Conservation Divers

Hammerhead sharks (credit: Conservation International)

The international environmental organization Conservation International (CI) has assisted in the rescues and radio tagging of whale sharks to monitor their movements and population dynamics. The organization noted that sharks are under threat everywhere from massive and illegal over fishing to supply their fins for a soup prized in Asia. With low reproduction rates, shark populations are declining in many regions. The prehistoric fish has values far more important than a tasteless soup such as supporting island economies from sustainable diving tours, helping in coral reef recovery, and maintaining the ecological balance of other marine life.

Efforts are underway in many countries to protect these ancient fish but much more needs to be done. CI is supporting a pioneering shark monitoring initiative in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The goal is to help maintain a healthy population of these amazing creatures by involving the local people. A video explains their program. WHB

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