Impacts of the Fish Maw Trade

Fish maw fisheries, driven by rising global demand for swim bladders (maw), are an increasing source of bycatch of threatened cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), sharks, rays, sirenians (dugongs and manatees) and marine turtles, many of which are CMS-listed. These fisheries also threaten targeted fish species. Few maw fisheries are managed for either target species or bycatch.

The adoption of Decision text on the impacts of the maw trade in Doc 25.1.1 Bycatch and other Fisheries-induced Mortality at CMS COP15 would prioritise unsustainable maw fisheries as an emerging issue of concern and endorse collaboration between CMS, the IWC, CITES and other relevant organisations, to develop effective and appropriate mitigation measures for reducing or eliminating bycatch in maw fisheries. This would support the achievement of Targets 3.1, 3.4, 4.1, and 5.3 of the Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2024–2032.