What's Happening?
Costa Rica's significant role in the global trade of silky shark products is under review by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Between 2020 and 2024, Costa Rica accounted for 82% of global exports
of silky shark products. The silky shark, listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, is heavily hunted for its fins and meat, and is also caught as bycatch. The CITES Animals Committee will assess whether Costa Rica's fishery is sustainable. If the country cannot provide sufficient proof, new management measures will be recommended, potentially leading to a suspension of its silky shark exports. A Costa Rican NGO, CREMA, has questioned the sustainability of these exports and alleged undue influence from the fishing industry.
Why It's Important?
This situation highlights the critical challenges in managing international wildlife trade and protecting endangered species. The potential suspension of Costa Rica's silky shark exports could have significant economic implications for its fishing industry, which has heavily relied on this trade. More broadly, it underscores the global impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems. The decline of silky shark populations, which play a crucial role as apex predators, can disrupt the delicate balance of ocean environments. The CITES review process serves as a vital mechanism for holding countries accountable for their conservation commitments and ensuring that trade does not jeopardize species survival. The outcome could influence future international trade regulations for other vulnerable marine species.
What's Next?
CITES will formally inform Costa Rica of the review and request documentation proving the sustainability of its silky shark trade within 60 days. The CITES Secretariat and the United Nations Environment Programme will compile a report on silky shark biology, management, and trade. The CITES Animals Committee will review this data at its next meeting in June 2027. If sustainability concerns persist, the committee will recommend new management measures. Should Costa Rica fail to implement these recommendations, the CITES Standing Committee could suspend the country's silky shark exports. This process could take two to three years. There is also a call for Costa Rica to transform its fishery to focus on other species like mahi-mahi and tuna.
Beyond the Headlines
The controversy surrounding Costa Rica's silky shark trade exposes deeper issues regarding governance, scientific integrity, and industry influence in conservation efforts. Allegations of the fishing industry unduly influencing regulatory bodies like INCOPESCA raise questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms. The discrepancy between landed and exported fins, as well as the high proportion of immature sharks being caught, points to potential illegal activities and unsustainable practices. This case also brings to light the ethical debate surrounding human interaction with wildlife: whether species should be conserved for their intrinsic value or primarily for their role in maintaining ecosystems beneficial to humans. The long-term implications extend to the health of global marine biodiversity and the future of sustainable fisheries worldwide.
