BANGKOK, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- A United Nations conference in Bangkok has decided to tighten controls on trade in great white shark products, the BBC said Tuesday.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species put the shark on its Appendix II list, giving the ocean predator increased protection.
Conservationists applauded the move championed by Australia and Madagascar. The two countries had said a higher listing for the great white shark "would help ensure that exploitation of the globally threatened species is regulated and monitored."
Great white sharks have been hunted for their valuable jaws, teeth and fins. The fins, as well as those of other sharks, are in high demand for soup.
The exact number of surviving great white sharks is not known, but scientists have said available data suggests a population decline.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species was meeting in the Thai capital for a 12-day biennial summit, scheduled to end Thursday.
