The Gabon Shark Sanctuary is an emerging marine-protection initiative that positions Gabon as the first country in Africa to establish a dedicated sanctuary for sharks and rays. It is built on Gabon’s long-term commitment to ocean conservation, which began with the creation of one of the continent’s largest networks of marine protected areas. The sanctuary aims to give sharks and rays full legal protection within designated sections of Gabon’s territorial waters, making the country a continental pioneer in safeguarding these threatened species.

Gabon’s coastal waters are exceptionally rich in biodiversity. More than sixty species of sharks and rays inhabit the region, including whale sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, manta rays and several species considered globally threatened. This diversity, together with increasing pressure from industrial fishing and accidental by-catch, pushed the Gabonese government to move toward strict protective measures. The sanctuary concept is designed to secure important habitats — such as feeding grounds and nursery areas — where shark and ray populations can recover and thrive.

Under the sanctuary framework, Gabon prohibits shark finning, restricts or bans commercial shark fishing, and requires the immediate release of protected species if caught accidentally. It also limits the trade and export of shark and ray products, strengthening enforcement across the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. These protections are part of a broader marine-spatial plan that combines conservation zones, national parks and regulated fishing areas to ensure more balanced and sustainable use of the ocean.

The Gabon Shark Sanctuary is not only significant for Gabon but also for the entire African continent. Before this initiative, no African nation had established a dedicated shark sanctuary. By taking the lead, Gabon offers a model for other coastal countries seeking to protect marine predators that are essential to healthy ocean ecosystems. The sanctuary underscores Gabon’s growing reputation as a regional leader in marine conservation and represents a major step forward in the global effort to reverse the decline of shark and ray populations.

According to the internet