Vervolg Haaienbeheerplan (BO-11-019.02-030)

This project builds on previous research of IMARES in 2012, 2013 en 2014:

In 2012 an inventory was made what is know about shark species in the waters of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, including Caribbean Netherlands (Van Overzee et al., 2012);

In 2013 a feasibility study of a shark protection plan in Caribbean Netherlands (a) summarized biological and ecological knowledge of shark species present; (b) researched the perception amongst stakeholders in the Caribbean Netherlands of sharks and shark protection; (c) described the components and objectives of a shark protection plan.

In 2014 various research methods were set up to increase the knowledge of sharks and their distribution in Caribbean Netherlands: A pilot telemetry study was designed and implemented as well as samples for genetic research were collected. A citizen science database was designed to record opportunistic shark observations by divers. These activities are continued in 2015: data collected in 2014 will be analysed, the citizen science database will be introduced on other islands and the telemetry research will be expanded to the Saba Bank as most feasible shark sanctuary.