Category Archives: Protection & Policy

Mexico creates official Caribbean refuge for whale sharks

Whale shark Flickr CC:WPLynn

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 the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, will enforce the protection program […]

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A safe haven for the Scalloped Hammerhead

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PUERTO JIMENEZ (COSTA RICA)- A new sanctuary in the Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica must give young Scalloped Hammerheads the opportunity to grow up in peace. Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís announced earlier this month the designation of more than 10,000 acres of critical nursery habitat for this endangered shark species. It is thanks to the work of Rainforest Trust and its local […]

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Turkey takes extra measures to protect sharks

21. shortfin mako. photo_ Mark Conlin, SWFSC Large Pelagics Program_wikimedia commons

ISTANBUL (TURKEY)- Turkey has set new measures protecting endangered sharks and rays, like angel sharks and shortfin makos. The list of prohibited species for fishing in the mediterranean country now has 14 species of sharks and rays on it. Already in 2012 the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), which includes Turkey, adopted a measure to end fishing and retention of 24 […]

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USA Protect Oceanic Whitetip Sharks Despite Trump’s Reported Fears 

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WASHINGTON (USA)— The US National Marine Fisheries Service this week protected the oceanic whitetip shark as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The decision recognized threats from overfishing and bycatch in pelagic longline fishing gear as major reasons for drastic population declines.  The listing responds to a petition from Defenders of Wildlife, with support from the Center for Biological Diversity, seeking federal protections of […]

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Nina Dobrev wants to save sharks

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WASHINGTON (USA)- Not only does she play the lead role in one of our favorite vampire series, she’s also committed to saving sharks. Oceana announced Nina Dobrev, actress and ocean advocate, as its newest Oceana Ambassador. Oceana is currently advocating for legislation that would ban the sale and trade of shark fin products in the U.S. Shark finning While shark finning […]

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