The protection of parrotfish and other species essential to the health of coral reefs is once again in the spotlight in the Dominican Republic . In recent days, the Dominican government has approved an extension of the existing ban on the fishing, capture, and sale of parrotfish (family Scaridae), sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea), and other herbivorous fish key to the balance of the marine ecosystem. This restriction, established through new government decrees, will be in effect from July 2, 2025, to July 2, 2027 , according to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Executive Branch.
With this measure, authorities seek to safeguard coral reefs , ensure the recovery of marine populations that have declined significantly, and strengthen the sustainability of fishing in coastal areas. It also addresses the need to reduce risks to fishermen, as the use of compressors and diving equipment for harvesting these species has caused repeated serious incidents.
Protected species and prohibited activities
The new closed season includes a total ban on fishing, capturing or trading the following families:
- Scaridae: parrotfish, soap, butu, parakeet.
- acanthuridae: doctor and surgeon fish.
- pomacanthidae: angelfish.
- Chaetodontidae: butterfly fish.
- Holothuroidea: sea cucumbers and holothurians.
Furthermore, the use of compressors and air diving equipment is restricted both day and night for the extraction of these species, as this practice has led to accidents, injuries, decompression syndrome and even deaths among sea workers.
Reasons behind the ban and environmental relevance
The importance of parrotfish and other herbivorous fish protected under the fishing ban lies in their role within the marine ecosystem. These species control algae growth on reefs, help maintain corals in better condition, and promote the natural production of white sand on Caribbean beaches. A decline in these species would have serious consequences for tourism and coastal biodiversity.
Enforcement of the regulations will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment, CODOPESCA, SENPA, the National Police, and the Ministry of Defense . Penalties for violating the fishing ban are stipulated in several of the country's environmental and regulatory laws.
Surveillance and challenges in enforcing the ban
During 2025, actions were taken to curb the illegal trade, such as the closure of establishments in RÃo San Juan that were selling parrotfish out of season. However, authorities acknowledge the need to strengthen surveillance , especially in tourist areas like Boca Chica, where the clandestine sale of these species is common.
The Deputy Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources, José Ramón Reyes, has stated that it is a priority to increase the number of inspectors and the presence of security forces at critical points , in order to ensure that the fishing ban is respected and the objective of biological recovery is achieved.
What citizens can do to collaborate
Everyone's participation is key to the initiative's success. Among the most effective forms of support, the authorities suggest:
- Inform and raise awareness to fishermen, merchants and residents about the importance of respecting closed season periods.
- Do not consume or sell parrotfish, sea cucumber or other protected species in restaurants or markets.
- Report suspicious activities or unauthorized fishing to the responsible institutions to facilitate a rapid response.
- Promote alternative capture methods and sustainable, which do not involve the use of compressors or harmful techniques, such as the use of aggregation ponds.
Only one exception to the ban is contemplated: the collection of holothurians (sea cucumbers and similar species) will be permitted for scientific research or projects officially endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment.
The extension of the fishing ban reaffirms the Dominican Republic's commitment to protecting the marine environment . The success of this measure requires the collaboration of authorities, fishermen, and citizens to ensure the recovery of coral reefs and preserve marine biodiversity, thus safeguarding the country's natural wealth for future generations.
