Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
ond national jurisdiction, range states are defined as including all states whose vessels are
taking the species beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, and they are required to pro-
hibit taking of Appendix I species. Range states should also control activities undertaken
within national jurisdiction that may endanger species beyond national jurisdiction (Kim-
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) aims to ensure that the international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants
does not threaten their survival. The import and export of species covered by CITES has to
be approved by the national authorities of the member states in accordance with the rules
and regulations laid down by the Convention.
Species are listed in three appendices resulting in different levels and types of protec-
tion. Among the marine listings (in Appendix II) are many species of cetaceans, marine
turtles, seahorses, corals, and commercial marine fishing species such as basking sharks,
whale sharks, the great white shark, and the humphead wrasse. However, a proposal to list
bluefin tuna in Appendix I (which would have meant a complete ban on trade) failed in
2010.
Regarding marine areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, the CITES provi-
sions on 'introduction from the sea' cover transportation into a state of any species taken
beyond national jurisdiction. For any species included in Appendix I or II, this requires the
prior grant of a certificate from the management authority of the state of introduction. This
restriction does not apply to species included in Appendix II if they are taken in conformity
with the relevant convention by flag ships of a state party to both. There is still work in
progress within CITES and its bodies to fully clarify the term 'introduction from the sea'.
