Comments on: Protecting Indonesia’s Sharks

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 06 May 2014 13:32:08 +0000

In reply to Katie. Hey Katie! I've actually written a few posts on Nusa Lembongan -- love it there! The Aquatic Alliance is great, they came over to Gili to do some of their presentations for us, brilliant stuff!

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 06 May 2014 12:48:15 +0000

This might be one of my favorites of your posts! Thanks for your thoughtful take on approaches to shark conservation. As a sidenote, I’m currently on Nusa Lembongan and went to one of the biweekly talks on local marine life and conservation hosted by the Aquatic Alliance. If you don’t know the organization – and if you haven’t dived here – both seem right up your ally! The site is http://www.aquaticalliance.org if you’re interested 🙂

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:31:23 +0000

In reply to Liz Ward-Sing. Thanks for reading, Liz! And for all the work you do, of course!

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:30:30 +0000

In reply to Paul F. Hey Paul, thanks for chiming in and congratulations on your 65th shark! One thing that I disagree with you on is the elimination of the tagging process. I would think in the grand scheme of the capture, holding, and long transfer the few moments it takes to tag them can't add too exponentially to the stress they've already gone through, though it can yield information for tracking the programs' successes. Can't see how it does any harm, but can definitely see how it does a lot of helping.

By: Liz Ward-Sing

Liz Ward-Sing — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 15:17:22 +0000

Hi Alex, lovely write up about the project showing a different perspective to those already written (including the one we did for Shark Guardian). It is fantastic to get more responses about the release – like you, we have our reservations, but to be that close and give those sharks a new chance? Wonderful.

By: Paul F

Paul F — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 03:52:48 +0000

Hi Alex-
Really great write up on the experience and you didn’t skirt over any issues. I did have a few thoughts while reading your blog. From an economic standpoint if Finning was illegal across the World there would be no need to offer the fishermen the alternative of buying their catch. Sharks would still get caught as bycatch and there would probably become a black market for the fins. Time will tell.

While I was on the boat Delphine (Gili Eco Trust) asked what I would have done different and off the top of my head made the comment, “Well I’m not a Diver, maybe just open the bags & let them swim away.” This is probably why there is even a Shark Nursery on Bali in the first place.

Another idea to simplify the process is eliminating the tags. We proved the rescue / restoration process can be successful. Seeing a tagged sharks is a mute point, and the sharks are going to be enjoyed by the divers regardless.

Once again thanks for sharing your thoughts, I’m glad you experienced it.

Just rescued (64 & 65th) sharks a few weeks ago, so hoping we can have more successful releases going forward.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:00:45 +0000

In reply to Camels & Chocolate. Aw, I'm happy to hear you've got some love for the sharks too! We definitely share that background of abject terror (and totally logical fear of sharks in swimming pools!)

By: Camels & Chocolate

Camels & Chocolate — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 22:58:54 +0000

I love this! As someone who was formerly terrified of sharks but after diving came to love them, I fully support anything that brings awareness to the issue of finning.

By: #NGTRadar: Travel Lately – Intelligent Travel

#NGTRadar: Travel Lately – Intelligent Travel — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:46:33 +0000

[…] Indonesia is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to perpetuating the controversial trade. Here’s a story of a group working to change the tide. […]

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 14:52:03 +0000

In reply to TammyOnTheMove. It's always great to be a part of something a little bigger than yourself. Thanks Tammy!