New 7,000km2 manta ray and shark sanctuary declared in West Manggarai and Komodo

[andrewharvey 0]

West Manggarai and Komodo district, Indonesia has designated its entire marine and coastal waters as a manta ray and shark sanctuary.

The district Governor announced last Saturday that fishing is now prohibited for manta rays, sharks, and other threatened species including turtles and Napoleon wrasse, throughout the district’s 7,000km² waters that extend up to 12 nautical miles offshore.

The fantastic achievement is the culmination of efforts by the local government and local dive centers working together to achieve positive impacts on the environment, communities and economy.

More information about this great news at: http://mantawatch.com/site/2013/08/indonesia-creates-new-7000km2-manta-ray-sanctuary

 

[bmyates 3]

Outstanding! The more of Indonesia's uw treasures that can be protected, the better!

 

Unfortunately, enforcing such a ban is the critical issue, and I'm less than confident that patrolling resources will be close to adequated.

[andrewharvey 0]

bmyates makes a good point, patrolling is often under resourced in Indonesia. Fortunately the local government have made their job easier by enacting a 100% on these species, rather than quotas or no take areas. This means that monitoring and enforcement can be conducted at fishing harbors and/or markets, and makes it easier for local communities and fishermen themselves to play a role in patrolling. Management plans are now being drawn up, and we hope that these issues will be carefully considered

Edited September 1, 2013 by andrewharvey

[MikeVeitch 0]

this is good news, I just hope they can socialize the new rules quickly and of course enforce it properly, it sure is a step in the right direction

[Gilbubblefish 2]

yes , a step in the right direction, this what we need in Indonesia...even if it is difficult to enforce such a regulation...