Divers and conservationists are celebrating a major breakthrough today in their fight to reduce the risk of extinction faced by sharks in the world’s oceans. At the 19th meeting of CITES (the Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in Panama City, government representatives agreed to restrict international trade for requiem sharks, one of the largest families of shark species.
“Today’s decision to restrict the unsustainable global trade in some of the most threatened species on the planet provides us all with a hope and optimism that we are not too late to end the dramatic declines in the ocean’s most iconic animals,” said Ian Campbell, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns for the PADI AWARE Foundation charity. “The listing of requiem sharks, a group that includes diver favourites such as the blacktip reef shark, bull shark and grey reef shark sends a strong signal that healthy populations of these animals are more economically important than if they’re just traded for their fins, meat and organs.”
Shark tourism generates hundreds of millions of dollars globally each year, contributing to the economies of countries all over the world and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Studies have indicated that shark-based tourism is on track to generate over three-quarters of a billion dollars a year over the next decade.
With the global pandemic having a significant impact on the economies of island nations such as Fiji, the Maldives and the Bahamas, the growth in shark tourism is likely to play a significant role in the financial recovery of countries around the world.
Julio Salvatori, the South America Regional Manager for the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI), said: “This result, to limit the international trade in shark species that are found at the world’s most popular dive spots, will bring a huge economic boost to communities across the globe. PADI’s membership includes around 28 million registered divers, 128,000 dive instructors and almost 7,000 dive centres operating in 180 countries, and the prospect of swimming with sharks in their natural environment is a major attraction for recreational divers, many of whom made their concerns known to the decision-makers. We’re optimistic that this can be a turning point for shark populations worldwide.”
Recent studies have indicated that sharks, and their close relatives the rays, are one of the most threatened groups of animals on the planet. Over a third of all species are classed as being at risk of extinction, mainly through overfishing, habitat loss and unsustainable trade. Today’s decision also includes all species of hammerhead sharks and will bring the majority of sharks found in the fin trade under tight trade regulations.
PADI AWARE’s Campbell added: “As the world opens its borders, marine tourism will play a critical part in the economic recovery of many countries. For small island nations tourism can contribute over 50% of their GDP and is a lifeline for vulnerable coastal communities.”
