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ANIMAL WELFARE AND NATURE CONSERVATION
Vanessa supports the following organisations.
Vanessa supports the following organisations.
International Fund for Animal Welfare: Read about their projects and contribute to their work on www.ifaw.org
Vanessa is the 2015 recipient of the IFAW Animal Action Award for Marine Photographer of the year
Whale and Dolphin Conservation: Read about their projects and contribute to their work on www.whales.org
OceanNEnvironment: Read about their projects and contribute to their work on http://www.oceanenvironment.org/
Vanessa will also happily donate pictures to conservation and education projects. Please email your enquiry to contact@vanessamignon.com
SHARK CONSERVATION
Being the Apex predator, the sharks are essential to the health and balance of the oceans. However those animals are slaugthered in huge numbers around the world, mostly for their fins. Their killing is cruel and unsustainable.
Unfortunatly sharks are often feared and misunderstood and it's essential to change the public opinion about them and raise awareness.
Vanessa has been inspired by the work and dedication of the following people:
Michael Aw: Through his stunning photography, Michael contributes to sharing the beauty and fragility of the Oceans and its creatures. Michael is very passionate about sharks and constantly works on campaigns to educate people and protect the sharks. For more information on this, go to http://www.oceanenvironment.org/
One of his recent projects was "1000 Kids, One Message" which was an event dedicated to shark conservation and extensive environmental initiatives and awards. The event was held in Hong Kong in July 2011 and 1000 kids gathered to voice the pledge, "I am the future, I won't eat shark fins". For more information, go to http://www.1000kidsonemessage.org/
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SHARK CONSERVATION
Vanessa was fortunate to dive with sharks in the Bahamas in March 11. This trip allowed her to see sharks in a way that she would never have expected and she fell in love for them, especially for a tiger shark who regularly visited one of the dive sites. She felt the need to write about the time she spent with those sharks in the below story.
As I am looking at the dozens of shark fins breaking the surface, I cannot help thinking about my mum’s face if she could see what I am about to do. Here I am, in the Bahamas, about to jump in the middle of sharks! Most people will run in the opposite direction when they hear the word "shark", but I have just travelled across half the planet to be able to swim with them, especially, I hope, tiger sharks. With me, another 11 people from many different countries and backgrounds - all sharing the same passion and the same enthusiasm about what we are about to do. The Bahamas is a group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba. It is known for its holiday feel, its clear waters and beautiful resorts. It is also very popular for dolphins swimming and shark diving as it is home to several species of sharks including lemon, nurse, tiger, and hammerhead sharks. As I gear up, I keep thinking about the crew advice; when you get in the water, go straight to the bottom…. There is no cage and no protection…. Just my camera and the hope that I am too skinny to be even considered as finger food! My heart is full of excitement and anticipation. I have swum with sharks before but it always was a random and quick encounter with small reef sharks. Every encounter was fascinating and captivating, but too short. Every time the shark would look at me briefly, turn around, and disappear in the deep blue. Every time I looked at the silhouette fading away in the distance, until I could not see a thing. Every time I hoped the shark would come back so that I could have another look at its streamlined and graceful body. |
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I never felt any fear, but I have to say that today I am a little bit intimidated by the number and the size of the sharks swimming at the back of the boat.
A final check of the gear, a final look at all those fins waiting for me, and I jump in! I know I am supposed to go to the bottom rather quickly, but I can’t help looking down and around first, as if to convince myself that this is still a good idea.
And what I see is just amazing. There are sharks everywhere, gliding slowly through the water.
I descend slowly and kneel down on the sandy bottom. I take a slow breath and look around. This dive site is known as Fish Tale. The crew have mentioned that this location is one of their favourites and I can understand why. There is a section of nice reef and a sandy section, but above all, the number of sharks is impressive. Reef sharks are swimming above our heads, lemon sharks are swimming close to the bottom, in between divers. They circle us, swim away, come back.
None of them show any interest or aggressiveness towards us. They look at us, acknowledge us and swim by. It is overwhelming and for the first few minutes I even forget I have the camera. I am just happy to sit there and watch. From the corner of my eye I see a different shape. It is a nurse shark swimming slowly on the edge of the reef. I follow it and then notice the reef and its fishes.
I start exploring the reef but feel like there is so much to see. I can’t help wondering if I might be missing something. I keep looking around, in the hope that a tiger might appear. An hour goes by but it feels like it has just been a few minutes. My air supply is starting to be on the low side so I reluctantly go back to the surface. I have not seen a tiger, but at this point of time I am just so happy and content that it doesn’t matter.
