The Raja Ampat Shark Sanctuary has been announced by the Regent of Raja Ampat, Marcus Wanma.
It follows a concerted campaign by the conservation group Shark Savers and Raja Ampat’s Misool Eco Resort, whose dossier included supporting research and letters of support from, among other, Palau and the Maldives, which run their own marine protection schemes.
It is expected that the restrictions will encourage an increase in eco-tourism, with divers drawn to waters which feature some of the world’s most diverse marine life.
Once statutory regulations are established, it will be illegal to fish anywhere for sharks, manta and mobula rays, dugongs, turtles and live fish for the aquarium trade.
Some tourism and conservation areas will be complete no-take zones. In other areas, fishing will be allowed but the use of poison, explosives and compressors will be banned.
“There are additional steps required to formalize this declaration into law,” states Shark Savers. “We are currently working with our partners and the Raja Ampat government to draft the formal legislation to ensure strong protection and stiff penalties for violations.”
The Raja Ampat islands already have a statutory 425sq km No Take Zone, for which a group including Misool Eco Resort, Misool Conservation Centre, Wild Aid and Coral Reef Alliance has developed a ranger patrol service, working with local police.
“Enforcement strategies, modelled after the Misool NTZ, are being adapted to accommodate this much larger area, but there is still much work to be done,” says Shark Savers.
“Continued support of the dive and tourism community will be necessary as part of a comprehensive economic and environmental model to enable enforcement and success in this and future shark sanctuaries.”
Related links
Shark Savers
Misool Eco Resort
Palau shark sanctuary
Maldives shark fishing ban
World’s largest marine reserve
Archive | 
Win a Luxfer pony cylinder
