Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, Madagascar continues to advance its commitments to marine conservation. From March 11 to 14, 2025, a series of training workshops on identifying sharks listed under the CITES Convention was held in Nosy Be, in the northwest of the island. These sessions aimed to enhance the capacities of stakeholders involved in the management and protection of these threatened species.
An initiative to protect marine species
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the international trade in protected species to ensure their survival. Madagascar is home to 79 species of sharks, 32 of which are listed under CITES Appendix II, including the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), and the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran). There are also 41 species of rays, of which 13 are listed on CITES. Strengthening the ability to identify and monitor these species is crucial for sustainable management and combating illegal fishing.
Objectives and scope of the workshops
Organized with the support of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), these workshops aimed to:
• Train inspectors, controllers, and technicians in the precise identification of CITES-listed sharks and rays. • Raise awareness among collectors, exporters, and administrative authorities about the importance of conserving these species and being able to identify the different species. • Strengthen the fight against fraud and illegal trade in protected species. • Share best practices for managing and implementing CITES regulations in Madagascar.
To ensure the effectiveness and quality of the training, the sessions were conducted in two phases, according to the participants’ regions of intervention:
• First phase: Mahajanga, Maintirano, and Melaky – bringing together local control authorities, customs officials, fishing organizations, and conservation NGOs.
• Second phase: Antsiranana, Nosy Be, and Ambanja – involving scientific experts, fisheries surveillance institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
Dynamic and inclusive training approach
Unlike traditional methods, these workshops adopted a participatory and interactive approach, fostering an engaging and effective learning experience. Language barriers were addressed through tailored educational tools, enabling full participant involvement.
A collective commitment to sustainable management
Through this initiative, Madagascar reinforces its commitment to preserving marine resources and combating the illegal exploitation of sharks and rays. The collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, and technical partners demonstrates the national commitment to ensuring the sustainable exploitation of marine species.
These workshops align with the National Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Sharks and Rays, adopted in 2024, marking a major step forward in protecting Madagascar’s marine biodiversity.
The improved knowledge and capacity of these participants to identify the different species of sharks and rays is an integral step in the effective implementation of CITES and the National Plan for sharks and rays in Madagascar,