Bangkok, 12 October 2004: IWMC, the world's leading advocate of the sustainable use of wildlife, criticized today's decision by CITES to place the great white shark onto its Appendix II, despite little indication that the global population is under threat.

While there is some evidence of unsustainable catches of certain populations of great white sharks, this is not the case in all regions. In some areas, catches are sustainable and in others, such as the northwest Atlantic, there is insufficient information to evaluate the status of populations.

In particular, there is little indication that the international trade now prohibited has been a significant factor driving past declines of the Australian great white shark population.

Eugene Lapointe, President of IWMC, said: "CITES' rush to judgment on the great white shark is unmerited by what is known about its populations worldwide. This is a premature judgment based on limited and inconclusive information and sets an unfortunate precedent for other species."

In addition to the uncertainties as to whether the great white shark meets its listing requirements, CITES is now also placing itself in potential conflict with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, (FAO) which has responsibility for fisheries management programs.

For more information and interviews, contact Eugene Lapointe
Email: iwmc@iwmc.org