Turn Awe into Action: How PADI Pros Can Lead the Charge for Sharks and Rays at CITES 2025

CITES – A Ray of Hope for Sharks

Sharks are probably one of the most iconic groups of species on the planet, and we’re trying to save them with CITES.

Victory for Sharks & Rays at CITES CoP

After 13 Species Listed in Plenary, NGOs look to implementation, remaining threats Conservationists are delighted that CITES* Parties have officially listed devil rays, thresher sharks, and the silky shark under CITES Appendix II. The listing proposals were supported by more than the two-thirds majority required for adoption in Committee on Monday, and finalized today in...

It’s Not Too Late for Sharks and Rays at CITES CoP17

Threatened by unregulated international trade, nine species of devil rays, three species of thresher sharks and the silky shark are proposed for listings under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Project AWARE and partner NGOs are on the ground at the 17th meeting of the Conference of...

Project AWARE: We did it! Celebrating Historic Decisions for Sharks and Rays

This article is courtesy of Project AWARE. Five species of highly traded sharks, both manta rays and one species of sawfish were listed under CITES at the conclusion of CoP16 held this month in Bangkok, Thailand. Delegates from 170 countries considered 70 proposals affecting more than 300 species, including eight of some of the most vulnerable...

History in the Making

History was made for Sharks & Rays last night in Bangkok… and we wanted you to be among the first to hear the news. 5 highly traded species of sharks are now protected under CITES regulations! Plus Mantas and Sawfish! The oceanic whitetip shark, porbeagle, three species of hammerheads, and both manta rays – all...

Another Chance for Sharks and Rays? Act Now – Extinction is NOT an Option

Divers everywhere are urging CITES Leaders to Vote YES for Sharks and Rays at CITES: March 2013 – Will you join them? Take Action Today

Project AWARE: #CITES4SHARKS: Questions Answered

This article is courtesy of Project AWARE. The buzz is building. The meeting of the member countries to CITES this 3-14 March is just days away. As we sprint toward the main event, where officials will consider 70 proposals to protect species, including commercially valuable oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, porbeagles sharks, manta rays and freshwater sawfish -...

CITES The count-down is on!!!!!

In a matter of days, officials from countries around the world will have a historic opportunity to protect a record number of sharks and rays – including oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads and manta rays. Project AWARE will be on the ground during the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES, held in...

Project AWARE: Extinction is NOT an Option, CITES Leaders Must Vote Yes

This article is courtesy of Project AWARE. We’re just weeks away from CITES: March 2013! Project AWARE is working hard to get support from CITES authorities and governments worldwide to vote YES to protect shark and ray species on the brink. Here’s 3 actions you can take to spread the word: Extinction is NOT an Option:...