Threatened Species are Safe in Komodo
Turtles, mantas, sharks and other species just got good news: They now enjoy protected status in a 2,800-square-mile sanctuary set aside in the coastal and marine waters of Indonesia’s West Manggarai and Komodo district. Fishing for certain threatened animals, including turtles and Napoleon wrasse, is banned throughout the reserve, which extends 12 nautical miles offshore, and is roughly twice the size of Delaware.
“Our district is recognized as a world-class marine tourism destination,” said Sebastinus Wantung, head of the district’s Marine and Fisheries Agency. “By prohibiting fishing for these threatened species, we can ensure they will remain for future generations.”
Stew SmithThe announcement extents the existing conservation management within Komodo National Park's marine habitats to encompass the entire Komodo district.
Turtles, mantas, sharks and other species just got good news: They now enjoy protected status in a 2,800-square-mile sanctuary set aside in the coastal and marine waters of Indonesia’s West Manggarai and Komodo district. Fishing for certain threatened animals, including turtles and Napoleon wrasse, is banned throughout the reserve, which extends 12 nautical miles offshore, and is roughly twice the size of Delaware.
“Our district is recognized as a world-class marine tourism destination,” said Sebastinus Wantung, head of the district’s Marine and Fisheries Agency. “By prohibiting fishing for these threatened species, we can ensure they will remain for future generations.”