According to ocean conservation organization, Oceana, longlines – long hooks suspended in the water across several miles – catch sharks instead of the intended target species 20-50 percent of the time. Other threats to sharks are illegal fishing and bycatch, which is the accidental capture of non-target marine life that get caught up in fishing nets. In Cenderawasih Bay, fishermen make extra money from tourists who gather to see the whale sharks that congregate at their fishing platforms. Nikko Karki of Indo Yachts, a private yacht charter in Indonesia, says shark tourism can be economically practical for fisherman, who can sell shark fins for $50 each – or charge tourists $50 to swim with the same sharks day after day.

Shark tourism also generates up to $314 million annually, which can then be used to employ local people to patrol the waters to prevent shark finning. Scuba Diving International, a scuba diving training and certification agency, says that for sharks to be protected, “they need to be worth more alive, in the ocean, than dead.” Responsible shark encounters educate people about the value of sharks’ lives and remove fear of the animals. How shark encounters can help their conservation How shark encounters can help their conservation.Before booking your own shark adventure, finding out about the ethics of shark experiences, the controversy of shark baiting and cage diving, and what to look for in an operator to ensure the welfare of sharks is a top priority. With more than 500 species of sharks swimming in our oceans, there are endless opportunities for travellers to observe these animals in their natural habitats, whether diving, snorkeling or swimming with them. Shares Facebook Twitter Photo © Indo Yachts Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries.

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