Whale sharks were among the 34 migratory species that were included in a proposal by the Convention on Migratory Species, the world’s largest wildlife conference, during its recent meetings in October.
Blue sharks, dusky sharks, angel sharks and guitarfish were among those receiving additional protections. The convention included representatives from 125 countries in South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia to protect wildlife, including sharks, that migrate through international waters and across borders.
“The decisions at this meeting represent a significant achievement by governments from more than 100 countries to collaborate and take strong action to advance the conservation of migratory species,” Wildlife Conservation Society vice president for international policy Susan Lieberman said.
The pact also includes protections for land-based migratory animals such as giraffes, chimpanzees, African lions and leopards. Members of the convention also proposed and adopted measures aimed at boosting collaboration between nations within some species’ ranges. The United States, Canada, China and Russia were not a part of the convention, which will next meet in India in 2020.