JACKSONVILLE (USA)- The shark populations of the Atlantic waters of the US coast are rebounding, so say scientists of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the early 1990s, shark populations had declined to dangerously low levels due to overfishing and lack of a management plan. To respond, theContinue 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
Good news for thresher sharks (Alopias spp), silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), and mobula rays (Mobula spp)! The Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) voted in favor of listing them in Appendix II. Species listed in Appendix II are to be closely monitored to ensureContinue Reading
WASHINGTON (USA)—Good news for sharks worldwide. In an unprecedented global call to action, more than 50 countries have agreed to co-sponsor one or more of the proposals to nominate all species of thresher shark, the silky shark, and all species of mobula ray for protection under the Convention on InternationalContinue Reading
With idyllic landscapes facing the sea, Reunion Island is a destination that naturally invites visitors to relax, enjoy, and dream. But recent years the beautiful seas surrounding the island became also known as somewhat of a hotspot for shark attacks. Beaches were closed and swimming was forbidden. Until now. Yesterday, theContinue 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