VOICED : La cumbre de especies amenazadas aprueba protección a tiburones

The CITES COP19 meeting in Panama approved the protection of 54 shark species, including requiem and hammerhead sharks, to regulate their trade. Japan opposed the inclusion of the blue shark, but no other country supported this. The decisions are binding for member states. Shark fin trade, centered in Hong Kong, is a lucrative market driven by cultural beliefs. The meeting also regulated guitarfish, freshwater rays, and other species.

What was the main focus of the COP19 of CITES regarding sharks?

• To exclude the blue shark from protection

• To ban all shark fishing globally

• To regulate the trade of 54 species of sharks

• To promote shark tourism

Which country requested the exclusion of the blue shark from the protection measures?

• China

• Australia

• United States

• Japan

What is the estimated annual value of the global shark fin trade?

• $100 million

• $500 million

• $1 billion

• $50 million

In which market can shark fins cost up to $1,000 per kilogram?

• African markets

• East Asian markets

• North American markets

• European markets

Which species were added to the regulated trade list alongside sharks?

• Penguins and seals

• Elephants and rhinos

• Dolphins and whales

• Guitarfish and freshwater rays