Under CITES, permits enable inspection officials at _______________________________ to quickly verify that CITES specimens are properly documented.

The correct answer reflects that permits are critical in the context of international trade in wildlife and plants covered by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). These permits serve as essential documentation that confirms the legality of specimens being exported or imported. They allow inspection officials at ports of export and import to quickly verify that the specimens comply with CITES regulations, ensuring that international trade of CITES-listed species is conducted sustainably and legally.

By having these permits at ports, officials can ascertain the provenance and legality of the goods being shipped, which is crucial for the conservation of endangered species. This verification process helps prevent illegal trafficking and ensures that trade practices do not threaten the survival of at-risk species. Ports are significant entry and exit points in the global supply chain, making them appropriate locations for such regulatory and enforcement activities.

The other locations mentioned are either more focused on transportation (like border patrol stations or airports) or specific use cases (like fishing reserves) rather than being dedicated points for verifying the import and export of CITES specimens.