The Costa Rican government has announced that it will propose the inclusion of the scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

They believe that this species meets the conditions and criteria for an inclusion in Appendix III, in accordance with the Resolution Conf 9.25 (Rev CoP 15).

This Appendix contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.

If approved, this measure would regulate the export of scalloped hammerhead sharks (whole, parts and derivatives) captured in territorial waters and landed at the ports of Costa Rica.

The trade of Sphyrna lewini products would require an export permit issued by Costa Rican Management Authority. This may be issued only if the specimen was legally obtained.

According to CITES regulations, the export from any other State requires a certificate of origin issued by Management Authority of that State.

You can download the text (PDF) of the draft proposal on the SINAC website (here).

A short time ago, the European Union has announced its intention to submit a proposal to list the porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) in the same CITES Appendix (see here). But Germany seeks an Appendix II listing of this species (see here).

Photo courtesy of Rodtico21: Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran), Cocos Island, Costa Rica.