Issues for t-RFMOs (IOTC) in relation to the listing of shark and ray species by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

This paper identifies a number of potential issues for Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) managing tuna and tuna-related species, in particular the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), arising from the additional listings by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of sharks and rays at the most recent Conference of Parties. These new Appendix II listings of five sharks (oceanic whitetip shark, porbeagle shark, smooth hammerhead shark, scalloped hammerhead shark and great hammerhead shark), and all species of manta rays, were adopted in March 2013 and came into effect on 14 September 2014. All exports of these species, including landings in non-flag State ports, now require permits to be issued by the flag State CITES Management Authority. If an export permit is to be issued, legal acquisition and non-detriment findings (NDFs) must also be issued. An NDF represents a certification by an authorized CITES Scientific Authority that the proposed export is not detrimental to the survival of the species. Catches on the high seas which are landed in flag State ports will not require export permits but will require Introduction from the Sea certificates which also require NDFs. Based on IOTC data holdings for 2008–13, this paper lists the flag States catching CITES-listed shark and ray species in order to identify which States may need to action CITES documentation procedures for catches of these species. In addition, this paper describes existing IOTC stock status assessments and management tools that may be useful to national CITES Authorities when considering NDFs.