A final check of the gear, a final look at all those fins waiting for me, and I jump in! I know I am supposed to go to the bottom rather quickly, but I can’t help looking down and around first, as if to convince myself that this is still a good idea.
And what I see is just amazing. There are sharks everywhere, gliding slowly through the water.
I descend slowly and kneel down on the sandy bottom. I take a slow breath and look around. This dive site is known as Fish Tale. The crew have mentioned that this location is one of their favourites and I can understand why. There is a section of nice reef and a sandy section, but above all, the number of sharks is impressive. Reef sharks are swimming above our heads, lemon sharks are swimming close to the bottom, in between divers. They circle us, swim away, come back.
None of them show any interest or aggressiveness towards us. They look at us, acknowledge us and swim by. It is overwhelming and for the first few minutes I even forget I have the camera. I am just happy to sit there and watch. From the corner of my eye I see a different shape. It is a nurse shark swimming slowly on the edge of the reef. I follow it and then notice the reef and its fishes.
I start exploring the reef but feel like there is so much to see. I can’t help wondering if I might be missing something. I keep looking around, in the hope that a tiger might appear. An hour goes by but it feels like it has just been a few minutes. My air supply is starting to be on the low side so I reluctantly go back to the surface. I have not seen a tiger, but at this point of time I am just so happy and content that it doesn’t matter.
We spend the second day at Tiger beach, a spot well known amongst divers around the world. If we are to see a tiger, this is the spot!
Amazingly, today, the fins circling at the back of the boat are not intimidating anymore. If anything, I cannot wait to jump in the water! So here I go! Straight in and straight to the bottom!
I am surrounded by lemon sharks. But there is no tiger in sight… I look around in anticipation…. ….I stare at the shapes approaching in the distance, hoping that it would be a tiger…nothing…. So I start taking pictures of the lemons sharks that are surrounding me. There are so many of them and they are swimming so close that I am able to take pictures from every angle…I don’t even have time to look at my pictures, each shark seems more photogenic than the previous one, my finger can’t stop pressing the camera trigger…..it’s so thrilling!!! And then my heart stops! There it is, a tiger shark! My first tiger shark! Out of nowhere, it sneaked in while I was busy taking pictures.
Amazingly, today, the fins circling at the back of the boat are not intimidating anymore. If anything, I cannot wait to jump in the water! So here I go! Straight in and straight to the bottom!
I am surrounded by lemon sharks. But there is no tiger in sight… I look around in anticipation…. ….I stare at the shapes approaching in the distance, hoping that it would be a tiger…nothing…. So I start taking pictures of the lemons sharks that are surrounding me. There are so many of them and they are swimming so close that I am able to take pictures from every angle…I don’t even have time to look at my pictures, each shark seems more photogenic than the previous one, my finger can’t stop pressing the camera trigger…..it’s so thrilling!!! And then my heart stops! There it is, a tiger shark! My first tiger shark! Out of nowhere, it sneaked in while I was busy taking pictures.
It is beautiful. A strong powerful body, streamlined to perfection over millions of years of evolution.
As it swims by, I look at it in awe, and try to take in every single detail: the bulky head, the long body, the characteristic stripes, and the long tale. Just beautiful.
And then I realize: I just came face to face with a tiger shark! Back home in Australia, and in many other countries, tiger sharks are perceived as dangerous man eaters. And yet, I still have both arms and both legs! I didn’t feel any threat or any danger. If anything that shark didn’t appear to be interested in hanging around me for too long.
The time spent at Tiger beach is amazing. The shallow water allows us to stay underwater for very long periods, therefore allowing plenty of time to interact with the sharks. On one dive I stay underwater over 100 minutes. 100 minutes of pure joy and peaceful happiness. I can see that, like me, most of the divers are often looking in the distance, hoping to see the bulky and characteristic tiger shape appear. But it is when we least expect it that a tiger appears. Many times one would sneak in behind me and I would be oblivious to it. It’s only back on the boat that I would discover pictures of me with a friendly shark watching over my shoulder.
On one occasion, one of the tigers got extremely close to me. It was extremely curious, especially toward my camera. It came and kissed the dome port of my housing a couple of times, and then circled me a few times. Its movements around me were very slow and gentle. Looking back I realize that such a close interaction could have been dangerous, after all they are wild animals. But at no time did I feel threatened by that shark, or any other for that matter.
If anything, whenever I would try and approach a shark, they would turn around or change direction to avoid me.
As it swims by, I look at it in awe, and try to take in every single detail: the bulky head, the long body, the characteristic stripes, and the long tale. Just beautiful.
