The Kingdom of the Netherlands will call for increased protection of the Caribbean reef shark at the Conference of the Parties to the Cartagena Convention (COP) this month in Aruba.
Caribbean reef sharks play a vital role in maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem and building ocean resilience. This increased protection is essential to ensure a sustainable future for this iconic species.
The Caribbean Sea is renowned for its crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and dazzling marine life.
Among the charismatic inhabitants of this underwater paradise is the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezii), a species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems. In the Dutch Caribbean, these top predators face increasing threats, but there is hope on the horizon. At the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the Cartagena Convention, the Kingdom of the Netherlands will seek to strengthen protection of these magnificent creatures by listing this species in Annex III of the SPAW Protocol. Annex III includes plant and animal species that require additional protection to ensure that these species are able to adequately rebuild their populations in the Caribbean region.
Despite their ecological importance, Caribbean reef sharks face numerous threats (pollution, climate change, overfishing, etc.) which have led to a population reduction estimated between 50 and 79% over the last 29 years. Did you say worrying? _AF
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