CoP14 Prop. 15 – p. 1 CoP14 Prop. 15 CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA

It is known, or can be inferred or projected, that the regulation of trade in the species is necessary to avoid it becoming eligible for inclusion in Appendix I in the near future. North Atlantic and Mediterranean stocks of Lamna nasus qualify for listing under this criterion, because their marked decline in population size meets CITES guidelines for the application of decline to commercially exploited aquatic species. Stocks of this low productivity shark (natural mortality 0.1–0.2) have experienced historical extent of declines to ~20 % of baseline and rapid recent rates of decline. It is known, or can be inferred or projected, that regulation of trade in the species is required to ensure that the harvest of specimens from the wild is not reducing the wild population to a level at which its survival might be threatened by continued harvesting or other influences. Lamna nasus is or has been subjected to unsustainable target fisheries in parts of its range, because of international trade demand for its high-value meat. Other stocks are likely to experience similar declines unless trade regulations provide an incentive to introduce sustainable management. Annotation The entry into effect of the inclusion of Lamna nasus on Appendix II of CITES will be delayed b