New CITES trade controls come into effect on 14 September. Most comprehensive global effort seen in CITES’ 40-year history to give sharks and manta rays a better chance of surviving in the wild through robust regulation of international trade.

Following rigorous examination of the proposal, Chairman Dr Paul Vogel said there remains a high degree of scientific uncertainty about impacts on the viability of the south-western white shark population.
“At this stage, the available information and evidence does not provide the EPA with a high level of confidence. In view of these uncertainties, the EPA has adopted a cautious approach by recommending against the proposal,” Dr Vogel said.