The use of the European Trade Control and Expert System TRACES to collect data on the imports of wildlife to the EU – The marine ornamental fish trade as a case study

🗓 Date: 12 December, 2024
🕰 Time: 12:30–14:00 CET
🎟 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eT5zJ7P6

Join our Webinar on enhancing wildlife trade monitoring:  The use of the European Trade Control and Expert System TRACES to collect data on the imports of wildlife to the EU – The marine ornamental fish trade as a case study

Join us on 12 December 2024, 12:30–14:00 CET for a thought-provoking session exploring how the European Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) can revolutionize wildlife trade monitoring, using the marine ornamental fish trade as a case study. Wild-caught fish from coral reefs—among the planet’s most threatened ecosystems—continue to supply the marine aquarium trade. With imports valued at €24 million annually and 26 million specimens, the EU is the second-largest importer worldwide. Since 2014, TRACES has recorded data on marine ornamental fish entering the EU. However, our analysis shows that one-third of these imports lack species-level identification. Our research offers:

Insights into the main exporting and importing countries.
Details on the species and families of fish traded between 2014 and 2021.
A proposed watchlist alert system for species requiring greater attention based on trade volumes, trends, and vulnerability metrics (IUCN Red List, FishBase).

With minor adjustments, TRACES has the potential to significantly enhance data precision and wildlife trade monitoring, providing critical support for frameworks like CITES.

Speakers:
Prof. dr. Ricardo Calado, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Prof. dr. Monica V. Biondo, Fondation Franz Weber, Switzerland
Prof. dr. Caroline Fukushima, University of Turku, Finland

Let’s discuss how we can leverage TRACES and other innovative tools to ensure sustainable trade practices and protect vulnerable species.