How are the future living alternatives to the Pelasgian Thresher Sharks

Pelagic thresher shark (Pelasgicu alopeS) is a very migratory species found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, often known for its long tail, as a whip. Despite its wide distribution, the Pelasgian Thresher is facing a significant population decline, with some estimates showing a decrease of up to 79% in the last three generations. This decline is especially evident in Indonesia, the world’s largest fishing nation, where the populations of thresher sharks have fallen by over 83% from 2002 to 2014 due to target and random catching captures. Today, Thresher Pelagic is classified as globally at risk of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and is listed in Annex II of the Convention on International Trade of Species since 2016.

In response to the state of the Thresher Basin, there is a shift in regulatory and community-run efforts. One of the most innovative approaches to storing sharks? Introducing alternative living for local fishermen. This not only reduces fishing pressure on the shark population, but provides sustainable sources of income that are acceptable social and economically possible for communities depending on shark fishing. This approach was tested in Indonesia’s alor archipelago between 2018 and 2023, aiming to reduce economic dependence from the Pelasgian thresher sharks. Providing fishermen alternative income generation activities – such as small -scale chicken agriculture, alternative fishing such as tone and red snapper, and local business opportunities such as kiosks for the sale of goods – the intervention sought to reduce fishing pressures in sharks.

Did it work?

According to a newly published study, the results of the intervention were mixed, but mostly positive! Six of the nine participating fishermen reported significant increase in revenue, with some experiencing more than 500% increase compared to their pre -intervention income. The success of the program, especially in a group of women producing tradable goods such as Floss Tuna and shark -on -themed textiles, shows that there is a potential for economic diversification to support preservation. However, despite these successes, some participants suffered revenue decline due to personal challenges, indicating that external factors can still affect the effectiveness of such programs.

Beyond direct economic interventions, researchers found that political engagement and policy changes also played a crucial role in advancing the goals of conservation. In 2020, the district government signed a decree that aims to improve fishermen’s ability to manage maritime resources sustainably. This was followed by the creation of an official action plan for the storage of Thresher sharks in 2022, which was supported by a revised maritime -protected area in 2023. Although regulations did not impose a complete prohibition of fishing fisheries, they showed a shift to the government’s advantages towards maritime storage. These measures, combined with community -led actions, helped to strengthen the general storage framework for Pelasgian thresher.

Thresher Shark’s co -founders and directors Indonesia Rafid Shidqi and Dewi Ratna Sari directed the newest work that showed community engagement also proved that it was a foundation stone for the success of the initiative. In 2021 and 2022, 36 ‘champions’ young were trained to promote the preservation of sharks across the alor; They ended up over 1,000 people through field activities such as school visits and radio broadcasts. The impact was clear – 100% of those achieved reported increased knowledge of the species, and local pride in protecting the Pelasgian host increased. However, despite these efforts, some fishermen continued to capture sharks, driven by socio-cultural pressures and economic needs. These violations were addressed through community discussions and new agreements, which included sanctions on offenders and compensation mechanisms for those who face economic difficulties.

Although the intervention showed promising decreases in thresher sharks’ captures, long -term endurance of effort remains unsafe. Data collected by Shark Catch Records found that participants in the intervention significantly caught less less sharks than non-participants, showing a successful decrease in mortality. However, economic pressures and socio-political factors led to a revival of capture in the final stages of the project. This, scientists point out, highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining long -term compliance with storage measures, especially when economic incentives are related to resource extraction.

The team believes that one of the key lessons from this project is the importance of adapting conservation strategies for local needs and contexts. This “alternative living” approach was more effective because it integrated the community’s contribution, ensuring that interventions were not only economically possible but also acceptable social. But for similar initiatives to be successful elsewhere, they must be supported by continued support, including financial aid, training and strong governance. Projects should also address basic social conflicts and ensure that there are reliable sources of income to achieve sustainable changes.

While regulatory measures established by regional fishing management organizations (or RFMO) and the Indonesian government have contributed to the reduction of fishing, most of the focus has been on industrial fishing. With more than 90% of Indonesia’s fishing fleet, consisting of small -scale craft fishermen, Shidqi and Ratna Sari believe that storage efforts have so far not addressed the root causes of overload in these communities. For a truly effective strategy, their team believes that it is essential to integrate small -scale fishermen into the management process and provide them with applicable, alternative living.

As with any storage effort, challenges remain, and continued support and adaptive strategies will be needed to ensure long -term success. But the many aspect approach shows great promises … and hopefully it’s a platform that many can build.