SARASOTA (USA)- Researchers from the Florida Institute of Technology, Oceana and Florida State University have discovered a new species of shark: Squalus clarkae or Genie’s Dogfish. They named the new species of dogfish after the famous shark researcher Eugenie Clark. She was a pioneer in shark biology, known around the world for her illuminatingContinue Reading
CANCUN (MEXICO)- Every year between may and September whale sharks gather off the Caribbean coast of the peninsula of Yucatan. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has decided to protect these gentle giants by creating an official refuge area of 633,000 hectares. The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources, through theContinue Reading
ISLA MUJERES (MEXICO)- The Isla Mujeres Department of Tourism and international Festival sponsor Ceviche Tours have announced the dates of this year’s Whale Shark Festival, which takes place for the 10th time on the small Caribbean island of Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The Festival will be held July 20-23, 2017 in IslaContinue Reading
The Belize Fisheries Department and researchers from Florida International University (FIU) confirmed the presence of a new shark species belonging to the bonnetheads type in waters off the coast of Belize last week. Yet to be named, this species, which requires healthy habitats for nursery areas such as mangroves, servesContinue Reading
MIAMI (USA)- An important first step was taken towards the regional protection of sharks throughout the Caribbean. At the request of the Netherlands, regional governments last week recommended eight species of sharks and rays for protection under the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol. Delegates from 14 Caribbean countriesContinue Reading
Cuban shark populations have been in rapid decline due to overfishing, demand for shark fins and accidental catches. The government of the Carribean isle has launched a long-term plan to protect its sharks. Cuba’s plan was announced after two years of work with the US-based Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). InContinue Reading
GEORGETOWN (CAYMAN ISLANDS)- Last april a new law forbids the fishing of sharks in Cayman waters. Yet fishermen are continuing to illegally catch and kill these creatures despite the protection afforded them by the National Conservation Law. The National Conservation Law provisions protecting certain species, including sharks, in the CaymanContinue Reading