Zebra Plec L146, Freshwater Rays to become CITES Appendix III
It will be no longer possible to have international trade in these species; as CITES animals they may not cross any national border without the appropriate permits, which will be difficult if not impossible to procure.


The mechanism by which this was done is a little different and requires an understanding of CITES listings - they're in three appendices, named, curiously enough: I, II and III. These critters are in Appendix III.

Appendix I is for the most threatened of endangered animals and no commercial trade is allowed whatsoever, scientific shipments across border may occur only with the proper authorization and permits - both an import permit and export permit is required. These will not be easy to get and are typically granted only for scientific and never commercial purposes.

Appendix II is for animals less endangered and for "look alike species" that resemble critically endangered Appendix I animals. Authorization and an export permit is requird but an import permit is not required by CITES although some countries require one in spite of that.

Appendix III is for animals that are already regulated in their home country but that need international cooperation to limit movement of the species.

In this case Brazil and Peru make the point these species are smuggled out via the black market because of their very high commercial value, hundreds if not thousands of dollars. So, in making this request Brazil is able to control the shipments of these rays and L146 worldwide. Appendix three states international shipments may occur with authorization which would mean a breeder in Asia would require Brazil to approve a shipment to say, Germany. And if they declines, those fish aren't moving.

This makes no sense to me. Nothing will take the pressure off wild stocks like a robust trade in captive stock. CITES is shooting itself in the foot here as they increase the demand and therefore the price and therefore the amount of smuggling of these highly valuable animals that will now almost certainly go on.

Persuent to CITES Communique No. 2016/056, the following countries added the following species to appendix III.
https://cites.org/sites/default/files/notif/E-Notif-2016-056.pdf
  1. Peru
    • The L-46 Pleco - Hypancistrus zebra

  2. Colombia
    • Potamotrygon constellata
    • Potamotrygon magdalenae
    • Potamotrygon motoro
    • Potamotrygon orbigny
    • Potamotrygon schroederi
    • Potamotrygon scobina
    • Potamotrygon yepezi
    • Paratrygon aiereba
The CITES Appendices
(https://cites.org/eng/app/index.php

Appendices I, II and III to the Convention are lists of species afforded different levels or types of protection from over-exploitation (see How CITES works

Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants (see Article II, paragraph 1 of the Convention). They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial (see Article III), for instance for scientific research. In these exceptional cases, trade may take place provided it is authorized by the granting of both an import permit and an export permit (or re-export certificate). Article VII of the Convention provides for a number of exemptions to this general prohibition.

Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It also includes so-called "look-alike species", i.e. species whose specimens in trade look like those of species listed for conservation reasons (see Article II, paragraph 2 of the Convention). International trade in specimens of Appendix-II species may be authorized by the granting of an export permit or re-export certificate. No import permit is necessary for these species under CITES (although a permit is needed in some countries that have taken stricter measures than CITES requires). Permits or certificates should only be granted if the relevant authorities are satisfied that certain conditions are met, above all that trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. (See Article IV of the Convention)

Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation (see Article II, paragraph 3, of the Convention). International trade in specimens of species listed in this Appendix is allowed only on presentation of the appropriate permits or certificates. (See Article V of the Convention) "