TCI: Shark and Ray Conservation Consultation

#Providenciales, June 11, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) and the Bahamas National Trust would like to urge residents and members of the fisher and water sports operator community, to complete an online survey on the proposed conservation of sharks and rays in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The survey will be online for a period of two weeks, from 14 – 28 June, 2019, and will be published in English, Spanish and Creole. Representatives of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), who are conducting the independent consultation, will also be on hand at the fish plants to go through the questionnaire with fishers.

The aim of the survey is to determine the public’s current understanding of the importance of sharks and rays as part of the greater ecosystem and to receive public input as to conserving these apex predators. The data collected and compiled from the survey will subsequently be used to inform policy relating to the conservation of sharks and rays in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

This follows initial consultation meetings held in November, 2018 as facilitated by the BNT, to ensure an objective collation of information. Follow-up public consultation meetings will be held in the near future, by the BNT, to further ascertain a responsible way forward in striking a balance of sustainable environmental objectives, and maintaining a healthy and thriving coral reef ecosystem – the bread and butter of the TCI.

The DECR requests that the public please take time to complete the short survey as this is an opportunity to provide direct feedback to BNT on this issue.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DECR via email at environment@gov.tc or call 338-4170.