ST. EUSTATIUS--A lot of work has been done at the National Parks Office this week to prepare for the first Statia Shark Week. With funding from National Postcode Lottery, all six islands of the Dutch Caribbean are undertaking a joint regional approach to the global effort to save sharks.
Around 100 million sharks are killed every year around the world through shark finning, by-catch and sheer ignorance.
From August 22 to August 29, the islands, as well as their partners in Holland, will each host their own Shark Week with the aim to raise public awareness of the importance of sharks to the marine environment, our island economies and even human survival.
On Statia, activities will include a "Shark Splash" fun-day at Statia Terminal playground on Sunday, August 23, when everyone is welcome to come in, enjoy the food and drinks on sale, children's games and family fun with a local band providing entertainment for all.
Wednesday, August 26, will see the launch of the children's book The Adventures of Shark Stanley at Gertrude Judson Public Library. The book is aimed to educate youngsters about the important role sharks play in the ecosystem.
Superburger will be hosting shark film nights on Tuesday, August 25, and Friday, August 28, where interesting films showing the real story of sharks will be shown.
Shark Week will culminate in a street party on the public stage in Oranjestad for the "Fin'ale Street-Fest." Prizes will be given out for the raffles and various competitions that will be running all week, food and drinks will be on sale, and entertainment for the crowd will be provided by Jam-Boyz.
"This is going to be a very busy week for us. As well as all the public events we have going on we have competitions, TV shows and radio programmes running all week, giving people information and fascinating facts about sharks," said education and outreach officer at St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation Claire Blair.
Shark Week will mark the start of a three-year project, which will include more public-awareness activities, education and scientific research. The knowledge gained will be shared with regional decision makers and other island stakeholders with the aim of setting up long-term shark protection throughout the Dutch Caribbean.
