Although several countries have protections for sharks and rays in place, many species travel great distances, often crossing national boundaries. Their migratory routes are determined by nature, not by the borders we’ve drawn. International cooperation is vital to ensuring the survival of these exceptionally vulnerable migratory species. The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) – a global wildlife treaty with 120 Parties – is uniquely suited to facilitate such action.

From the 3rd – 9th November in Quito, Ecuador, CMS Parties (member countries) from all over the world will debate and decide on an unprecedented number of proposals that could greatly improve the outlook for 21 species of imperiled sharks and rays. Project AWARE will be there to represent the voice of the dive community and to work with partner NGOs to urge the CMS Parties to commit to regional protections for the proposed shark and ray species. Such actions bring responsibilities for member countries to work nationally and regionally to safeguard listed species and ensure the health of their habitats throughout migratory pathways.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP CAMPAIGN FOR SUCCESS AT CMS?

• Send a letter to decision-makers and use your voice to support the shark and ray proposals.
• Donate and support Project AWARE’s work to protect shark and rays.
• Join the Thunderclap and send a strong message to CMS Parties #SharksWithoutBorders.

YOUR SUPPORT COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FOR:

• All five sawfishes, nine devil rays, and the reef manta – proposed for CMS Appendix I & II. Appendix I is reserved for migratory species that are threatened with extinction and brings an obligation for CMS Parties to strictly protect these animals, restore their habitats, and mitigate obstacles to migration.
• Two species of hammerheads, all three threshers, and the silky shark – proposed for CMS Appendix II, which encourages regional cooperative initiatives to conserve shared populations.
• Threats to their migration routes and habitat, including marine debris. Our trash underwater harms marine animals, entangles sharks and rays, and damages critical marine environments. Much like migratory animals, marine debris crosses political boundaries, moving from one territorial sea to the open ocean and ending up in another nation’s waters. As a multilateral environmental agreement, CMS can also address this issue, and thereby further improve the outlook for marine species.

An opportunity like this only comes along every three years. Please act now to ensure countries commit to meaningful action for sharks, rays, and marine debris at this November’s 11^th Conference of Parties (CoP11). Follow Project AWARE’s progress on Twitter using #CMSCoP11.