They might be the ocean’s top predators, but overfishing and under-appreciation have diminished shark populations to such an extent that it threatens to upset the balance of an already fragile marine environment.
“According to surveys, less than 10% of the world’s shark populations remain and the decline is continuing. This is extremely worrying as sharks are key components of marine biodiversity,” noted scientist Dr. Mauvis Gore who is part of a research team that is collecting data on local shark species, populations and the pressures they face.
Scientists are also gathering data on dolphins and whales to help protect this often undervalued resource in local waters.
“Our only hope to save the ocean’s iconic species is to gather information to develop conservation plans that will safeguard their future. This in turn could translate into sustainable economic benefits for local tour operators, dive companies and sports fisherman,” Dr. Gore noted.
Dr. Gore is part of an international team from Marine Conservation International and leads the project funded by the UK’s Overseas Territory Environment Programme (OTEP) and the Save Our Seas Foundation. Together with Department of Environment (DoE) staff they are in the second year of the extensive survey that involves surveying for and tagging sharks and working with fishermen, dive operators and boat owners in gathering local knowledge on sharks, whales and dolphins. The research project will run until April 2012.
“The only way to make a difference is to involve everyone. When people understand the value of these species, they will naturally become partners in our conservation efforts,” said DOE Deputy Director Tim Austin.
Mr. Austin also encourages residents to “help in our understanding of Cayman’s seas” by reporting any shark, whale or dolphin sightings to the DOE at DOE [at] GOV [dot] KY or 949-8469.
