Earthwatch plays a key role in shark conservation in Madagascar.
Scientists from Earthwatch, the international environmental organisation, believe that the decline of local shark fisheries on Madagascar's northwest coast could mark the much needed transition from shark consumption to conservation in the region.
Dr Lyn Robinson and Earthwatch teams have been assessing the impact of the local shark fishery over the past two years, working closely with fishers to collect data on the sharks caught in fishing nets. They found that local shark fishing crews had dropped from eight boats to two over that period.
'This year appears to be a turning point in the shark fishery at Ampasindava,' said Robinson. 'The dramatically decreased shark stocks are making fishing economically unviable but this provides the ideal opportunity to begin advising shark fishers about alternative livelihoods and sources of income and to start implementing measures supporting shark conservation.'
'The fact that more fishing hours are required to catch fewer sharks is an early indicator of collapse in the shark fishery. Conservation of shark stocks and management of the fishery is an urgent concern if the presence of these apex predators is to be maintained in the ecosystem.'
Ampasindava, and nearby Nosy Hara Archipelago, support an astounding diversity of sharks, with 21 species documented by Robinson and Earthwatch teams. Species found include the giant hammerhead, tiger shark, bull shark, and three different species of guitarfish in the genus Rhynchobatus, as well as the rare bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina Ancylostoma).
So, whilst not economically viable for fishing, Robinson's studies suggest that the shark stocks in this region are still abundant enough to respond to effective conservation.
Nosy Hara is scheduled to be become a national marine park in 2004 and in order to gain valuable insights into the sustainable management of shark populations two Malagasy national park system staff participated on the Earthwatch project.
Robinson commented, 'The Malagasy Earthwatch fellows gained a heightened appreciation of the marine biodiversity and the protection of sharks and other megafauna in the area as a result of joining our project. They were able to see firsthand the importance of protecting areas where rare species are found and where gravid females gather to pup. Their participation has increased awareness among their agency that will be instrumental in managing Nosy Hara.'
Shark populations subject to fishing pressures are in severe decline around the world, largely due to demand for shark fins in the international market. Earthwatch's support of Robinson's work in Madagascar could mean the difference between eliminating one of the world's most diverse shark assemblages and conserving Nosy Hara's rich marine legacy.
Robinson concluded, 'I would say that working with Earthwatch has been one of the most positive and supportive experiences I've had in my many years of conservation and research. The participation of volunteer researchers has allowed the compilation of a comprehensive data base and I really appreciated their contributions.'
For more information about Earthwatch projects in Madagascar and how you can get involved look at click here.
For press information, interviews and images, contact:
Zoe Gamble, Press Officer, Earthwatch, on + 44 (0) 1865 318813 / zgamble@earthwatch.org.uk
Editors Notes
Photo credit: ©Fred Bavendam/Minden Pictures