The Ministry of Environment’s indefinite ban on fishing and trading all species of sharks starting 29 July 2017 is called to protect the sharks that inhabit the jurisdictional waters of the Dominican Republic.
The endangered sharks are being captured and mutilated for parts that are in demand as aphrodisiacs in Asian countries. There is also high monetary value on shark fins that are used to make shark fin soup, a symbol of status in Chinese culture. The sharks are also fished for their meat, skin, livers, and teeth.
The Caribbean shark species found in Dominican territorial waters are:
Bull shark (Carcharhinus Leucas – Tiburón toro),
Nurse shark (Carcharhinus Leuda – Tiburón gata),
Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier – Tiburón tigre),
Lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris – Tiburón limón),
Ginglymostoma cirratum – Tiburón gata),
Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi – Tiburón de arrecife)
Blue shark (Prionace glauca – Tiburón azul).
The Ministry of Environment has also banned the capture and trading in ray and sea urchins, parrotfish and doctor fish, including export and import of these species.
Minister Francisco Domínguez Brito called the measure a first step and a call for attention to the need to protect the species that are vital for the health and survival of marine ecosystems, and the quality of corals and beaches, such as parrotfish and fish doctors.
The ban on parrotfish and doctor fish is for two years. It is imposed for fishing or commercial exploitation and its retention when caught accidentally.
For the purpose sea urchin, the Ministry of Environment established a five-year ban on its capture, commercialization and removal in any way from the jurisdictional waters of the Dominican Republic.
Read about the characteristics of sharks and rays in Caribbean waters:
FAO
Read more in Spanish:
El Dia
21 June 2017
