Thesis of good!
It is with great pride that we were mentioned in the graduation thesis of Stephanie Kolesza Biancatto Oscar Dantas, from the Tourism course at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. (UFRJ). Those who follow our work know that one of our fronts is Environmental Education. For D4Fs this is one of the main elements to change people’s mentality. We invite the student to write about the work, which is available here. Below, check out her text.
By Stephanie Kolesza
Every day people’s interest in diving experiences to observe sharks and the concern about their future grows. An aggravating fact to guarantee the preservation of these animals is that even today sharks are considered by the vast majority of people as dangerous animals that should be killed. This is all because, the focus in reports is always given to the misfortunes involving sharks and their victims on the beaches.
But the truth is that, every year, tens of millions of sharks are killed in predatory and illegal fishing around the world due to the great interest in their fins, which are sold to restaurants to cook the “famous” and unfortunately much sought after, shark soup. shark fin. Fin sales prices are so high, which has been a very big obstacle for conservationists to convince fishermen to give up this practice, which is called Finning, or shark finning.
70 million deaths
To meet the growing demand for fins, around 120 countries, including Brazil, kill more than 70 million sharks a year in all oceans. Currently, 43% of shark species on the Brazilian coast are already threatened with extinction. And if nothing is done, dozens of species will be extinct in the coming decades.
On the other hand, for some divers and great defenders of these beautiful animals, this type of thinking needs to be changed, giving opportunity for the implementation of new practices, however sustainable.
In the dives that are made to meet these fantastic beings, it can be observed that the man x animal relationship can be much more beneficial for both when violence is given up and respect is given, thus providing a possible coexistence. Coming face to face with a shark can be one of the most incredible experiences a person can have. In some dives, the animals can be seen up to one meter away.
A life-saving dive
This activity has been growing little by little, and in some places around the world, such as the Galápagos, Australia, Hawaii and even here in Brazil in Fernando de Noronha, the practice of underwater tourism with sharks has been so sought after and profitable, that it has convinced local authorities to preserve their species and elaborate a diversity of projects to attract more tourists.
American studies point out that a single live shark is worth 13 thousand dollars a year, and has a life expectancy of up to 15 years. Therefore, it is evident that a live shark yields much more per year and also strengthens the local economy through tourism.
An example of successful action takes place in the Bahamas, which today is known as a place for shark divers, and reveals that its annual revenues close at 78 million dollars. This happens directly through the shark x visitor interaction, and does not include the benefits associated with tourism, such as accommodation, tours and restaurants.
Example from the Caribbean
In July 2011, the Bahamian government passed a law banning shark finning from its waters and banning the trade and export of shark products.
In addition to the Bahamas, the archipelago of Palau – a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean – generates 18 million dollars per year for diving tourism with sharks and also represents two million dollars for the small nation’s economy.
American studies point out that a single live shark is worth 13 thousand dollars a year, and has a life expectancy of up to 15 years. Therefore, it is evident that a live shark yields much more per year and also strengthens the local economy through tourism.
Protection that generates income
But in addition to the preservation of species, there is care for the environment: in waters where the marine ecosystem is balanced, the risk of attacks is almost zero, as the animals are fed with their natural chain. In these places, sharks are already used to the presence of humans diving alongside them.
This needs to be the new reality that will spread around the world and generate income for the development of tourism, as opposed to predatory fishing where the income is much lower and only once, for just a few soup bows.