The Second Meeting of Signatories (MOS2) to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks will be held in the capital city of Costa Rica in mid-February.

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, our country became signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) with regard to shark conservation during the administration of former President Laura Chinchilla.

According to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks is the first global instrument that focuses on the protection of migratory species of sharks.

At present time, it is estimated that one-quarter of chondrichthyan species are threatened worldwide. Sharks are under serious threat around the globe. In accordance with recent scientific studies, the number of sharks being killed every year ranges between 63 and 273 million individuals.

The MOU is a legally non-binding international instrument. It aims to achieve and maintain a favorable conservation status for migratory sharks based on the best available scientific information and taking into account the socioeconomic value of these species for the people in various countries.

The following species are listed in Annex I:

• Basking Shark
• Great White Shark
• Longfin Mako Shark
• Porbeagle
• Shortfin Mako Shark
• Spiny Dogfish
• Whale Shark

Costa Rica is among 39 signatories, including the European Union, to this shark conservation MOU. The Meeting of Signatories (MOS) is the decision-making body of the MOU and reviews the conservation status of migratory sharks and the implementation of the MOU and Conservation Plan.

The MOU is open for signature by all Range States of migratory sharks and states and regional economic integration organizations, flag vessels of which are engaged outside its national jurisdictional limits in taking, or which have the potential to take, migratory sharks.

The MOS2 will be held in San Jose, Costa Rica from February 15 to February 19, 2016.