When many people hear the words “shark” and “tourism” in the
same sentence, the first thing they think of is how to avoid them.
Unfortunately these people are missing the opportunity to witness and learn
about one of nature’s truly astounding creatures. While shark attacks are real
and many movies and media outlets capitalize on this fear (see Channel,
Discovery), there are common sense ways to avoid danger and have a great
experience while contributing to shark conservation efforts.
The real predator
According to the conservation group Oceana,
an average of 4 people per year were killed by sharks and only 3 fatal attacks
in the US from 2006 – 2010 (out of 179 total). Beachgoers are more than 3 times
more likely to drown than to die from a shark attack. Compare that to the more
than 25 million sharks killed by humans each year, and it becomes clear who is
more dangerous.
Sharks, as top predators, are critically important to the
health of the ocean. One of the biggest issues why many shark species are
endangered is due to the international trade in shark fins, used as a delicacy
in shark fin soup, consumed primarily in Asia. According to Shark
Advocates International, they are also valued for their meat, hides, teeth,
and livers. Due to the facts that sharks grow slowly, take a long time to
reproduce, and give birth to small numbers of offspring, these fish are
especially susceptible to human threats.
Tourism As A
Conservation Tool
One strategy to help protect and research sharks that is
gaining popularity is ecotourism. A recent study of sharks around Costa Rica’s
Cocos Island estimated the value of a hammerhead shark to tourism at US $1.6
million each, compared to just under $200 it could bring if sold. A 2011 study
by the Australian Institute of Marine Science had an even more dramatic
difference, estimating a lifetime value of nearly US $2 million dollars for a
reef shark in Palau vs. only $108 for sale in a fish market. Governments are
starting to take notice of this economic value; countries including Australia,
Palau, and the Cook Islands have recently created large new marine protected
areas to protect sharks and other ocean life.
While diving to see sharks has its abstract value, many tour
operators and volunteer organizations are taking advantage of shark tourism to
directly benefit conservation. SEEtheWILD partner Sea Turtle Restoration
Project has a
unique trip for divers to the Cocos Island where people can help to tag
hammerheads as part of a research program. In Belize, Earthwatch
Institute has a volunteer program in Belize to study shark populations and
the value of marine protected areas.
Another way that travelers can support shark research is by
participating in the Whale Shark Photo ID
Library. Anyone with underwater photos of whale sharks can upload them to
this website for identification, helping to build this important resource for
conservation efforts. Finally, some shark trips generate donations for
conservation efforts, including this
whale shark trip to Isla Mujeres (Mexico).
Playing it safe
For those who get sweaty at the mention of sharks, there are
many ways to keep yourself safe when in the water with sharks. The easiest way
to do that is to swim with the least threatening of sharks, the whale sharks.
Though these giant fish can be 40 feet long and weigh 20 tons, they don’t have
teeth and are not aggressive to humans. Also, by remaining calm around sharks
and keeping your distance, you can minimize the risk of being around these
fascinating creatures. If you are diving or snorkeling in areas where sharks
live, ask your guide about what to expect and what species to look out for.
Check out SEEtheWILD’s shark conservation tours and
volunteer programs:
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