AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty Course - Lesson Guides - This work is licensed...

AWARE Shark Conservation Diver AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty CourseDistinctive Specialty Course

- Lesson Guides -- Lesson Guides -

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Welcome to your courseWelcome to your course

Introductions Course goals Course overview Class requirements

AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty CourseWelcome 2

Click to view the Click to view the Sharks in Peril

videovideo

AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty Course

3

http://www.projectaware.org/resource/sharks-peril

We’ll talk about . . .We’ll talk about . . .

Unique physical attributes of sharks Conservation status of sharks Life history traits that make sharks

vulnerable Importance to marine ecosystems

SECTION 1: Sharks in Peril and why we should care


4Welcome

Continued . . .

SECTION 1Sharks in Peril


Threats to sharks Management strategies to protect

sharks Value to local economies Misperceptions of sharks

SECTION 2: Managing threats and recognising values


5Welcome

Continued . . .

SECTION 2Managing Threats


Personal actions to protect sharks Your local sharks Responsible environmental

guidelines for diving with sharks Join the Project AWARE movement

SECTION 3: Taking action and joining the Project AWARE movement


6Welcome

SECTION 3Taking Action

Sharks in Peril Sharks in Peril and why we should careand why we should care


7

SECTION 1:

What are the unique physical What are the unique physical attributes of sharks?attributes of sharks?

First sharks over 400 mya Modern sharks around 100 mya Found in every marine environment Roughly 500 species Most sharks have:

a streamlined, torpedo shaped body

rigid dorsal and pectoral fins Most predators, some scavengers

or filter feeders

AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty CourseS1: Sharks in Peril 8

Continued . . .

What are the unique physical What are the unique physical attributes of sharks?attributes of sharks?

Sharks have unique physical attributes that make them different from other fish:

Skeleton made from cartilage

Large oiled filled liver Exposed gill slits

Share these attributes with rays, skates and chimaeras


What is the conservation What is the conservation status of sharks?status of sharks?


10S1: Sharks in Peril

Continued . . .

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Review of 1044 Shark, Ray and Chimaera Species

Critically Endangered 2% Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild

Endangered 4% Very high risk of extinction in the wild

Vulnerable 11% High risk of extinction in the wild

Near Threatened 13%Close to qualifying or likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future

Least Concern 23%Not qualifying as Threatened including widespread and abundant species

Data Deficient 47% More information required for assessment

30% of 1044 assessed sharks, rays and chimaeras are Threatened or Near Threatened with extinction

What is the conservation What is the conservation status of sharks?status of sharks?

More alarming estimates:

More alarming estimates



Species Location Status

Sharks and rays Pelagic

(open ocean) One third threatened with extinction

Hammerhead sharks NW & W Central

AtlanticDeclined by 89% since 1986

Great hammerheads E Atlantic Declined by 80%

Porbeagle and spiny dogfish sharks

NW Atlantic Reduced by 90%

Sharks Europe One third Threatened with extinction

14 species of sharks and rays

Mediterranean Critically Endangered

What life history traits make What life history traits make sharks vulnerable?sharks vulnerable?

Sharks vulnerable to overfishing because:

Long time to sexual maturity Long gestations Small number of offspring Breed only every 2nd or 3rd

year Strategy works under natural

conditions Fails when fishing removes many

individuals


Continued . . .

What life history traits make What life history traits make sharks vulnerable?sharks vulnerable?

Compare shark reproductive strategy with bony fish that:

Release millions of eggs in a lifetime, so

More likely to recover from fishing impacts

Most fisheries management based on bony fish strategy

Sharks tend to form groups based on age, gender and maturity

Removal of older breeding age females


Continued . . .

What is the importance of What is the importance of sharks to marine ecosystems?sharks to marine ecosystems?

Keep a balance among prey species

Often the apex predator Top of many food chains Feed on many different

species Change food when one

prey animal is hard to find Remove sick, injured and

diseased animals

Crucial to maintain health of marine ecosystems




Food chains describe how energy moves among species



Small carnivores consumed by large

carnivores until apex predators reached

Herbivores consumed

by carnivores

(meat eaters)

Plants consumed

by herbivores

(plant eaters)

Starts with plants that

use the sun’s

energy to make their body parts

Continued . . .


Removing animals from a food chain can have repercussions throughout an ecosystem:



Fewer apex predators

more lower-level carnivores

fewer herbivores

more macroalgae

(e.g. seaweed, base of food chain)

Continued . . .


