DR. ALEX HEARN EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVE CENSUS STUDIES IN PROTECTED AREAS

This project is aimed at developing a baseline of shark distribution and abundance at dive sites in the Marine Protected Areas of the region. To this end, the Migramar network is developing a unique partnership with dive guides, who spend countless hours underwater each years, and as such, are keenly aware of the changes in shark abundance.

Over the last decade, there has been a growing concern that shark populations around the world are declining due to overfishing. According to Bonfil (1994) [1], 50 % of world shark catches are as by-catch, and do not appear in official landing statistics, so the reported catch of 760 000 t in 1996 is probably closer to 1.5 mt. Industrial and artisanal longline and seine fleets are largely responsible for these declines.

Lack of information has masked declines in shark populations which are only now being brought to light. Whereas in many areas, stock assessments are based on catch data from industrial vessels, such ANALYZEs are not possible in the protected areas of Galapagos, Cocos and Malpelo, where industrial fishing is banned, and sharks are fully protected. It is therefore

Shark Census project team.

necessary to find alternative indicators of abundance.

The obvious choice is to work with dive guides. Dive guides are experienced, they have an innate awareness of the marine life around them, and they spend many hours underwater each year. They are deeply concerned about a per- ceived drop in shark numbers over the last decade, and committed to main- taining current populations, which attract tourists from all over the world.

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OTHER PROJECTS Migratory patterns
Site fidelity and hotspots
Species behaviour