ORANJESTAD – On Sunday, June 10th, the official opening of the Shark Week Exhibition took place at Arikok National Park in celebration of Shark Week Aruba 2018. Arikok National Park is extremely happy with the attendance during the opening of the Shark Week exhibition 2018 and thankful for all the positive feedback received regarding the information and content of our Shark Week exhibit. The exhibition has broad information on the different types of Sharks that we have around the Island and their importance for a healthy marine ecosystem.
Shark Week Aruba 2018 was officially launched by the team members of Arikok National Park with a special guests, Save our Sharks Ambassador – Mr. Jorgen Raymann who provided some words of encouragement to everyone present. Mr. Raymann placed an emphasis on the key importance of our Sharks. A great example provided by Mr. Raymann was that the economic value of a living Shark that is estimated at almost $2 Million Dollars, compared to the value of a dead Shark on the market for approximately $100 Dollars. This estimate is based on the direct and indirect contribution of a Shark to the islands tourism and fishery.
As part of the Shark Week Program 2018 various presentations are given to different schools and a general invitation is extended to the community of Aruba for the closing of Shark Week 2018 on Saturday June 16, 2018 with a wonderful Movie Night at the Park where we will showcase “This is your Ocean: Sharks” and “Shark Bait” during the evening along with an interactive quiz and attractive prizes.
Shark Week Aruba 2018 would not have been possible without the support of DCNA (Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance) who receives funds from “Postcode Lotterij” which aids educational conservation programs such as Save our Sharks in the Dutch Kingdom. With these funds, Arikok National Park can continue with shark research, and education of our local community on the importance of a healthy Shark population around our island.
The Shark Week exhibition can be visited every day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Visitor Center of Arikok National Park. For additional information please do not hesitate to contact us at 585-1234 or send us an email at info@arubanationalpark.org
