Major breakthroughs at CMS COP15

The CMS COP15 in Brazil, which concluded this Sunday (March 29), marked a significant step forward for the protection and conservation of the marine environment. The decisions to fully protect thresher sharks and hammerhead sharks under Appendix I, combined with key initiatives for the protection of seamounts and the regulation of deep-sea mining, set a strong new course for safeguarding migratory marine species and their habitats.

The dynamic contribution of COP15 to ensuring the protection of migratory species, particularly aquatic ones, is now clear. The ambitious plans and strengthened protection measures are also reflected in the words of João Paulo Capobianco, President of COP15: “We protect species that may never remain within our borders. We invest in a natural heritage that does not belong to us, but for which we are all responsible. In this way, we give concrete meaning to global solidarity, recognising that migratory species transcend nations, jurisdictions, and generations.” More specifically, significant progress was made for 40 species that were added to the CMS Appendices, including shark species.

New Appendix I Listings (Strict Protection): Several shark species were added to Appendix I, which prohibits their capture and requires strict protection from all CMS Parties.

• Thresher sharks: All three species, Alopias pelagicus, Alopias superciliosus, and Alopias vulpinus, were listed under Appendix I.
• Hammerhead sharks: Both Sphyrna mokarran and Sphyrna lewini were listed under Appendix I.

New Appendix II Listing (International Cooperation): The species Mustelus schmitti was added to Appendix II, promoting regional cooperation for its management in the Southwest Atlantic.

Action Plans and Continued Focus:

• Τhe Single Species Action Plan for the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) was adopted, aiming to strengthen conservation and recovery efforts. This species is believed to have already disappeared from the Mediterranean.
• The Single Species Action Plan for the Tope Shark (Galeorhinus galeus) was adopted, in which we had active involvement.

Concerted Actions:

Concerted actions were agreed to promote international cooperation for manta rays. Parties also committed to continuing work on the conservation of angel sharks. At this point, we also highlight the Single Species Action Plan for the Angel Shark (Squatina squatina), in which we had active participation: https://sharks.cms.int/document/single-species-action-plan-angelshark-squatina-squatina-mediterranean-sea

Landmark Protection of Critical Habitats:

Beyond individual species, COP15 made particularly significant progress in protecting the critical ecosystems upon which many marine and other organisms depend.

• Seamount protection: An important decision was adopted recognising seamounts as critical habitats for migratory marine species, such as sharks, whales, and sea turtles. The decision calls on states to protect them from destructive fishing practices (such as bottom trawling) and overfishing.
• Deep-sea mining moratorium: The conference reinforced its position from COP14, calling on states not to proceed with or support deep-sea mining until its impacts on migratory species are fully understood, confirming the need for maximum precaution. This is particularly important given that Greece, a Party to the CMS, is intensively preparing for offshore extraction in a critical area for sperm whales, the Hellenic Trench.
• Recognition of Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs): A key decision was adopted requiring states to take Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) into account in national conservation strategies and spatial planning. We remind that in Greece, four such areas have been identified. Find more here: https://sharkrayareas.org/e-atlas/

Other Key Outcomes:

• Bycatch reduction: A strong new decision was adopted to reduce the bycatch of CMS-listed species during fishing activities. Particularly important for our work in the Mediterranean.
• Aquatic wild meat: The conference endorsed intensified efforts to address the exploitation of migratory species (including fish, turtles, and cetaceans) as aquatic wild meat.
• Marine turtles: A new decision was adopted on Important Marine Turtle Areas (IMTAs), supporting the protection of “blue corridors”.

CMS COP15 in Brazil, concluded this Sunday (March 29), marked a major step forward for marine conservation. The decisions to fully protect thresher and hammerhead sharks under Appendix I, combined with the landmark resolutions to safeguard seamounts and exercise extreme caution with deep-sea mining, set a powerful new course for protecting the ocean's migratory species and their habitats.

The dynamic role of COP15 in ensuring the protection of migratory species, particularly aquatic ones, is evident. Ambitious plans and stronger protection measures give substance to the words of João Paulo Capobianco, President of COP15:

“We protect species that may never remain within our borders. We invest in a natural heritage that does not belong to us, but for which we are all responsible. In this way, we give concrete meaning to global solidarity, recognizing that migratory species transcend nations, jurisdictions, and generations.”

The most significant progress was made for several highly threatened shark species. A total of 40 species were added to the CMS Appendices, including key shark species.

New Appendix I Listings (Strict Protection): Several shark species were listed on Appendix I, which prohibits their take (catch) and requires strict protection from all CMS Parties.

• Thresher Sharks: All three species, Alopias pelagicus, Alopias superciliosus, Alopias vulpinus, were listed on Appendix I.
• Hammerhead Sharks: Both the Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) and the Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) were listed on Appendix I.

New Appendix II Listing (International Cooperation): The Narrownose Smoothhound (Mustelus schmitti) was added to Appendix II, promoting regional cooperation for its management in the Southwest Atlantic.

Action Plans and Continued Focus:

A Single Species Action Plan for the Sand Tiger Shark was adopted to strengthen conservation and recovery efforts.

Concerted Actions

Concerned actions were agreed upon to advance international collaboration for Manta Rays. Parties also committed to continuing work on the conservation of Angel Sharks.

Landmark Protection for Critical Habitats

Beyond individual species, COP15 made groundbreaking progress in protecting the critical ecosystems on which these animals depend.

• Seamount Protection: A landmark resolution was adopted recognising seamounts as critical habitats for migratory marine species, including sharks, whales, and turtles. The resolution urges parties to protect seamounts from destructive fishing practices (like bottom trawling) and overfishing.
• Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium: The conference reinforced its position from COP14, urging parties not to engage in or support deep-sea mining until its impacts on migratory species are fully understood, affirming the need for the utmost precaution.
• Important Areas Recognised: A key decision was made requiring parties to take Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) into account in their national conservation strategies and spatial planning processes. This decision will inform our advocacy efforts and is based on a publication we are preparing for the Mediterranean.

Other Key Marine Animal Outcomes

The conference also addressed a range of other pressing issues for migratory marine life:

• Bycatch Reduction: A strong new resolution was adopted to reduce the bycatch of CMS-listed species in fishing operations. Particularly relevant for our work in the Mediterranean.
• Aquatic Wild Meat: The conference endorsed intensified work to address the threat of taking migratory species (including fish, turtles, and cetaceans) as aquatic wild meat.
• Marine Turtles: A new resolution on Important Marine Turtle Areas (IMTAs) was adopted, supporting the protection of "blue corridors" for turtles.