Study at NW Hawaii Islands Apex predators:

More than 50% of fish biomass

Less than 10% on fished reefs

Sharks are bigger Populations of all species are far

greater A larger variety of other species

Relatively untouched reefs can show the impact of removing apex predators (including sharks)



Continued . . .


Prefer to eat in the middle of sea grass bed

Stay on outside when sharks present

Seagrass beds important habitat for many species

Sharks found to protect seagrass beds from over-grazing by dugongs and green sea turtles:



Sharks keep marine environments healthy -Important for all marine animals and for humans!

We’ve talked aboutWe’ve talked about

Unique physical attributes of sharks Conservation status of sharks Life history traits that make sharks

vulnerable Importance to marine ecosystems

SECTION 1: Sharks in Peril and why we should care



Any Questions?

Managing threats and Managing threats and recognising valuesrecognising values


20

SECTION 2:

What major threats contribute What major threats contribute to declines in shark populations?to declines in shark populations?

Targeted fisheries and as bycatch

Mainly caught for: Fins: to make shark fin

soup Meat: strong demand

from Europe

It is mostly due to overfishing that many shark species

are threatened with extinction


21S2: Managing Threats

Continued . . .


Total of annual shark catch: Nearly 80% - top 20 shark catching nations More than 35% - top 4 shark catching nations

AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty CourseS2: Managing Threats 22

The top 20 shark catching nations in order of size of catch, greatest take first

Rank Country Rank Country Rank Country Rank Country

1 Indonesia 6 Mexico 11 Thailand 16 Portugal

2 India 7 Pakistan 12 France 17 Nigeria

3 Spain 8 USA 13 Brazil 18 Iran

4 Taiwan 9 Japan 14 Sri Lanka 19 UK

5 Argentina 10 Malaysia 15 New Zealand 20 S Korea

Source: The Future of Sharks: A Review of Action and Inaction

Continued . . .

Continued . . .


Some of the many uses of shark body parts



Species Part Where How

Most sharks Fins Global, but centered on Asia

Shark fin soup

Spiny dogfish Meat Europe

Spiny dogfish Meat UK Fish and Chips

Spiny dogfish Meat Germany To make Schillerlocken

Porbeagle Meat France Known as veal of the sea

Mako, thresher and blacktip

Meat America Shark steaks

Greenland and basking shark

Meat Iceland and Greenland

Used to produce hákarl

Continued . . .


Some of the many uses of shark body parts



Part Where How

Meat Australia Known as flake, often used in fish and chips

Meat Global Products called fish may contain shark i.e. fish fingers

Liver oil Global Many industrial uses

Shark skin A delicacy and also used to make leather products

Liver oil and cartilage

Said to have health benefits, though unproven

Jaws and teeth

sold as souvenirs

Continued . . .


Food and Agriculture Organisation (FOA) estimate of shark, ray and chimaera catch:

2003: 0.90 million tonnes 2006: 0.75 million tonnes

Unknown if decline due to: Better fisheries

management Less sharks Combination of both

Difficult to estimate annual shark take Countries have different reporting requirements, or none at all



Continued . . .


Study of shark fin trade records shows FAO figures an underestimate

Found annual shark catch to support global shark fin trade to be: Between 1.21 to 2.29 million tonnes, with a median of 1.70

million tonnes Equivalent to between 26 and 73 million sharks

Therefore 38 million sharks per year is the best estimate for the global shark catch

This figure does not include: Sharks killed for domestic fin markets Sharks discarded dead at sea Sharks killed for their meat only


Continued . . .


Status symbol in Chinese culture

Demand fast outpacing supply Driving the global depletion of

shark populations Among the most valuable

fisheries products Bowl of soup can cost

US$100

Shark Fin Soup



Continued . . .


Removing a shark's fins at sea Often still alive

Body dumped overboard Why do fishers do that?

High value of fins / low value of meat

Why is this allowed to happen? Finning banned by many

countries, but Poor monitoring and

regulations

Shark Finning



Continued . . .


Part of a catch that is: not the target species, or undersized

Can not be landed in many regions

Often dumped overboard Tens of millions of sharks

killed as bycatch every year Usually not recorded in fishery

records

Bycatch



Continued . . .


Habitat Loss 75% coral reefs threatened

from local pressures and climate change

1/5th mangroves removed since 1980

Coastal Development Damages shark habitats

and nurseries

Other Impacts




Marine debris Our rubbish in the ocean Sharks eat marine debris or

become entangled Ghost nets

Swimmer protection devices Beach nets and baited drumlines Kills harmless sharks Kills other species: dolphins,

rays and turtles etc

Other Impacts



What key management What key management strategies can protect sharks?strategies can protect sharks?

