Sharks are crucial to
marine ecosystems. They maintain a balance in populations of prey species and
keep the ocean healthy by removing ill or diseased animals. They are an
important resource supporting local economies through fishing and as an
attraction to dive tourists.
 |
| Speciality Instructor Sarah Best (Right) with Roxy, Jill, Sian and Tom |
But sharks are in
global decline. Overfishing has reduced many shark populations around the world
to levels that threaten their continued existence. Shark numbers have fallen by
more than 80% in many cases and the continued existence of some species is at
immediate risk in some regions.
The Gili islands are
no different. Numbers of black and white tip reef sharks have dwindled over
recent years due to destructive fishing practices including cyanide and
dynamite fishing. In an attempt to reverse this trend, recent changes in
legislation have created a marine protected area around the three Gili islands.
In addition, the Gili Eco Trust has reached an agreement with local fishermen
to designate legal fishing areas and appropriate methods.
 |
| Sian supporting Project AWARE |
Last month, a group of
shark advocates came together to study the AWARE Shark Conservation Dive
Distinctive Specialty. Tom, Sian, Jill and Roxy, (who won the course at the
AWARE quiz night in April).
The slides were
accompanied by some clips from the movie Sharkwater which together produced
some horrifying facts and figures, enough to reduce some of the group to
tears. It wasn’t all harsh information though;
the slides included some tips on how to identify sharks, the evolution of
sharks and pictures of many different species of our aquatic friends.
The first dive of the
course was to Deep Turbo. A dive site
known for its amazing formations, healthy coral and changeable currents. It used to be famous for regular sitings of
white tip reef sharks and leopard sharks.
However the group was not lucky enough to see them that day. We used it as an excuse to clear up some
debris and take photos of fishing boats spotted in the marine protected area,
which were photographed and reported to the government.
The second dive of the
day was to Shark Point. Donning the
shark hats, we embarked on our mission, but again, no sharks were spotted. A sad realization where two dive sites
previously notorious for being home to many sharks are now home to far less,
and encounters are becoming a rare treat.
In good news though,
all of the shark hats survived the current and are ready for the next course!
 |
| Sian & Jill Diving at Shark Point |
The AWARE Shark
Conservation Dive Distinctive Specialty is available at Trawangan Dive on
request. It’s perfectly suited to those who are passionate about the aquatic
realm and who want to learn more about the threats faced by our shark friends.
