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Stronger protection for sharks and manta rays
scalloped hammerhead shark
The new controls will apply to five species of shark including the scalloped hammerhead.

New CITES rules will give sharks and manta rays a better chance of surviving in the wild

From September 14, 2014, new rules state that the international trade in specimens of five shark species and all manta ray species - including their fins, gills and meat - must be accompanied by certificates and permits confirming that they have been harvested both legally and sustainability.

The new controls, adopted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), will apply to the scalloped hammerhead shark, oceanic whitetip shark, smooth hammerhead shark, great hammerhead shark, porbeagle shark and manta rays.  

Sharks and manta rays are consumed in many parts of the world.  Fish and chip meals are often made from shark meat in Europe and, in parts of Asia, shark fin soup is served at weddings and banquets. It is hoped that these new controls will give sharks and manta rays a better chance of surviving in the wild.

Mr John E. Scanlon, the CITES secretary-general, said: "Regulating international trade in these shark and manta ray species is critical to their survival and is a very tangible way of helping to protect the biodiversity of our oceans. The practical implementation of these listings will involve issues such as determining sustainable export elves, verifying legality, and identifying the fins, gills and meat that are in trade. This may seem challenging, but by working together we can do it and we will do it."

Mr Arni M.Mathiesen, of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), commented: "FAO will continue its effort and work closely with CITES on immediate actions in support of the implementation of CITES listings of sharks and manta rays, including the provision of legal assistance for fishery legislation, support to the development and implementation of National Plans of Action for sharks and rays and activities on traceability."

Image (c) Barry Peters/

 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.