Overview
- The Samarkand conference approved a commercial trade ban for the oceanic whitetip and whale shark and added bans for some rays, with tighter rules for additional shark groups such as smooth-hounds.
- International trade in certain water frogs will face strict controls starting mid-2027, a move expected to affect the European market for frog legs.
- An EU bid to extend trade restrictions to Japanese and American eels was rejected, while longstanding limits on European eel trade remain in place.
- Proposals from Namibia to sell part of its roughly 92-tonne ivory stockpile and to permit trade in rhino horn and related products were turned down, leaving current protections unchanged.
- Conservation groups including IFAW and Pro Wildlife welcomed the listings as major gains, while hunting and trade voices criticized the decisions and urged regulated-trade or alternative funding approaches.