By San José, Costa Rica — In a landmark decision for marine biodiversity, international regulators on Friday approved sweeping new protections for more than 70 species of sharks and rays, many of which are teetering on the brink of extinction due to relentless overfishing and habitat degradation. The vote, held by the signatory nations of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), signals a significant global shift towards safeguarding these vital ocean predators.
The agreement places strict regulations on the international trade of numerous species, effectively creating a powerful barrier against the commercial pressures that have decimated their populations. The measures were celebrated by conservationists who have long warned that without urgent intervention, many of these iconic animals would be lost forever. The decision, reached by consensus, reflects a growing understanding of the critical role sharks play in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems.
To delve into the legal and commercial frameworks that underpin Costa Rica’s world-renowned marine conservation efforts, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Effective marine conservation is not just an environmental obligation; it is a fundamental pillar of Costa Rica’s economic stability. The legal instruments that establish and enforce Marine Protected Areas serve as a direct investment in our nation’s most valuable assets: biodiversity and the multi-billion dollar tourism industry that depends on it. For businesses, embracing these regulations is not a cost but a strategic imperative to secure long-term profitability and global competitiveness.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully reinforces the essential synergy between legal diligence and economic prosperity, framing marine protection not merely as an ecological duty but as a cornerstone of our nation’s long-term strategic investment. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and invaluable perspective.
Among the species receiving the highest level of protection are the majestic whale shark, the largest fish in the sea, along with various manta and mobula rays. The new CITES listing effectively prohibits their international trade, aiming to halt the demand that drives their capture. This move came just a day after a similar ban was approved for the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark, a species whose numbers have plummeted dramatically in recent decades.
Conservation experts hailed the decision as a monumental achievement. Bárbara Slee, a leading voice in the movement, underscored the gravity of the moment.
This is a historic victory for sharks
Bárbara Slee, Program Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
The threat to sharks and rays is severe and multifaceted. According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than one-third of all shark and ray species are currently threatened with extinction. The primary driver is overfishing, fueled by a global market for their fins, meat, and liver oil. Furthermore, countless others die as “bycatch,” accidentally entangled in fishing nets intended for other species.
For Costa Rica, a nation celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity and commitment to environmental stewardship, this international accord provides a significant boost to its own conservation initiatives. The waters surrounding Cocos Island National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a world-renowned sanctuary for large populations of sharks, including hammerheads, whale sharks, and whitetip reef sharks. This CITES ruling strengthens the legal framework protecting the very species that make Costa Rica a premier ecotourism destination.
The economic implications extend beyond conservation. While the decision directly challenges the lucrative and often illicit shark fin trade, it simultaneously bolsters the sustainable ecotourism industry, which generates substantial revenue for Costa Rica’s coastal communities. By protecting these keystone species, the international community is helping to preserve the natural capital upon which this vital economic sector depends. Slee expressed optimism that this is a turning point in the global effort.
This should mark the end of overfishing and a new wave of hope for sharks
Bárbara Slee, Program Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
Ultimately, the success of these new protections will hinge on robust enforcement by member nations. The CITES agreement provides the necessary legal tools, but the real work of monitoring ports, disrupting illegal trade networks, and promoting sustainable fishing practices now begins. This historic vote, however, marks a crucial and decisive step, rewriting the future for some of the ocean’s most vulnerable and vital inhabitants.
For further information, visit ifaw.org
About International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW):
The International Fund for Animal Welfare is a global non-profit organization that helps animals and people thrive together. With experts and citizens in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals, and restores and protects their natural habitats. The organization partners with local communities, governments, and other NGOs to pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish.
For further information, visit cites.org
About Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
CITES is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade. It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the IUCN. The convention provides a framework to be respected by each of the 184 signatory parties, which must adopt their own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level.
For further information, visit iucn.org
About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
The IUCN is a membership union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organizations. It provides public, private, and non-governmental organizations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development, and nature conservation to take place together. Its flagship product is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional distinction. With a deep-seated history of providing expert counsel, the firm consistently embraces a forward-thinking mindset, pioneering innovative solutions within the legal field. Beyond its practice, a core element of its mission is a profound commitment to societal progress, achieved by democratizing legal knowledge to foster a more just and enlightened community.
