Late last night, after two weeks of intense negotiations, delegates meeting at the United Nations finally agreed to language for a High Seas Treaty. This is a major milestone in a nearly two-decade effort to secure a treaty to govern and protect the High Seas, which make up 70% of the ocean and cover nearly half the planet. More than 160,000 supporters spoke up and urged leaders to act. This public support, along with the great work of partners like RISE UP, the High Seas Alliance, Greenpeace, and more, helped show decision-makers that people all over the world were watching and wanted action — and they delivered. There is still more work to do, as nations will now need to formally adopt the language and ratify the treaty at the country level. We will continue to keep you updated on campaign developments and the critical moments where we need your support.
Update - Campaign Win!
On Nov. 17th, an overwhelming majority of global leaders voted to list requiem sharks as a CITES protected species – the biggest shark protection measure in CITES history. Requiem sharks – one of the ocean's largest and most important shark families – have been fished to the edge of extinction. The listing will not only protect endangered requiem sharks from trade, but also will regulate more than 90 percent of the global shark fin trade, up from 25% prior to the vote.
An upcoming vote this week amongst over 180 nations could protect endangered sharks from being commercially finned. Can you add your name to our letter urging world leaders to end this gruesome practice?
The global appetite for fins and lack of sufficient management of commercial fisheries has devastated shark populations. Today, nearly two-thirds of requiem sharks – one of the ocean’s largest and most important shark families – have been fished to the edge of extinction.
But we have an unprecedented opportunity to save requiem sharks from global extermination. This week, world governments will hold their annual Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) and vote on whether to add requiem sharks to the list of protected species, and by doing so, regulate the majority of the global shark fin trade.
