Sharks

The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU) is the first global instrument for the conservation of migratory species of sharks and rays. 

At present time, it is estimated that one-quarter of chondrichthyan species are threatened worldwide (Dulvy et al. 2014). Sharks are under serious threat around the globe. In accordance with recent scientific studies (Worm et al. 2013) the number of sharks being killed every year ranges between 63 and 273 million individuals.

The MOU is a legally non-binding international instrument. It aims to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for migratory sharks based on the best available scientific information and taking into account the socio-economic value of these species for the people in various countries. 

Currently 37 species of sharks and rays are listed in Annex 1 of the MOU.

Annex 1 is open for further listings of species which may include any of the migratory species, subspecies or populations in the Class Chondrichthyes (sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras).

The Conservation Plan is included in Annex 3. It is guided by five main objectives:

I.   Improving the understanding of migratory shark populations through research, monitoring and information exchange;

II.  Ensuring that directed and non-directed fisheries for sharks are sustainable;

III. Ensuring to the extent practicable the protection of critical habitats and migratory corridors and critical life stages of sharks

IV. Increasing public awareness of threats to sharks and their habitats, and enhance public participation in conservation activities

V.  Enhancing national, regional and international cooperation

​In pursuing activities described under this objective, Signatories should endeavor to cooperate through regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Regional Seas Conventions (RSCs) and biodiversity-related Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).

The Meeting of Signatories (MOS) is the decision-making body of the MOU and reviews the conservation status of migratory sharks and the implementation of the MOU and Conservation Plan. The MOU is open for signature by all Range States of migratory sharks and states and regional economic integration organizations, flag vessels of which are engaged outside its national jurisdictional limits in taking, or which have the potential to take, migratory sharks. The current number of Signatories is 49, including the European Union.

The Advisory Committee (AC) was established at the First Meeting of Signatories to the Sharks MOU (MOS1),  which provides expert advice and suggestions on new initiatives and on the implementation of the MOU to the Secretariat and the Signatories.

Fifteen non-governmental organizations have associated themselves as Cooperating Partners.

The CMS Secretariat acts as Secretariat to the Sharks MOU. It facilitates and promotes implementation of co-operative activities by the Signatory States.

Countries

Title Status Status date CMS Party number Region
El Salvador Range State South & Central America & The Caribbean
Equatorial Guinea Range State 114 Africa
Eritrea Range State 089 Africa
Estonia Range State 110 Europe
European Union MOU Signatory 2011 001 Europe
Fiji Range State 119 Oceania
Finland Range State 028 Europe
France MOU Signatory 2019 032 Europe
Gabon Range State 109 Africa
Gambia Range State 075 Africa
Georgia Range State 067 Europe
Germany MOU Signatory 2011 016 Europe
Ghana MOU Signatory 2010 026 Africa
Greece Range State 062 Europe
Grenada Range State South & Central America & The Caribbean
Guatemala Range State South & Central America & The Caribbean
Guinea MOU Signatory 2010 041 Africa
Guinea-Bissau Range State 047 Africa
Guyana Range State South & Central America & The Caribbean
Haiti Range State South & Central America & The Caribbean
Instrument nameMemorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks
TypeArticle IV(4)
LanguagesEnglish
French
Spanish
DepositaryCMS Secretariat
SignatureSigned by 49 states, the EU and 15 Cooperating Partners (for details please scroll to 'other' and 'MoU Signatory')
In effectThe first date of the month following the tenth signature
Website URLhttp://www.cms.int/sharks
OtherSigned also by Co-operating Partners: Defenders of Wildlife, Divers for Sharks, Dutch Elasmobranch Society (NEV), Humane Society International Australia, Humane Society International USA, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Manta Trust, MarAlliance, Project Aware, Save Our Seas Foundation, Shark Advocates International, Shark Trust, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF)
AttachmentSize
PDF icon Sharks MOU text408.31 KB
PDF icon MdE Requins421.02 KB
PDF icon Texto del MdE de los tiburones320.17 KB

Related content