And then I realize: I just came face to face with a tiger shark! Back home in Australia, and in many other countries, tiger sharks are perceived as dangerous man eaters. And yet, I still have both arms and both legs! I didn’t feel any threat or any danger. If anything that shark didn’t appear to be interested in hanging around me for too long.
The time spent at Tiger beach is amazing. The shallow water allows us to stay underwater for very long periods, therefore allowing plenty of time to interact with the sharks. On one dive I stay underwater over 100 minutes. 100 minutes of pure joy and peaceful happiness. I can see that, like me, most of the divers are often looking in the distance, hoping to see the bulky and characteristic tiger shape appear. But it is when we least expect it that a tiger appears. Many times one would sneak in behind me and I would be oblivious to it. It’s only back on the boat that I would discover pictures of me with a friendly shark watching over my shoulder.
On one occasion, one of the tigers got extremely close to me. It was extremely curious, especially toward my camera. It came and kissed the dome port of my housing a couple of times, and then circled me a few times. Its movements around me were very slow and gentle. Looking back I realize that such a close interaction could have been dangerous, after all they are wild animals. But at no time did I feel threatened by that shark, or any other for that matter.
If anything, whenever I would try and approach a shark, they would turn around or change direction to avoid me.
During the dives at Tiger beach, we have the regular visit of a Tiger shark fondly nicknamed Smiley. My untrained eyes would not usually be able to distinguish one tiger shark from another. However, in the case of Smiley, identification is unfortunately easy. Smiley has a very damaged jaw. Part of the mouth is missing, the skin is rough, and its gums appear to be infected. It is quite sad to see how injured it is.
Back on the boat I enquire about that shark and the crew explains that they first noticed Smiley’s injury about 4 months earlier. It’s likely to be a hook injury from a fishing boat. They all seem a bit worried about Smiley who apparently has lost quite a bit of weight and seems to struggle to eat. I can understand their worries. They have known and interacted with that shark for a long time. I feel myself that I am somehow attached to Smiley after just a few dives and I know other divers in my group feel the same. After all, Smiley is here nearly every time to greet us and we spend numerous hours swimming with it. It is such a beautiful animal and it feels so unfair that it has been injured that badly.
As the days go by, I become more aware of the sharks around me. I notice that a few of them have hooks attached to them and other injuries. I even see one with a thick rope coming out of its mouth. It is a sad thing to see.
Unfortunately those injuries are only a small facet of an upsetting reality: Sharks around the world are in danger. Sharks around the world are in trouble…
During the trip I have the opportunity to learn from the crew and ocean conservationists travelling with us. I am shocked by what I hear: Sharks are targeted around the world for their valuable fins which are used to make shark fin soup, an Asian delicacy, which apparently can cost up to $ 100 a bowl. It is estimated that between 26 and 73 millions of sharks are killed every year for shark fin soup.
The number of sharks killed each year for their fins is shocking in itself, but the way they are slaughtered makes me feel sick. Since the shark meat has little value, the fisherman will often only slice the fins off and throw back the full body of the shark in the water. The shark, still alive, sinks to the bottom. It cannot swim, it cannot breath, and it is left to an agonizing and slow death. Apart from being cruel, this practice is unsustainable.
And then, as if this wasn’t bad enough, there are the additional threats of bycatch from commercial fisheries, and injuries from fishing gear..
The number of sharks killed each year for their fins is shocking in itself, but the way they are slaughtered makes me feel sick. Since the shark meat has little value, the fisherman will often only slice the fins off and throw back the full body of the shark in the water. The shark, still alive, sinks to the bottom. It cannot swim, it cannot breath, and it is left to an agonizing and slow death. Apart from being cruel, this practice is unsustainable.
And then, as if this wasn’t bad enough, there are the additional threats of bycatch from commercial fisheries, and injuries from fishing gear..
As I spend my last days surrounded by the sharks, I can’t help feeling some anger. Those graceful animals have allowed me in their environment and given me so many beautiful memories. But at the same time that I am swimming with them here in the Bahamas, many of them are being slaughtered somewhere else in the world. It just doesn’t feel right.
We all have defining moments in our lives, moments that we know happen for a reason. And even though it is sometimes difficult to understand why or explain how, those moments touch you and change your life. Meeting those sharks, especially Smiley, was definitely one of those moments for me.
Once back home, I do some more research on the internet and what I find is concerning. Shark populations are declining. According to a study conducted by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Shark Specialist Group in 2009, a third of open ocean sharks are threatened with extinction in the next few decades. Sharks are very vulnerable to overfishing because they are very slow to mature sexually and they have few young. Therefore, they are not able to recover quickly from populations losses.
