Saving Sharks in the Caribbean

WILLEMSTAD - As recently as fifteen years ago, sharks, the apex predator of marine ecosystems, where abundant in Caribbean coastal waters. Over the past several years however, shark encounters while scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing have become a rare occurrence. The depletion of these keystone species is not unique to the Caribbean. Globally, shark populations have suffered rapid decline from over exploitation, threatening the health of coral reef and open ocean ecosystems that they maintain.

To counter this trend, and set an example for the region, in 2011 the St. Maarten Nature Foundation successfully lobbied for a ban on fishing and killing sharks and rays in the territorial waters around St. Maarten. In the last three years the region has seen the implementation of shark conservation action plans in the Bahamas, Honduras and Venezuela.

However, significant challenges exist amongst all stakeholders. Theses challenges must be overcome to reverse the damages that have been done to coral and fish communities. Unfortunately, up until recently, Curaçao has not actively took the steps necessary to cultivate a culture that safeguards its ocean resources for the benefit its people now and into the future. BUT, everything is set to change now! Curaçao has committed to take action and pledged resources to the UN Agenda 2030. 

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