As the biodiversity crisis in our oceans continues to raise alarm, major progress to protect pivotal ocean species was achieved today at the UN Ocean Conference.
French Minister of Ecological Transition, Ms. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, launched the Global Coalition to Halt the Extinction of Threatened Sharks and Rays, calling on countries around the world to step up and support the initiative.
Sharks and rays (which are closely related) are among the most severely impacted species within the ocean’s accelerating ecological crisis. More than 35% are now threatened with extinction, largely due to overfishing.
Populations of deepwater sharks and rays, as well as shallow water species, have dramatically declined; these losses damage ocean health, threaten food security and impact livelihoods of millions who live in coastal communities who also need to be included in decision making, paying due attention to any unintended consequences for just and equitable solutions.
High-level actions are needed now: to protect critical habitats and species, regulate fisheries and trade, and ensure regional and international cooperation (for information on three specific actions to secure the long-term survival of sharks and rays, see here).
During the launch event, which took place on 11 June 2025 at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, nine countries and many partner organisations signed the Declaration to join the Coalition. More are expected to join in the coming weeks.
Along with lead government France, other signatories included Australia, Ecuador, Maldives, Malta, Panama, Republic of Congo, Spain and UK. The launch event was organised by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, WWF and TRAFFIC, with support from more than 50 partners listed on the dedicated webpage.
Ministerial, Intergovernmental and Partner quotes:
Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Ministry of ecological transition, biodiversity, forestry, seas and fisheries, France: “Rays and sharks are among the most threatened marine species because they have been insufficiently protected until now. I am determined to do my part to reverse this situation, which is why I am advocating for a moratorium on the critically endangered Mediterranean Sea blue sharks to prevent its landing, and the request to list deep water Gulper sharks (Family Centrophoridae) in the Appendix II of the CITES convention, so that these iconic animals can regain their place in marine ecosystems. The appeal we are launching today aims to unite global forces to better protect these majestic animals in a coherent and concerted manner among the states that will join this initiative alongside France. Humanity has damaged many marine ecosystems and disrupted the balances: it is our responsibility to do everything possible to restore what can be restored.”
Minister of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition of Ecuador: “Ecuador stands united with the global community in safeguarding the future of sharks and rays. Their preservation is vital for the health of our oceans and the well-being of coastal communities.”
Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Maldives: « The Maldives has established a comprehensive shark sanctuary, prohibiting all shark fishing and trade within its waters since 2010, thereby safeguarding over 30 species of sharks and rays. This commitment aligns with the Global Coalition’s efforts to halt shark and ray extinction, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in marine conservation.”
Juan Carlos Navarro, Minister of Environment, Panama: “Panama is proud to join the global coalition to halt the extinction of sharks and rays. Our commitment to marine conservation is unwavering, as we continue to lead efforts to protect these vital species and their habitats.”
Yvonne Higuero Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): “UNOC3 has highlighted that synergies and cooperation at all levels are essential to achieving our shared ocean conservation goals. In this spirit, the CITES Secretariat welcomes this initiative between governments and partner organizations dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of sharks and rays.”
Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS): “We need additional urgent, collaborative and scaled-up action to ensure that we do not lose shark and ray species to extinction. We need to address overexploitation head on, including in particular capture in fisheries, and to advance area-based conservation that protects their habitats and migratory routes. We therefore welcome this initiative and are pleased to be part of this ongoing collective effort.”
Dr Rima Jabado, Chair, IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group: “Sharks and rays are the second most threatened assessed vertebrate group in the world, after amphibians. This Coalition’s objective is to unite a diverse community—governments, scientists, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, multilateral environmental agreements, and non-governmental, working on these species. Our mission is to accelerate and align action for the conservation and recovery of sharks and rays worldwide.”
Pepe Clarke, Oceans Practice Leader, WWF International: “Sharks and rays play essential roles in marine ecosystems, but are facing critical levels of decline. The launch of the global coalition will be vital to reversing this trend by preventing overfishing, enabling better protection of important habitats, and improving cooperation regionally and globally. Only by joining forces and working together in partnership with coastal communities can we help ensure there is a thriving ocean for people and wildlife for years to come.”
Richard Scobey, Executive Director of TRAFFIC: “Having survived for more than 450 million years, most shark species are now under serious threat. The launch of the Global Coalition is a critical step to catalyse stronger collaboration and action, and we look forward to more governments and partners coming together to protect these magnificent creatures.”
Isabelle Autissier, WWF France Honorary President: “It’s a good symbol that the international coalition is starting in Nice, in the Bay of Angels, named after the angel shark. The species disappeared there, but the name stuck. We must ensure that sharks and rays do not suffer the same fate for the sake of the oceans in the name of the world.”
