3D printing of pelagic shark fins for use as a training and compliance tool

Citation
Bürgener M, Louw S (2021) 3D printing of pelagic shark fins for use as a training and compliance tool. In: IOTC- 17th Working Party on Ecosystems & Bycatch (Assessment). IOTC-2021-WPEB17(AS)-28, Online, p 5
Abstract

Identical 3D replica fins of CITES Appendix II-listed sharks, and one non-CITES listed species, covering a total of 10 species and two families1 have been developed through a collaboration between TRAFFIC and the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The entire process from scanning, printing and painting has been documented and is available online at https://www.traffic.org/3d-replica-shark-fins/. The scan files and images providing painting guidance are all open access documents, available at no cost. The development of the 3D printed fins accompanied by QR codes, which link to dedicated webpages providing additional guidance on identification, will facilitate the identification of dried shark fins in trade and allow for rapid and confident decision-making by relevant law enforcement officials. It also has the potential for improving the collection of trade and catch data which in a CITES context should assist in strengthening the scientific basis for the development of Non-Detriment Findings by CITES Scientific Authorities.