Be well-enforced, with science-based catch limits

Have conservation measures consistent throughout the range of each species

Be science-based and take a precautionary approach

Aim to minimise waste

For shark fisheries to be sustainable, shark fisheries management should:



We will now look at some management strategies that can help protect sharks

Continued . . .


Shark fishing nations to implement a National Plan of Action (NPOA) for the conservation and management of sharks

Aims to make shark fisheries sustainable by:

Assessing threats such as overfishing Protecting critical habitats Minimising waste and discards (e.g.

finning bans) Encouraging the full use of dead sharks

International Plan of Action-Sharks (IPOA-Sharks)



Continued . . .


Should implement a Shark NPOA by 2001:

Voluntary As of 2011 only 13 of the Top

20 nations have a plan IPOA process has raised the

profile of sharks Led to some improvement in

shark fisheries management

International Plan of Action-Sharks (IPOA-Sharks)



Continued . . .


Facilitate management of multi-nation fishing:

In international waters, or For highly migratory species

Aims to conserve fish populations through agreements

Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs)



Continued . . .


Slow to address shark overfishing Management based on fast

breeding bony fish Most RFMOs banned shark

finning But did not set international

shark fishing quotas for the high seas

Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs)



Continued . . .


Finning banned by most RFMOs and nearly 30 countries

Does not stop sharks being caught Aims to ensure shark carcasses

are kept after fins removed Stipulates a maximum fin to carcass

ratio allowed onboard Dump the carcass = exceed the

ratio

Finning Bans



Continued . . .


IUCN recommends ratio not exceed 5% of dressed weight

Dressed weight = heads and guts removed

Using whole weight creates a loophole

Allows 2 to 3 sharks to be finned for every carcass kept

Europe and Brazil bans specify whole weight

Sets a bad example

Finning Bans



Continued . . .


Finning bans could dramatically reduce shark mortality if properly enforced

Finning Bans



Continued . . .

Most effective way to enforce finning bans is to require that carcasses are landed

with fins naturally attached


International agreement among 175 countries

Regulates or bans international trade in Threatened species

Binding on member countries Resistance to listing sharks due

to commercial value

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)



Continued . . .


As of 2011 only three sharks included under CITES Appendix II:

Basking Shark Whale Shark Great White Shark

Proposals to list porbeagle, hammerhead and oceanic whitetip sharks rejected

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)



Continued . . .


Protect from extractive industries Fishing Mining Collecting for aquariums

Known by variety of names marine parks aquatic reserves marine reserves sanctuary zones etc

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)



Continued . . .


Different levels of protection: Fully protected no-take zones

(all extractive activities banned), or

Multiple uses through a system of zoning




Continued . . .


Benefits of MPAs: Bony fish recover from

overfishing More fish in surrounding areas Economic advantages through

marine tourism Only around 1% of the world’s

ocean protected by MPAs Less than 0.1% of these MPAs are

no-take zones




Continued . . .


Protects sharks when positioned over key habitats:

Where sharks congregate to mate

Nursery grounds Works best for sharks with

limited range Migratory sharks?

If a network of MPAs covers the range of habitats through which the sharks migrate




Continued . . .


Dive tourism can lead to the creation of shark sanctuaries:

Palau, 2009: entire ocean territory

Maldives, 2010: entire ocean territory

Bahamas and Honduras, 2011: territorial waters




Continued . . .


To be effective shark sanctuaries need:

Management and monitoring Funding Patrols and enforcement Compensation for fishers, or

an alternate income Dive tourism is leading to local

and even national protection for sharks




Continued . . .


Result of fisheries management failures

Level of illegal shark fishing may not be high

Few rules to break! Lack of species-specific

reporting a huge hindrance to shark conservation

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing



What is the value of sharks What is the value of sharks to local economies?to local economies?

Continue to provide income and protein for many people if fished at a sustainable level

Sharks provide economic benefits as a source of food and as tourist attractions



Continued . . .

The problem is not that we are fishing for sharks; the problem is that in most cases

we are overfishing sharks


Sharks at popular dive centres have a greater value as tourist attractions than when fished



Value of shark dive tourism to Palau

$18 million per year

US$1.9 million one reef shark over its lifetime

US$108 one shark when fished

Value of shark dive tourism to the Maldives

US$3,300 one reef shark per year

US$33,500 one reef shark per year at the most popular sites

US$32 one shark when fished

Continued . . .



