Conservation and management of sharks TRADE-RELATED THREATS TO SHARKS 1. This document has been prepared by the intersessional Shark Working Group of the Animals

Introduction and background 2. Sharks1 and their relatives play an important role in the ecosystem and as a human food resource. They are a traditional and important source of food, income and employment for many communities, including coastal and rural peoples. They are also of cultural and spiritual importance in many States and communities. Recent changes in fisheries technology and economic developments have resulte