UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) Ocean Action Panel 6: Advancing sustainable ocean-based economies, sustainable maritime transport and coastal community resilience leaving no one behind
Statement by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero
11 June 2025, Nice, France
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in important marine species such as sharks and rays, corals, dolphins, marine turtles, sea horses, whales, etc.
The objective of CITES is to ensure that trade, i.e. import, export, re-export and ‘introduction from the sea’ of listed species is sustainable, legal and traceable.
Considering the increased number of marine species included in the CITES Appendices – for instance close to 100 sharks and ray species added to Appendix II in 2022 – effective implementation of CITES can actively support global efforts towards achievement of SDG14.
It is also expected that the development of additional scientific assessments or non-detriment findings and legal assessments or legal acquisition findings, the fundamental requirements needed to trade in CITES listed species, for newly listed species, will provide additional information on the conservation status of the species and help reduce IUU fishing in general.
Technological developments also can play an important role in supporting Parties’ compliance with CITES provisions, including on species identification, more accurate tracking and traceability, and enhanced data collection for scientific assessments.
The Secretariat will continue supporting Parties in their effective implementation of CITES, towards legal, sustainable and traceable trade in marine listed species, for the enjoyment of this and many future generations of coastal communities.
Thank you.