Value of shark dive tourism to the Bahamas

US$800 million over a twenty year period

US$250,000 one reef shark over its lifetime

US$50-60 one shark when fished

Value of global whale shark tourism

US$47.5 million in 2004

Value of shark and ray tourism to the Canary Islands

€17.7 million annually

429 jobs supported

Value of shark dive tourism to South Africa

US$4.1 million diving with great white sharks, 2003

US$1.8 million diving with tiger sharks, 2007

Continued . . .


Dive tourism can: Improve appreciation of

sharks Create shark conservation

advocates This can lead to protection for

shark species not associated with diving, such as those in international waters


How do we remove common How do we remove common misperceptions of sharks that are a barrier to conservation?misperceptions of sharks that are a barrier to conservation?

Undeserved reputation as a mindless killer

Often portrayed as man-eaters Media often greatly exaggerates

shark attack stories 1975 film Jaws portrayed sharks

as vengeful hunters of humans


Continued . . .


The reality? Unlikely to attack

International Shark Attack File 2010: 79 unprovoked shark attacks Only 6 were fatal

Shark attacks levelled off over last 30 years to average 63.5 per year

Growing human population means number of attacks should increase

Falling shark populations the possible explanation



Only about 10 species implicated in unprovoked attacks

Mostly bull, tiger, and white sharks

Most attacks thought to be mistakes or explorations

Not understanding the variety of shark species another barrier to protection



Ocean the shark's home

We choose to accept the risk when we swim


Threats to sharks Management strategies to protect

sharks Value to local economies Misperceptions of sharks

SECTION 2: Managing threats and recognising values



Any Questions?

Taking action and joining the Taking action and joining the Project AWARE movementProject AWARE movement


57

SECTION 3:

What personal actions What personal actions can I take to protect sharks?can I take to protect sharks?

Get involved Make personal changes to

protect sharks Join campaigns Support Marine Protected Areas Tell others Respond to alarmist media

stories Support Project AWARE

www.projectaware.org Tread lightly on the planet

Everyday Actions


58S3: Taking Action

Continued . . .


If you choose to eat seafood Look for sustainable fisheries

Sustainable Seafood Guides

Avoid products that contain sharks

Choose not to eat shark fin soup Avoid purchasing items that

contain shark products Support genuine ecotourism

operations

Purchase Decisions


59S3: Taking Action

Continued . . .


Make your dives count Dive Against Debris

Be an AWARE diver Ten Ways A Diver Can Protect

The Underwater Environment Ten Tips for Underwater

Photographers

Be an AWARE Diver


60S3: Taking Action

What sharks are found in our local area What sharks are found in our local area and what is their conservation status?and what is their conservation status?


61S3: Taking Action

Continued . . .

What sharks are found in our local area What sharks are found in our local area and what is their conservation status?and what is their conservation status?


62S3: Taking Action

Environmental Guidelines for Environmental Guidelines for diving with sharksdiving with sharks

Be an AWARE diver

Do not block their movement by swimming in front of them, allow them to move away

Do not block their exit if they are inside a cave or overhang

These guidelines will help you minimise your impacts when diving with sharks


63S3: Taking Action

Do not descend on top of sharks

Do not get close to sharks

Be familiar with and follow local regulations and protocols

Always seek safety advice from a dive professional familiar with sharks found at the dive site before diving with sharks

Join the Project AWARE movementJoin the Project AWARE movement

Ocean fighting for its life! 2 major issues where divers can

make a difference Shark decline Marine debris

Dive Against Debris: underwater survey of rubbish in our ocean

Your data will: Cause changes that stop rubbish from

entering the ocean Reduce marine life death and injuries

Project AWARE’s powerful movement for ocean protection starts with you


64S3: Taking Action

Continued . . .


Dive Centres and AWARE leaders Manage local conservation

events Report data Connect with volunteers

Explore My Ocean Create a profile Volunteer for events Find new dive buddies

My Ocean – unique eco-networking site for ocean protection

S3: Taking ActionAWARE Shark Conservation Diver

Distinctive Specialty Course65

Continued . . .

Your Profile

Your Blogs

Your Buddies


Calls to action, petitions and activities centered on our ocean planet

Think ocean protection every time you dive

Join the movement to protect our ocean planet – one dive at a time

Be an AWARE Diver


66S3: Taking Action

www.projectaware.org

http://www.projectaware.org/


Personal actions to protect sharks Your local sharks Responsible environmental

guidelines for diving with sharks Join the Project AWARE movement

SECTION 3: Taking action and joining the Project AWARE movement


67S3: Taking Action

Any Questions?

Join the MovementJoin the Movementwww.projectaware.org

http://www.projectaware.org/

AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty Course - Lesson Guides - This work is licensed...

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