We all have defining moments in our lives, moments that we know happen for a reason. And even though it is sometimes difficult to understand why or explain how, those moments touch you and change your life. Meeting those sharks, especially Smiley, was definitely one of those moments for me.
Once back home, I do some more research on the internet and what I find is concerning. Shark populations are declining. According to a study conducted by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Shark Specialist Group in 2009, a third of open ocean sharks are threatened with extinction in the next few decades. Sharks are very vulnerable to overfishing because they are very slow to mature sexually and they have few young. Therefore, they are not able to recover quickly from populations losses.
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I can’t help wondering what is so special about that famous shark fin soup to justify such an unsustainable and wasteful practice. What I read online is upsetting; it seems that shark fins have no flavor and no nutritional value and are only used to add texture to the dish. Sharks fins are made of cartilage so eating shark fin soup is similar to eating human hair and nails. Furthermore, the soup could actually be made from other ingredients without loosing its flavor. Its main appeal seems to reside in the fact that shark fin soup is perceived as a symbol of wealth.
I have always tried to be respectful and tolerant of other people’s traditions and differences. However I just don’t get this. Who do these people think they are to take those animals away from us and future generations? But as I sit down and think about it more, I realize that the end consumer might not even know about the cruel, brutal and unnecessary story that takes place behind their bowl of soup. After all, I have been an ocean lover for as long as I can remember, but it’s only recently that I became fully aware of how bad and serious it is for the sharks. I can only blame myself for my lack of knowledge as the information is easily available if you search for it. However I feel that the sharks’ plight is not publicized to the extent of other more well known and loved species such as dolphins and whales. Most people have heard of the movie "The Cove" and we all know about Japanese whaling. Dolphins are seen as intelligent, friendly and cute. Whales are seen as majestic and mysterious. They do capture our imagination. Because of that, many people feel the need to protect them. |
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Unfortunately for the sharks, they have garnered a bad reputation and usually rank rather low in popularity contests. A lot of people are scared of sharks and most of my friends called me crazy when I told them I was about to go and swim with sharks. But the reality is that sharks are probably more afraid of us than we are of them, and they would prefer to avoid us if possible.
From what I read on various online sources, the actual number of fatal shark attacks worldwide is minimal. The Wikipedia compilations of statistics talk for themselves: “In 2000, the year with the most recorded shark attacks, there were 79 shark attacks reported worldwide, 11 of them fatal. Even considering only people who go to beaches, a person's chance of getting attacked by a shark is 1 in 11.5 million, and a person's chance of getting killed by a shark is less than 1 in 264.1 million”. More people actually die because of a defective toaster. Unfortunately, a shark attack is better news material than a toaster attack!
People’s fears, ignorance and lack of interest are some of shark’s worse enemies. People often don’t realize that sharks are essential in the oceans. As apex predators, they maintain other fish populations under control and play a very important role in the overall health of the ocean. Remove them and the ecosystem becomes out of balance.
From what I read on various online sources, the actual number of fatal shark attacks worldwide is minimal. The Wikipedia compilations of statistics talk for themselves: “In 2000, the year with the most recorded shark attacks, there were 79 shark attacks reported worldwide, 11 of them fatal. Even considering only people who go to beaches, a person's chance of getting attacked by a shark is 1 in 11.5 million, and a person's chance of getting killed by a shark is less than 1 in 264.1 million”. More people actually die because of a defective toaster. Unfortunately, a shark attack is better news material than a toaster attack!
People’s fears, ignorance and lack of interest are some of shark’s worse enemies. People often don’t realize that sharks are essential in the oceans. As apex predators, they maintain other fish populations under control and play a very important role in the overall health of the ocean. Remove them and the ecosystem becomes out of balance.
I feel and I hope that maybe I can play a part in changing the perception that all sharks are dangerous man eaters. As I share my shark diving experience with my friends and show them my video footage, they are amazed at how peaceful the shark encounters are. I want them to know about Smiley and how beautiful it was to swim with that shark. My friends ask questions and cannot believe what they hear about shark fining. So I tell them what I can.
I would be foolhardy to pretend that I know everything about sharks and their world, as I do not.
But what I do know is that there are millions of sharks killed every year and that doesn’t feel right. What I do know is that they have been around for millions of years, even before the dinosaurs, but, if we don’t do anything, some species could be on the verge of extinction in a few decades. And what I do know is that sharks are worth protecting.
