Turks and Caicos Islands - The Department of Environment and Costal Resources (DECR) has taken a major step towards protecting the TCI’s coral reefs by banning the capture of the beautiful Parrotfish under new Fisheries Protection Ordinance and Regulations approved by HE Governor Ric Todd on November 4^th 2011 and brought into effect December 1^st, 2011.

With the new Protection Ordinance the Department hopes that Parrotfish numbers can be maintained to ensure sustained biodiversity and to preserve coral reef health and the TCI’s fishing industry.

Parrotfish belong to a colourful group of fish known as Scaridae. They are found locally on many coral reefs and on sea-grass beds across the Caribbean, and play a vital role in creating beach quality sand through their feeding habits. 

The new regulations now make it illegal for individuals to catch or have parrotfish for sale.

Director of DECR, Mr. Wesley Clerveaux noted that:

“ To date, the TCI is one of the few Caribbean countries known to have taken this bold initiative in an effort to protect this vital resource and prevent widespread coral reef destruction as seen in other islands, due primarily to overfishing of parrotfish.

It is a widely known fact that globally, coral reefs are facing many threats which affect the ecological balance of these delicate ecosystems, and in turn the livelihood of those who depend on them for food and income. The threats include land-based pollution, climate change, improper fishing practices and overfishing.

Despite having some of the most pristine coral reefs remaining in the Caribbean, the TCI are not exempt from these threats with one of the primary one  being overfishing and overgrowth of algae resulting from land-based sources of nutrient/pollution.