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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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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.