In a major enforcement move, Mexican authorities seized over two metric tons of illegal shark fins in Ensenada, Baja California. The operation, led by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the Naval Ministry (SEMAR), uncovered the contraband during a routine port inspection on a ship bound for Shanghai, China.
The fins, totaling 2,433 kilograms, filled 135 sacks and included species safeguarded by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix II, such as bull sharks, hammerheads, and silky sharks. This bust shines a light on the illegal wildlife trade’s persistent presence, often linked to broader illegal economies, including drug trafficking.
Regulations and Seizure
Regulations mandate CITES certification for exporting these protected sharks. The absence of such documentation prompted the seizure. This action highlights Mexico’s commitment to tackling the illegal wildlife trade, aligning with global efforts to conserve endangered species and fight organized crime within environmental policies.
For more information, you can read the full article on Mexico News Daily.
- About the Author
- More info
Leave a Reply