MPA NEEDED FOR PROTEA BANKS, SOUTHAFRICA

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the South African Government,

we are all global supporters for the protection of sharks and the environment and we would like to congratulate you on the initiative on protecting key ocean areas. This initiative is in the greater interest of the entire world as the oceans connect all contries.

Particularly the planned MPA on Protea Banks is of special interest to us. Protea Banks is a globally unique place where many species of sharks, bill fish and pelagic fish congregate. These animals, especially the sharks and billfish are targeted worldwide on a scale which has long become unsustainable. Most shark species are already under threat. Your MPAs on Protea Banks and around the country will give them a much needed break. In doing this, South Africa is sending out a positive signal to the world which we applaud.

There are not many areas like Protea Banks in the world where we find such a rich variety of sharks. To put Protea Banks under the shelter of an MPA is a powerful measure and a positive role model for other governments to follow before it is too late.
Sharks can only survive through networks of global marine protected areas. Sharks are not only vital for the survival of our oceans but they also have become highly important assets for eco tourism. Shark diving on Protea Banks has become a global destination which brings lots of tourists to South Africa.
The billfish, particularly the Atlantic Blue Marlin, the White Marlin and the Striped Marlin, have strongly suffered in the past years from both commercial and recreational fishing pressure. Please also consider including the billfish on your list of protected animals.

Thank you very much and best regards,