Shark santuaries | sharkguardian

SHARK SANCTUARIES
AND MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

WHAT IS A SHARK SANTUARY OR SHARK PROTECTED AREA?

A shark sanctuary or shark marine protected area (MPA) is a designated region of the ocean where shark fishing and related activities are strictly regulated or entirely prohibited. These areas are established to provide safe havens for shark populations, ensuring that they can thrive without the threat of commercial fishing, bycatch, or illegal hunting. The goal of these sanctuaries is to protect sharks from overexploitation, allowing their populations to recover and maintain healthy levels, which is crucial for the overall health of marine ecosystems.

Why Are Shark Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas Important for Sharks and the Ecosystems They Inhabit?

Shark sanctuaries and marine protected areas are vital for several reasons:

Biodiversity Preservation: Sharks play a critical role as apex predators in marine ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance by regulating prey populations. Their presence ensures that the food chain remains intact, supporting biodiversity.
Population Recovery: Many shark species are threatened or endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss. Sanctuaries provide a controlled environment where these species can recover, reproduce, and grow in numbers without the pressure of human exploitation.
Ecosystem Health: Healthy shark populations contribute to the stability and health of marine ecosystems. They help control the populations of species lower in the food chain, which in turn affects the health of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats.
Economic Benefits: Shark sanctuaries can also boost local economies through ecotourism. Many regions have seen significant economic benefits from tourists who come to dive and observe sharks in their natural habitats.

What Percentage of the Ocean is a Shark Sanctuary or Marine Protected Area?

As of recent estimates, approximately 7% of the world's oceans are designated as marine protected areas. However, only a fraction of these MPAs are specifically focused on shark protection. Shark sanctuaries themselves are more limited, covering less than 1% of the global ocean area. The establishment of more sanctuaries and the expansion of existing MPAs to include shark protection are critical for the future of these species.

Here is a detailed list of some of the most notable shark sanctuaries and marine protected areas around the world:

Palau Shark Sanctuary (2009): The first shark sanctuary in the world, covering over 600,000 square kilometers of ocean.
Honduras Shark Sanctuary (2011): A sanctuary established to protect shark species in the Caribbean Sea.
The Bahamas Shark Sanctuary (2011): Covers over 630,000 square kilometers of the Atlantic Ocean.
Maldives Shark Sanctuary (2010): Protects all 26 atolls in the Maldives, making it a significant region for shark conservation in the Indian Ocean.
Marshall Islands Shark Sanctuary (2011): The largest shark sanctuary in the world, covering nearly 2 million square kilometers.
French Polynesia Shark Sanctuary (2012): Covers over 4.7 million square kilometers, protecting sharks in one of the largest marine areas globally.
Micronesia Regional Shark Sanctuary (2015): A collective effort by five Micronesian nations to protect sharks across a vast region.
Sri Lanka's Marine Protected Areas (2012): Includes specific protections for shark species within its waters.
New Zealand's Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary (2016): Although not exclusively a shark sanctuary, it provides vital protection for several shark species.
Seychelles Marine Spatial Planning Initiative (2018): Includes areas designated for the protection of sharks and other marine life.

These sanctuaries are crucial in the global effort to protect shark populations and ensure the health of marine ecosystems. Ongoing efforts to establish more sanctuaries and expand protections are essential to preserving these vital species for future generations.

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Photo Credit: PEW

What Are the Consequences of Violating and Killing Sharks in a Shark Sanctuary?

Violating the regulations of a shark sanctuary can result in severe legal consequences, depending on the country and specific protections in place. Penalties may include:

Fines: High monetary fines are imposed on those caught illegally fishing or killing sharks within sanctuary boundaries.
Confiscation of Equipment: Fishing gear, boats, and other equipment used in illegal activities may be confiscated by authorities.
Imprisonment: In some regions, violators may face imprisonment for breaking the law.
Loss of Licenses: Commercial fishing licenses may be revoked, preventing further legal fishing activities by the offenders.