Dominican Republic extends ban on parrotfish to protect coral reefs

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has announced an extension of the national ban on the fishing, capture, and sale of parrotfish (Scaridae), sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea), and other herbivorous reef species, through Decree 281-23. The ban will be in effect from July 2, 2025, to July 2, 2027, aiming to protect coral reef ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices.

The decree prohibits the use of air compressors and diving equipment for extraction, day or night, due to the serious health risks they pose to fishers, including decompression sickness and fatal accidents. The protected species—such as parrotfish, surgeonfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish—play a vital role in maintaining coral reef health by controlling algae and producing the white sand found on beaches.

Enforcement will be carried out with the support of CODOPESCA, SENPA, the National Police, and the Ministry of Defense, under environmental laws 64-00, 202-04, and 307-04. Since early 2025, authorities have conducted successful enforcement actions, including closing illegal markets in Río San Juan.

Citizens are encouraged to avoid consuming or selling banned species, educate others, report violations, and promote sustainable fishing methods such as using aggregation rafts without compressors.