Sharks were the subject of international
debate in Rome recently. The second inter-governmental meeting on
international cooperation on migratory sharks under the Convention
on Migratory Species (CMS) took place on 6–8 December 2008 at the
Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome.
The meeting attracted representatives from 51
states, together with relevant inter- and non-governmental
organisations. Building on the outcomes of a previous meeting in
2007, delegates considered possible texts for a CMS instrument on
sharks under the Convention
There was a consensus amongst states present
that the shark instrument should be a Memorandum of Understanding
in non-binding form. New wording was tentatively agreed for the
objective of the MoU: “The objective of this Memorandum of
Understanding is to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation
status for migratory sharks and their habitats, based on the best
scientific evidence, taking into account the socio-economic and
other values of these species for the people of the Signatory
states.”
However, there was significant disagreement
concerning the species that should be covered. All states agreed
that the MoU should apply to the three species previously listed on
the appendices of the CMS: basking, great white and whale sharks.
However, many considered that the four other species added to
Appendix II at the 2009 Conference of the Parties should also be
covered. A few states considered that species coverage should be
wider still and independent of listings on the CMS appendices. A
final decision was deferred to the next negotiating meeting and is
likely to remain contentious.
Inter-sessional groups were set up to work on
text for Fundamental Principles of the MoU and a Conservation and
Management Plan. The meeting accepted an offer by the Philippines
to host a further meeting in 2009 with the intention to complete an
instrument on migratory sharks, so that it can be opened for
signature before the end of 2009.
Tom Blasdale
Marine Fisheries Adviser
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 655708
Email: