For over a year, Costa Rica has signaled it would soften its once-stalwart international support for stronger world shark-conservation regulations. The pullback became a reality this month, as Costa Rica abstained from votes on international protection measures targeting silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) and big-eye thresher sharks (Alopias superciliosus). The occasion was 17th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites Cop17), held Sept. 24 to Oct. 5 in Johannesburg, South Africa. There, Costa Rica’s delegation abstained on the two shark-protection measures, both of which were nevertheless approved, after being instructed to do so by the Costa Rican environment and agriculture ministries. “After analyzing the available information, both ministries made the... [Log in to read more]