DIVELOG JUNE 406

Shark diving has become a very popular money making sport around the world. In the Bahamas, shark dives boost tourism by 43% and produce an economic benefit topping $100 million annually*. Fiji is another example where a focus on shark tourism can boost economy and tourism, with an estimated 10% of visitors to Fiji wanting to scuba dive** . Results suggest that, globally, 590,000 shark watchers spend USD 314 million per year, directly supporting 10,000 jobs. By comparison, the landed value of global shark fisheries is currently c. USD 630 million and has been in decline for most of the past decade. Based on current observed trends, numbers of shark watchers could more than double within the next 20 years, generating USD 780 million in tourist expenditures around the world. This supports optimistic projections at new sites, including those in an increasing number of shark Unlocking Shark Diving Tourism

sanctuaries established primarily for shark conservation and enacted in recognition of the ecological and economic importance of living sharks *** We need to bring this untapped potential to the Government departments here in Australia to ensure their aggregation sites are no take zones right around the Australian coast where they occur. Grey Nurse sharks are ideal candidates for shark tourism, with their classic shark body and impressive size, predictable behaviour, calm demeanour, while the ease of access to dive sites along the Australian coast ensures a thrilling experience for all skill levels. Protecting these magnificent creatures isn't just about conservation, it's about unlocking a sustainable economic opportunity for coastal communities for years to come.

References: *Shark Dive Tourism Is Big Business

** The socio-economic value of the shark-diving industry in Fiji *** © 2013 Fauna & Flora International, Oryx, 47(3) scientific publication

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DIVE LOG Australasia #406 - June ‘23

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