First ban on shark and manta ray trade comes into force (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Matt McGrath
Environment correspondent, BBC News

All trade in five named species of sharks is to be regulated from now on, in a significant step forward for conservation.

Without a permit confirming that these sharks have been harvested legally and sustainably, the sale of their meat or fins will be banned.

The regulation was agreed last year at a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) in Thailand.

The rules also apply to manta rays.

Shark numbers have been under severe pressure in recent years as the numbers killed for their fins soared.
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more: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29175592

[Nihil]

1. Did the Japanese manage to get an exemption for "research purposes" again? (n/t)