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42 LOCAL NEWS AWEMainta Diabierna, 29 September 2023
Silent Reef Keepers:
The Fight to Save the
Caribbean Reef Shark
THE Kingdom of the Netherlands will ask for increased protec-
tion for the Caribbean reef shark during next month’s Conference
of Parties for the Cartagena Convention (COPs) on Aruba.
Caribbean reef sharks play a critical role in maintaining a healthy
reef ecosystem and building resilience within the oceans. This
increased protection is critical for ensuring a sustainable future
for this iconic species.
In the (Dutch) Caribbean this is mainly caused by:
The Caribbean Sea is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant Habitat Degradation: The degradation of coral reefs and seagrass
coral reefs, and a dazzling array of marine life. Among the char- beds due to climate change, pollution, and coastal development
ismatic inhabitants of this underwater paradise is the Caribbean has a direct impact on the availability of prey for these sharks.
Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii), a species that plays a crucial Loss of habitat reduces their ability to find food and shelter.
role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems. In the
Dutch Caribbean, these apex predators face mounting threats, Overfishing: Overfishing poses one of the most immediate
but there is hope on the horizon. threats to Caribbean reef sharks. They are often caught inciden-
tally in commercial fisheries, where fishermen are targeting other
At the upcoming Conference of Parties for the Cartagena species, or intentionally, where they are sought after for their
Convention (COPs), the Kingdom of the Netherlands will seek fins, used in shark fin soup.
increased protection for these magnificent creatures by listing A Call for Increased Protection
this species on Annex III of the SPAW Protocol. Annex III includes There are different organizations and individuals working to
plant and animal species which require additional protection to protect sharks and their habitats in the Dutch Caribbean. A
ensure this species is able to adequately recover their popula- significant milestone was the establishment of protected areas
tions in the Wider Caribbean Region. such as the Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary between
Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius.
Importance
Caribbean reef sharks thrive in warm, tropical waters of the Another milestone was in 2019 when the Dutch government
Caribbean region, with a distribution range that stretches from adopted an International Shark Strategy. The strategy sets out
Florida to Brazil. This species is one of the most encountered reef which protective and management actions for sharks and rays
shark species throughout the whole Caribbean Sea. Growing up are to be taken by the government in all seas and oceans where
to 3 m (9.8ft) in length, this shark is one of the largest apex pred- the Netherlands has influence (including the Dutch Caribbean).
ators in the reef ecosystem and is at the top of the marine food Additional efforts are still needed to create more marine protected
web, having only a few natural predators. areas, enhance enforcement, reduce pollution in the ocean, and
promote sustainable fishing practices. These species know no
In addition to being of great economic value, as shark diving is a (political) boundaries and their protection requires broadscale
major draw for divers from around the world, this species is also conservation efforts within the Dutch Caribbean and beyond.
critical for maintaining balance within the reef ecosystem. Their
presence helps regulate the population of smaller prey species, Conclusion
which in turn, prevents overgrazing on seagrass beds and coral The Caribbean reef shark is a species of paramount importance
reefs and eliminates sick or weak fish from the population. This to the (Dutch) Caribbean’s coral reefs. With the extra protection
balance is essential for maintaining the health and diversity of being requested during the next COPS meeting in Aruba, there is
the entire coral reef. hope that this species will have a healthy future. By recognizing
their ecological significance and the challenges they face, we can
Threats work together to ensure a brighter future for the Caribbean Reef
Despite their ecological and economic significance, Caribbean Shark in the Dutch Caribbean and beyond.
reef sharks in the Caribbean face numerous threats that have led
to a population reduction estimated to be between 50–79% over Photo credit: Jim Abernethy-all rights reserved
the past 29 years. For more information, please contact: research@DCNAnature.org
