TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Shark sanctuary around Dutch islands

http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/news-r...ribbean-islands

How does this work? They claim to be covering a distance 200nm out from their islands.

Perhaps bvi should join them? Or perhaps it already has?

Sharks are supposedly protected in BVI waters.

Tell that to the hammerhead that was caught at setting point anegada last fall.

Do you know the circumstances?

No. I think I read about it here or saw it on fb. I expect that sleepy chef knows. I recall a picture of the shark hanging vertically. But I could be mistaken

The shark was probably sick and kept coming into the anchorage, maybe looking for a food source. With tourists swimming off the back of their boats, they made the decision that it had to go. With an island so dependent on tourism, the last thing they need is a shark attack.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-The-Sharks-BVI/650298878411415

Also bvi is one of the first to declare a shark sanctuary.

It was gumption that brought it to my attention via fb

http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/three-steps-forward-one-step-back-on-shark-conservation

. "The designation prohibits commercial fishing of all shark and ray species throughout the BVI territory's 60 or so islands and islets."

The BVI Cabinet has consequently banned commercial fishing of all shark species in the 30,933 square miles (80,117 square kilometres) of its exclusive economic zone.

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/travel/shark-sanctuary-set-up-in-british-virgin-islands#ixzz3l1IA4sD5

During December '13, while having dinner at Neptune's, a small boat came to shore near the front of the restaurant, towing a large shark. It was a very large Tiger Shark, much larger than the boat. We were told the shark would be used a bait, not for human consumption. We were very curious at the time, and did not know shark fishing was illegal.

The small boat on the way to shore. We were trying to figure out what they were dragging behind?

Once on shore we could see what it was, a large Tiger Shark, still alive, but barely. We had mixed emotions regarding the incident, but knowing fishing is the livelihood of some residents, it must be respected.

Oh, I see the ban was not until 2014, so I was mistaken by mentioning this particular incident might be illegal. I assume it was permissible during December '13.

So far there does not seem to be any mechanism or resources for enforcement? In any case as long at they did not try to sell the shark they fisherman did not break the letter of the law. I suspect the law is meant to persecute the outsiders who may come to town and set up to slaughter the sharks in large volumes. A couple of guys in a small boat with few hooks are not the issue.