PREVIEW

Scientists around the Cayman Islands have captured rare footage of the oceanic whitetip shark, one of the world's most endangered species.
Hunted for its fins and often entangled in fishing nets, the population of this apex predator has declined by a staggering 98% globally over the last 60 years.
Protected in the waters of the Cayman Islands, researchers used a baited remote underwater video (Bruv) camera, a non-intrusive method, to observe the sharks and collect vital biological data. The scientists aim to leverage this information to shape more effective conservation policies throughout the Caribbean, envisioning the region as a sanctuary for threatened marine life.
The oceanic whitetip was once a common sight in tropical oceans but is now rarely seen in certain regions due to its susceptibility to fishing nets, exacerbated by its surface-roaming behaviour. The recently obtained footage revealed multiple individuals of this endangered species in Cayman's waters, challenging the perception of these sharks as solitary creatures and highlighting the area's significance for their conservation.
This development aligns with the Cayman Islands' recent inclusion in the Blue Belt marine conservation initiative around Overseas Territories, marking the tenth Territory to join. The Blue Belt Programme, active across the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Southern Oceans, supports the protection of over 4.3 million square kilometres of ocean. The partnership with the Cayman Islands signals a new phase of conservation efforts within the Caribbean.
The Blue Belt support for Cayman includes the protection of pelagic and offshore marine environments, addressing global and regional threats such as climate change and illegal fishing. The footage, collected as part of the wider Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of marine life across 13 Overseas Territories.
In addition to the video data, the Blue Belt Programme is facilitating a review of fishing activity, developing satellite surveillance for enforcement, and exploring enhanced management strategies for offshore natural resources, potentially involving offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This collaborative effort strives to secure a sustainable future for the oceanic whitetip shark and other marine species facing extinction.