Shark Conservation
One of our main goals at Hawaii Shark Encounters is to support and further the cause of shark conservation.
The demise of the shark populations is a global issue that needs our immediate attention and action. Support for shark protection is difficult to achieve because of the persistent irrational fear of sharks. A change in attitude, perception, media coverage, and improved conservation legislation and fishing policies are desperately needed.
For that purpose we have founded Shark Allies, a non-profit organization that will make every effort to achieve those goals.
Check out the Shark Allies website.
We have been able to collect signature for petitions, have distributed information during trade shows and are recruiting volunteers that will help in the effort.
Shark Allies information is available on the Shark Encounter tour and an informational hand out that describe the most pressing issues, as well as tips on how to stay involved are given to all customers that are interested.
Hawaii Shark Encounters also aims to achieve or exceed all guidelines of conduct and requirements of most Eco tourism societies and has been recognized as an eco tour by many groups and organizations. And as you can see in the section "Customer comments" we have had many elated guests that see our tour as one of the best experiences of their lives.
Shark Conservation - A Global Challenge
The general misconception is that there are still plenty of sharks. It is rare to find sympathy for an animal that most people are terrified of.
Sharks have a bad reputation that is undeserved and incorrect.
This makes it possible for the slaughter of sharks by the millions to continue, when it should cause a global outrage.
The demand for Shark fin soup, considered a delicacy in Asian countries, is wiping out shark populations around the world.
More research is needed to find out important information about the biology of individual shark species, and how the current fishing practices will affect their populations. One thing is clear, because sharks are slow to mature and reproduce in very low numbers, the populations will hit a point of no return much faster than any other fish species that are hunted extensively. Many shark species are already nearing a point of decimation that will be difficult to stop and reverse.
To make things worse, shark research is tragically under funded. Sharks are unpopular animals in comparison to whales, dolphins and the cuter varieties of ocean creatures.
Always, they are deeply moved by the serenity of the clear blue ocean of Hawaii.
Sharks are not going after people! If they did, we would have several attacks every single day on every single beach.
Hawaii has become a haven for whales and turtles, and could soon be one of the last places where sharks haven't been decimated, even though the numbers are dwindling quickly. The North shore of Oahu is one place where one can still experience a clean and healthy ocean with all its fascinating inhabitants.
Every healthy system needs predators. And sharks are one of the most important links in the ocean ecosystem.
So why should we protect them?
Sharks keep our oceans healthy and clean. Without sharks the oceans would be a cesspool of the sick, dying and dead. Fisheries would collapse. The balance would be disturbed to a point of no return. The extinction of sharks would impact the environment and economy on a global scale. When we recognize that we have to respect and protect sharks we are also taking one step towards saving the oceans!
How can we ever reverse the negative image of sharks?
The media plays a huge role. Obviously the movie "Jaws" has shaped the way several generations see sharks. It will take a lot to reverse this image.
However, nothing is as effective as a personal experience. That's why we are so passionate about bringing people out in the ocean to see sharks. Once you see the true nature of these graceful animals, you will not go home with the same attitude.
The next generation of marine biologists and shark researchers will come from the passion that is sparked by personal experiences in the ocean.
It is more powerful and lasting than anything on TV or in print.
Seeing an animal in a tank is interesting, observing them in the wild is inspirational and moves people at a deeper level.
Whale watching has already shown that as a successful example.
A portion of the proceeds of Hawaii Shark Encounter tours go directly towards funding shark research and education.
Hawaii Shark Encounters also works closely with a non-profit organization for sharks called Shark Allies, as well as other organizations around the globe.
We would like to encourage you to find out more about the urgent issues that affect shark conservation by going to: SharkAllies.org
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Shark Conservation