Increased Protection for Caribbean Wildlife under SPAW Protocol 

The Cartagena Convention serves as a regional framework aimed at preserving biodiversity in the Wider Caribbean Region. Parties to the convention, including Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands (as well as the Caribbean Netherlands islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba), are committed to upholding the SPAW Protocol, a pivotal regional legal agreement. 

SPAW Protocol

The SPAW Protocol classifies species into Annexes I, II, and III. Annexes I and II encompass endangered or threatened plant and animal species, mandating the highest level of protection, while Annex III includes species requiring protective measures, albeit not as strict as the first two annexes. 

This classification system is guiding conservation efforts. Annex I and II species benefit from comprehensive protection, prohibiting commercial trade and the destruction or killing of these species, as well as the responsibility to adopt measures to ensure the recovery of these species. Annex III species are subject to regulated measures with the aim of recovering the threatened and endangered species.  

Species 

Four species were added to Annex II: the Giant manta ray, the Lesser Antillean iguana, the Oceanic whitetip shark, and the Whale shark. This new status means it's a no-go for taking, possessing, killing, or trading these species and their products. The new inclusion on Annex III includes the Caribbean reef shark and the Parrotfish as a species group. Annex III, while not as restrictive, still calls for measures to ensure the protection and recovery of listed species. Furthermore, updates have been made to the Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Mammals in the Wider Caribbean region. This was decided at the last Conference of the parties for the Cartagena Convention (COPS) in October on Aruba (pdf: 150 KB).

Additionally, check local rules and regulations with the respective protected area management organization or local government. For example, on Aruba and Bonaire it is prohibited to catch, kill, wound, or disturb parrotfish. Also, all shark species are fully protected in Dutch Caribbean’s Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary.

Securing a sustainable future 

The Dutch Caribbean's involvement in the SPAW Protocol offers benefits that include strengthened conservation efforts, international collaboration, improved resource management, and compliance with international commitments, contributing to the region's sustainable development and ecological resilience.

More information

• Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database.
• DCNA’s news platform BioNews.    

Text: DCNA
Photos: Marion Haarsma (lead photo: Parrotfish); Sebastian Pena Lambarri