2,500 delegates from 183 countries participated in the forum, which found consensus in establishing regulations for commercialization at a global level, and a decision will have to be made on Friday on the protection of some shark species, endangered by the lucrative trade of their fins.
The proposal involves placing the 54 species of the families of requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae) and hammerhead sharks (Sphynidae) in Annex II of CITES (regulated trade).
In statements to the accredited press, the Panamanian delegate, Shirley Binder, stressed that it will be a historic decision if the COP19 approves the regulations for this species of sharks, since it is a very large number of shark species, representing approximately 90 percent of the market.
The forum must also decide this Friday on the proposal approved in Committee I of protecting the family of guitar rays (Rhinobatidae) and several species of freshwater rays (Potamotrygon).
The CITES plenary is ratifying or rejecting some 52 initiatives approved in the sessions, which began on November 14th, on various species such as crocodiles, turtles, glass frogs and others.
CITES has set international trade rules for more than 36,000 wild species since its entry into force in 1975.
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