Diving with sharks is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting and interesting experiences a person can have. Being surrounded by some of Earth's most ancient creatures is an indescribable feeling. Due to their predatory nature, most shark species were considered too dangerous to dive with but, fortunately, nowadays this activity is very popular and it is possible to dive with them in many places of the world.

Sharks endangered

Most divers already know that, according to scientific findings, the number of sharks killed each year in commercial fisheries is estimated at 100 million, with a range between 63 and 273 million. Generally, the rate of fishing for shark species exceeds their ability to recover due to their biological characteristics: they grow slowly, reproduce late in life, and have only a few and fully developed offspring, compared with other fish. Sharks' bad reputation in the media also doesn't help them. The very few incidents, when a shark bites a person, are shared over and over in a sensationalistic way and, because of that, many people have an irrational fear of sharks and don't have a problem with fishermen killing them.

How does shark tourism help sharks?

Fortunately, despite this, it has been proven in many locations that shark tourism is an excellent way to change the public's perception of sharks and it can also contribute to encouraging measures to protect their habitats. When local people and authorities realize the economic value (as a tourist attraction) of this activity, they are much more likely to recognize the importance of sharks and get actively involved in their conservation. For instance, a recent study, published in the journal Biological Conservation, has found that the diving industry of The Bahamas provides US$114 million per year to the local economy, with 99 percent of this value generated by the shark and ray tourism sector. This research contributes to a growing recognition that shark conservation provides significant economic benefits.

Another good example of shark tourism acting as a force towards shark conservation, happens in Fiji. There, a shark diving company has managed to have an entire area designated as a protected Marine Park, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, by working closely with the government and the local communities.