In March 2025, two training workshops on the identification of CITES-listed sharks and rays were organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, bringing together key stakeholders in marine conservation in northwestern Madagascar. These sessions helped participants familiarize themselves, in a step by step process, with the visual criteria used to identify various shark and rays species. At the training, participants were introduced to the Carcass ID guide, a practical field guide specifically designed to support the identification of whole carcasses.
Why this guide?
Sharks and rays are among the most threatened vertebrate groups globally. Approximately 37% of species are at risk of extinction, mainly due to overfishing. Sought after for their fins, meat, liver, or cartilage, these animals are part of a highly lucrative international trade. In response to this threat, CITES has included an increasing number of sharks and rays species in its appendices since 2003. However, one of the major challenges remains species identification at landing sites and fish markets.
This guide covers 76 species found in the Western Indian Ocean region—including 42 shark species and 34 ray species. The guide is intended for a broad audience including fisheries inspectors, enforcement officers, researchers, decision-makers, and other non-technical actors. Designed to be simple, visual, and field-friendly, the guide enables quick identification of species using features that are easily observed on freshly caught specimens.
Key features include:
- A color-coded system by taxonomic order for easy navigation;
- Illustrated and user-friendly species identification sheets;
- Key visual criteria such as size, fin shape, body coloration, and silhouette.
Stronger together
This guide was developed by Dr Rima Jabado (ElasmoProject) through a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), with support from the Shark Conservation Fund and the UK Government. It is part of a shared commitment to strengthening knowledge, improving data collection, and supporting CITES implementation through practical, accessible tools.
Both educational and operational, this guide represents a significant step forward in monitoring, regulating, and sustainably managing threatened species. It reflects the commitment of the organizations involved to promote responsible fishing and conserve marine biodiversity.
Download the PDF version of the guide here: link