biodiversity
The 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES, currently underway, has adopted a series of major decisions aimed at strengthening global protection for sharks and rays—species highly threatened by overexploitation and international trade. These advances, confirmed by the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, mark a decisive turning point in the fight to safeguard marine ecosystems.
Aquatic Species ONG expresses its profound satisfaction regarding these historic measures, which provide crucial support to its conservation efforts along the Gabonese coast and across the Gulf of Guinea, key regions for Africa’s marine biodiversity.
Strong Measures to Protect Threatened Species
The Parties to the Convention have adopted several landmark proposals designed to enhance the protection of some of the world’s most vulnerable species:
-Proposal 33 Adopted (85.5% of votes)
- Annual export quota set at zero for wedgefishes (Rhinidae spp.)
- Maximum protection for one of the most endangered groups of rays.
-Proposal 32 Adopted (>82%)
- Zero export quota for giant guitarfishes (Glaucostegus spp.).
-Proposal 30 Adopted by consensus
- Transfer of mantas and mobula rays (Mobulidae spp.) from Appendix II to Appendix I
- Total ban on international commercial trade.
-Proposal 31 Adopted by consensus
- Strengthened protection status for the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) to Appendix I.
-Proposal 28 Adopted (>83%)
- Enhanced protection for the oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus).
–Proposal 29 Adopted by consensus (with an 18-month implementation delay)
- Listing of the common smooth-hound (Galeorhinus galeus) and Mustelus spp. in Appendix II.
A Powerful Signal for the Future of the Oceans
These decisions reflect a growing global awareness of the threats facing marine wildlife, including:
- overfishing,
- international trade in fins, meat, and oil,
- habitat degradation,
- insufficient regulatory mechanisms.
For Aquatic Species ONG, these commitments represent an international recognition of the unique challenges faced in Central Africa.
“We express our deep satisfaction. The international community now recognizes the urgency of acting to save species whose populations are collapsing. For Gabon and the Gulf of Guinea, this is a real breath of fresh air for marine conservation.”
Aquatic Species ONG strengthens Its Commitment
These decisions reinforce the NGO’s determination to continue and intensify its efforts alongside:
- the Gabonese Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy,
- local fishing communities and cooperatives,
- international scientific and technical partners.
“These historic advances motivate us to intensify our field presence through conservation actions, awareness campaigns, sustainable fisheries management, and support to local communities.”
Aquatic Species ONG will continue to ensure that these international decisions translate into concrete, lasting, and measurable impacts for the protection of regional marine biodiversity.
Prepared and translate into English by: NKOLLO ETOMBET Christy Lyonella
Communications and Environmental Education Program Officer / Aquatic Species ONG
Date: 28 November 2025