Shark Ecotourism can be done right and it can be done wrong. Large concentrations of sharks are not always natural. Left over fish that decays on reefs can create an overabundance of microbes that leads to coral death or algal blooms. Some shark wrangling can lead to sharks striking cages and injuring themselves or the occupants of the cage. On the other hand, tourism can benefit the local economy leading to better shark awareness and protection. Dive tourism contributes up to 18 Million Dollars US to the Island of Palau’s national economy. One study in French Polynesia indicate one shark is worth 100,000 US a year. Alternatively, a dead shark might bring a fisherman $100 for a one time gain. In areas of Mexico and Honduras whale shark ecotourism is helping prevent poaching.
Shark tourism depends on the operation and the location. Below we have helped develop some suggested shark tourism guidelines that will help minimize impacts while providing opportunity to see sharks safely in the wild.
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| White Shark Guadalupe Island |
Top 10 Tips for Shark Conservation Travel Developed with SEE The Wild.
Respect the shark: maintain a respectful distance in the water. Observe the shark’s behavior and act accordingly. Avoid approaching or spooking a shark- let the shark approach you.
Avoid shark diving operations that use chum or excess bait to attract sharks. This practice changes the natural behavior of sharks and can be dangerous to humans.
When baiting large sharks use containers that will not harm the shark or break free, or hemp line that will degrade and not injure the shark’s mouth.
Clear water and beaches of plastic and other litter, even if it’s not yours. Sharks and other wildlife can ingest plastic, small floats or get entangled in fishing or mooring line.
When boating in the ocean, slow down when sharks and other wildlife are present and avoid anchoring in sensitive coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Choose to eat local and sustainable food caught with environmentally-friendly fishing gear – preferably troll or hook and line. Avoid establishments that serve shark fin soup in Asian (any)countries.
For the best experience, look to travel with a shark conservation tour or volunteer with a shark conservation project.
Reduce your carbon footprint while on vacation. Climate change affects ocean wildlife by altering their habitat and affecting their food sources.
Donate to local shark and wildlife conservation organizations where you travel.
When at the beach, be sure to shuffle your feet in shallow water to avoid stepping on stingrays.
Dive with an expert, they can help you understand shark behavior and know what kinds of sharks will be around.