Sharks documentary on SSS islands wins top prize

“Sharks Demystified; Saba, Statia and St. Maarten,” a film about the conservation of sharks on St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba filmed by Chizzilala, was named the top documentary from a pool of 30 entrants at the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) meeting held recently in Panama City, Panama.

The film, created this year, was narrated and presented by Nature Foundation Manager Tadzio Bervoets. The film features information from Saba Park Manager Kai Wulf and St. Eustatius Marine Park Manager Jessica Berkel. It also has interviews and thoughts from scientists and fisherman on the importance of protecting sharks.

Dutch Caribbean conservation organizations: Nature Foundation, Saba Conservation Foundation, STINAPA Bonaire and Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance joined with fishermen from Saba and Bonaire and representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs at the meeting.

Extensive presentations, discussions and networking activities were part of the meeting with the expressed aim of strengthening fisheries conservation and environmental protection of marine resources in Dutch Caribbean. Topics covered the management of the lion-fish population and the management of Marine Protected Areas for fisheries enhancement. Representatives also joined in various sessions in discussing how to better ensure conservation and management of Caribbean sharks and rays, some of the most endangered animals in the ocean.

GCFI was founded in 1947 to promote the exchange of current information on the use and management of marine resources in the Gulf and Caribbean region. From its beginning, GCFI has endeavored to involve scientific, governmental and commercial sectors to provide a broad perspective on relevant issues and to encourage dialogue among groups that often operate in relative isolation from one another.

The Daily Herald.