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The harvest of CMS appendix i-listed sharks and rays as aquatic wild meat

The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) COP12 expressed concern that CMS-listed species, including cetaceans, sirenians, crocodiles, turtles and seabirds, are harvested1 as aquatic wildmeat in many regions of the world, and that there is evidence that the demand is increasing. Resolution 12.15 requested the formation of a thematic Aquatic Wildmeat Working Group of the Scientific Council and the Parties established a programme of work (Dec 12.46) for this new Working Group to implement. One of these actions (Dec 12.46 d) was to facilitate a discussion about incorporating CMS Appendix I-listed sharks and rays to the scope of the Working Group. This paper serves to instigate that discussion and provides two preliminary recommendations for consideration by the Scientific Council.

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