Other Resources
Electronic Non-Detriment Finding (e-NDF) for CITES Sharks, Rays, and Sea Cucumbers
This custom electronic software supports CITES Authorities in developing Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) for sharks, rays, and sea cucumbers listed under CITES. Its adaptable framework can be easily modified for use with other species groups.
Infographic Poster: What Are Seagrasses?
This poster, developed by Blue Resources Trust, highlights the importance of seagrasses, the threats they face, and ways to protect them. It was released during Sri Lanka’s national event celebrating the world’s first World Seagrass Day on 1 March 2023 — a day proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on 22 May 2022 following a resolution submitted by Sri Lanka.
A Brief Overview of Shark and Ray Fisheries and Trade in Sri Lanka
This report, developed by Blue Resources Trust, provides an overview of shark and ray fisheries and trade in Sri Lanka. It examines the complexity, scale, and volume of the fishery; outlines the conservation status of key species; presents available trade data; identifies known and potential illegal activities; and offers recommendations to strengthen shark and ray management in the country.
Outcomes of the South Asian Regional CITES Shark and Ray Implementation Workshop (March 2018)
This Outcomes Document was developed following the CITES Shark and Ray Implementation Workshop, hosted by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife and the Department of Wildlife Conservation in March 2018. Representatives from seven South Asian countries endorsed the Outcomes, recognising the population declines and vulnerability of shark and ray species, and highlighting the need for regional cooperation and coordination to ensure their protection and sustainable management.
CITES Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) of Sri Lanka for Hammerhead and Silky Sharks (August 2017 to August 2019)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) requires Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) for the export of species listed under Appendices I and II. Blue Resources Trust helped coordinate an NDF workshop in Colombo to support the Government of Sri Lanka in developing two NDFs — one for hammerhead sharks and another for silky sharks. These documents were approved in August 2017 and remained valid for two years.
Colombo Declaration Regarding CITES Appendix II Shark and Ray Listings Proposed at CoP17 (August 2016)
The Colombo Declaration emerged from the CITES pre-CoP17 workshop hosted by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (CITES Management Authority), in partnership with Blue Resources Trust. The workshop, held on 29–30 August 2016 in Colombo, brought together representatives from nine South Asian countries who adopted the Declaration in recognition of the threats facing sharks. The Declaration acknowledged the tools available to support CITES marine listings and affirmed the region’s commitment to adopt the proposed shark and ray species at CITES CoP17, based on the growing body of scientific evidence documenting their global declines.
Sri Lanka Government Thresher Shark Brochure (July 2016)
Blue Resources Trust supported Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife and the Department of Wildlife Conservation in producing a brochure to accompany Sri Lanka’s proposal to list all thresher shark species under Appendix II of CITES at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) in 2016.