[Coral-List] SHARK SANCTUARIES DECLARED ON BONAIRE AND SABA BY DUTCH MINISTRY

[Anouschka van de Ven - Stinapa Communications]

SHARK SANCTUARIES DECLARED ON BONAIRE AND SABA BY DUTCH MINISTRY 

It was a great way to end STINAPA Bonaire's first
<http://www.infobonaire.com/shark-week-premieres-on-bonaire-starting-saturda
y-august-22-2015/> Shark Week, when State Secretary Dijksma of Economic
Affairs opened a shark reserve during her recent visit to Bonaire and Saba.
Shark populations are plummeting worldwide and therefore need extra
protection against illegal fishing and the bycatch of regular fisheries. The
local nature and fisheries organizations are involved in this protection and
The Netherlands will actively protect sharks in the Caribbean Sea with the
eleventh shark reserve.

"This special reserve will ensure the conservation of the animals in the
waters surrounding Saba and Bonaire. Sharks are not only important for
tourism but also for fishery. When there are more sharks, there also are
more fish - contrary to what one would expect," stated State Secretary
Dijksma, who stated further, "The reserve will work closely with local
nature and fisheries organizations to protect sea mammals and sharks."

Proponents of shark reserves in Dutch Caribbean waters are happy that the
governments of both Bonaire and Saba, along with the government of the
European Netherlands see the importance of this issue and the beneficial
effect the reserve can have for the islands and the region as a whole.

Research has shown that a decrease in sharks as apex predators leads to a
disturbed natural balance in the sea. This could have consequences for the
total fishery stock.

A good fishery stock is also important for the fishermen on the islands, who
are dependent on fishing. Tourism also benefits from coral reefs with
sharks. (Source:  RCN)

 

Anouschka van de Ven

Communications Coordinator

 

STINAPA Bonaire

Barcadera z/n

Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

T: +599 - 717 8444

 

mail:communications at stinapa.org

www.stinapa.org <http://www.stinapa.org> 

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