India, Dec. 15 -- In a significant move for marine conservation, over 70 species of sharks and rays have been added to an international wildlife trade treaty for protection.

This decision aims to curb overfishing and habitat loss, which have drastically reduced their populations.

The new regulations are expected to help stabilize these vital ocean species, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

The world's oceans are home to an exquisite variety of sharks and rays, from the largest fishes in the sea - the majestic whale shark and manta rays - to the luminescent but rarely seen deep-water lantern shark and guitarfishes.

The oceans were once teeming with these extraordinary and ancient species, which evolved close to half...