Sharks are graceful, well adapted hunters that have captured our imagination. They are widely considered a threat to humans, where in fact the opposite is true: we are a threat to them. Shark conservation is becoming increasingly important for the protection of shark species. You can even volunteer for marine conservation projects that aim to improve shark conservation and protect shark populations.
There are over 350 known species of sharks. According to the Shark Foundation, a quarter of these species are hunted commercially, which has contributed to many species, all over the world, becoming endangered. Some of the sharks with declining numbers have exotic names like the Endeavour Dogfish and the Zebra shark, as well as favourites like the Whale shark. But because we know relatively little about the details of many of shark species’ lifestyles, to aid any shark conservation, marine biology studies must first find out more about the habitats and behaviour of these varied and mysterious fish.
Many people are afraid of sharks because of their fearsome appearance and murderous reputation. However, in most parts of the world shark attacks are rare and cause fewer fatalities than bee stings. For the places in the world where sharks and people encounter more frequently, there are measures people can take for protection from shark attacks, however rare they may be. For surfers and swimmers, many beaches install shark nets to prevent sharks getting too near to the shore. For SCUBA divers, there are mesh shark suits that resemble the chainmail of a medieval soldier, which are designed to resist the teeth of a shark that may decide take a nibble.
These shark protection suits are especially recommended for spear fishermen who often find, having speared a fish, that they attract the attention of a shark. This is because many shark species, being scavengers as well as hunters, will be attracted to injured and struggling prey. It is the prevention of these kinds of situations – where people find themselves unwittingly interacting in the routine behaviour of a shark – which makes marine biology conservation studies important. The real value of shark conservation research though, is to the find the most effective way to reduce the human impact on shark habitats.
Volunteering for marine conservation studies might take you to some beautiful and exciting parts of the world. One example is the tiger shark conservation programme that runs within the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area off the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The pretty coastline here is washed with the warm currents of the Indian Ocean and is a popular place for surfing. To assist the efforts of marine conservation, those volunteering here, (who are already students of marine biology) gather conservation information about fish populations, shark movements, feeding habits and territories.
The volunteers will learn to identify individual sharks from their markings, will help tag sharks and track them using electronic devices. They will also have the thrill of swimming with Tiger sharks without the protection of shark cages.
Such studies aim to find ways to offer some protection for sharks from the threats of poaching and ensure the conservation of the shark’s natural habitat.
Author Resource:-
Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, a tour operator offering extended breaks upon which you can participate in a program of shark conservation (http://www.worldwideexperience.com/gap_year_projects/tiger_shark_research.htm), a marine conservation volunteering opportunity.
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