More than 30 representatives from BFAR XI, law enforcement agencies, academe, and the private sector in Davao Region gathered in a training on the enforcement of CITES-Listed Sharks Species on July 18-19 in Davao City.

Co-organized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI (BFAR XI) and Marine Wildlife Watch in the Philippines (MWWP), the training aimed to enhance government authorities, and institutions’ CITES-Listed Sharks identification techniques and deepen understanding of international laws for the conservation of shark species.

MWWP emphasized that unregulated fishing and a lack of awareness regarding conservation laws have contributed to the declining populations of sharks, rays, and chimaeras worldwide.

Currently, 10 families and 44 species of sharks and rays are listed on CITES. The five species of sawfishes (𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝑛𝑜𝑥𝑦𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑠) are listed on Appendix I while all other species are listed on Appendix II.

In support of MWWP’s advocacy, BFAR XI Regional Director Raul Millana recognized the need for protecting and conserving shark species.

Director Millana expressed BFAR XI’s commitment to intensify this campaign, stating, “Information campaigns play a vital role in raising awareness. BFAR is open to collaborating with law enforcement agencies to protect our marine biodiversity.”

Topics delivered by esteemed experts were Understanding Community Perceptions on Sharks and their Introduction, Philippine and Regional Shark Trade Data, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List for Species Extinction and Risk Assessment, Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Philippine Laws, and Fishery Law Enforcement Standard Operating Procedures.

Participants were also trained in the identification of full and processed sharks and rays carcass using guides provided.

The attendees recognized the workshop’s relevance in their work, with National Stock Assessment Program representative, Rose Antoneth Loquere, saying “We will re-echo the training to equip our field enumerators in identifying CITES-listed sharks and rays.”

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) representative Juhary Guro also expressed appreciation for the training, emphasizing that protecting the environment is everyone’s duty and responsibility.

“Thank you for involving NBI in activities such as this. Our Office is always ready to cooperate with you in any activity if you need our participation,” he said.

The training garnered support and cooperation from various law enforcement agencies and institutions, including the Philippine Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Philippine National Police-Maritime Unit XI, Philippine Coast Guard South Eastern Mindanao, Bureau of Customs XI, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-Davao, NBI Southeastern Mindanao, BFAR XI, as well as from the Davao del Norte State College, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology and Hijo Resources.

BFAR XI OIC-Regional Director Relly Garcia urged all participants to commit themselves to raising awareness and advocating for the protection of CITES-listed shark species in their respective communities.

“Together, we can preserve marine biodiversity for future generations,” he said.

BFAR XI is geared towards conservation efforts and equipping law enforcement agencies and institutions with the knowledge to safeguard sharks and rays in Philippine waters.