CAMPO GRANDE, BRAZIL, March 30, 2026—Governments at the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) have agreed to significant new protections for some of the world’s most threatened shark species, marking a major step forward for ocean conservation.

The decisions adopted yesterday, which include new listings on CMS Appendix, I look to offer full protection for all thresher and two species of hammerhead sharks, species that play key roles as top predators in ocean ecosystems. CMS Party Governments are obligated to implement these listings via national prohibitions on the catch of these species.

“Iconic ocean wanderers like large hammerheads and thresher sharks, that are already assessed by the IUCN as threatened with extinction should be fully protected – and these CMS Appendix I listings are an important recognition that this should happen now” said Dana Tricarico of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Global Shark Conservation Team. “These listings recognize that slow growing Endangered shark species should be treated like other marine wildlife such as sea turtles or dolphins, and these listings should drive that action — but success will depend on how quickly and effectively countries implement these new obligations at a national level.”

In South America, where the CoP was held, WCS teams work closely with governments, fishers and local communities to reduce unsustainable fishing pressure on vulnerable coastal shark species such as the Patagonian narrownose smoothhound -- one of the most heavily landed shark species in Argentina and Uruguay.

“This species supports small-scale coastal fisheries, where they are caught both intentionally and as bycatch. But their populations, and the communities that depend on them, are increasingly at risk without coordinated management.” Said Juan Martin Cuevas, Wildlife Conservation Society’s Shark and Ray coordinator in Argentina. “Since 2022, WCS teams have been working alongside local partners to monitor these fisheries, helping to identify trends and support science-based management in close collaboration with communities --  and we will continue to do so to implement these new listings.”

Key Shark Outcomes at CMS CoP15

Thresher Sharks (Pelagic, Bigeye, Common) – Appendix I (Proponent: Panama)
Governments agreed to list all three thresher shark species on CMS Appendix I, requiring strict national protection measures across their range. These highly migratory sharks move across jurisdictions and into international waters, where they face intense fishing pressure as both target catch and bycatch. Severe global population declines, combined with low reproductive rates, have made them especially vulnerable to overexploitation. The Appendix I listing will require countries to prohibit take and reduce human-caused mortality, providing a critical pathway for recovery and reinforcing the need for coordinated international action.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark – Appendix I (Proponent: Ecuador)
Governments adopted an Appendix I listing for the scalloped hammerhead shark, a species classified globally as Critically Endangered. Populations have declined sharply due to overfishing, bycatch, and international trade in fins. This species’ complex life cycle—spanning coastal nurseries, seamounts, and offshore aggregation sites across multiple jurisdictions—makes coordinated protections essential. The listing strengthens national protections and enhances international collaboration to support recovery.

Great Hammerhead Shark – Appendix I (Proponent: Ecuador)
The great hammerhead shark was also listed on CMS Appendix I, recognizing its Critically Endangered status and severe population declines driven by unsustainable fishing and high-value trade. As a highly mobile species that undertakes long-distance movements across ocean basins, it depends on strong protections across its full range. Appendix I status reinforces the need for urgent action to prohibit take and reduce mortality through coordinated international efforts.

Patagonian Narrownose Smoothhound – Appendix II (Proponent: Brazil)
Governments agreed to list the Patagonian narrownose smoothhound on CMS Appendix II, strengthening regional cooperation for this Southwest Atlantic species shared by Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. With population declines exceeding 80% over three generations, largely due to fishing pressure, the listing will support improved monitoring, data sharing, and fisheries management. This coordinated approach is essential for both species recovery and the sustainability of coastal livelihoods that depend on it.

The CMS Appendix I listings provide the highest level of protection, requiring strict conservation measures, while Appendix II promotes international cooperation for shared management across migratory ranges.

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