I would be foolhardy to pretend that I know everything about sharks and their world, as I do not.
But what I do know is that there are millions of sharks killed every year and that doesn’t feel right. What I do know is that they have been around for millions of years, even before the dinosaurs, but, if we don’t do anything, some species could be on the verge of extinction in a few decades. And what I do know is that sharks are worth protecting.
Fortunately, as people are becoming more aware of the shark finning problem, efforts are being made around the world to ensure better protection of the sharks. Furthermore, several countries are now recognizing that sharks are more valuable alive than dead from a tourism point of view. There is a growing movement around the world to protect sharks, and numerous examples of countries taking action. Palau established the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, the Bahamas just signed a law prohibiting all commercial sharks fishing and a law banning the possession and trade of sharks fins recently took effect in Hawaii.
But is this enough? A lot of countries don’t have any protection for the sharks. And even when there are laws and guidelines in place, it can be very challenging to monitor and enforce them in the middle of the ocean. Furthermore, they are often loopholes in regulations or ways to go around them.
The fact is that as long as there is a demand for shark fin soup, there will be people attempting to find a way to get the fins.
A lot of work is required to change some nations deep-seated traditions, educate people and raise awareness. Thankfully there are dedicated organizations and people out there working hard and committing their life to the protection of the oceans and its creatures.
I have been very fortunate to meet some of those people. Their passion and vision have inspired me to also do my part, however small, by writing about my experience with sharks and how, in the clear water of the Bahamas, a friendly tiger shark called Smiley touched my heart.
This story was edited and published in Ocean Geographic issue 19.
But is this enough? A lot of countries don’t have any protection for the sharks. And even when there are laws and guidelines in place, it can be very challenging to monitor and enforce them in the middle of the ocean. Furthermore, they are often loopholes in regulations or ways to go around them.
The fact is that as long as there is a demand for shark fin soup, there will be people attempting to find a way to get the fins.
A lot of work is required to change some nations deep-seated traditions, educate people and raise awareness. Thankfully there are dedicated organizations and people out there working hard and committing their life to the protection of the oceans and its creatures.
I have been very fortunate to meet some of those people. Their passion and vision have inspired me to also do my part, however small, by writing about my experience with sharks and how, in the clear water of the Bahamas, a friendly tiger shark called Smiley touched my heart.
This story was edited and published in Ocean Geographic issue 19.
Sharks in Trouble
We all have moments that change us. Moments that give us the opportunity to question our life and our world. Moments that make us realise and understand what is important to us.
I had such a moment in March 2011, when I joined an expedition to swim with sharks in the Bahamas.
I clearly remember how I felt while I was getting ready for my first dive there. I was excited and impatient, but I have to admit I was also a little bit worried. After all, sharks have garnered a bad reputation due to movies like Jaw or the fact that accidents involving sharks quickly become media sensations. And even though I knew the number of fatal shark attacks worldwide is minimal, I could not help but feel impressed by the dozen shark fins breaking the surface at the back of the boat.
I took a deep breath, jumped in the clear waters and descended to the bottom. I don’t think I was prepared for what I saw that day. It was absolutely mind blowing. We were surrounded by lemon sharks. They were everywhere, swimming above our heads, around us and in between us. They would get so close that some brushed past me. I sat there for a while, looking in awe and taking in the details of this fantastic scene. I always thought that being in the middle of sharks would be an adrenaline filled experience. To my surprise it was actually a very peaceful and relaxing one.
This trip was amazing on so many levels. During my week in the Bahamas, I dived at several locations and spent many hours with lemon, reef and tigers sharks. I got to take in every single detail of their beautiful bodies and observed how different each specie was. The cautious reef sharks would usually turn around if we were to swim towards us. The lemon sharks would glide slowly around us. And the tigers appeared to “own the place” with their powerful bulky body and charismatic attitude.
On many occasions we had around thirty sharks around us and none of them ever showed any aggressiveness towards us.
I returned home with many beautiful memories. But the most powerful memory I have was when, while talking with shark conservationists on the boat, I found out about shark finning. At that time, I didn’t know about the full extent of that practise and what I heard felt so wrong and unbelievable. But unfortunately all was true.
Sharks are targeted around the world for their valuable fins which are used to make shark fin soup, an Asian delicacy, which apparently can cost up to $ 100 a bowl. It is estimated that up to 100 million sharks are killed every year for shark fin soup, the equivalent of one third of the USA population wiped out in one year! That’s 11,416 sharks killed every hour, 3 sharks a second. Think about the number of sharks killed since you started reading this blog…Such an unbearable thought, isn’t it?
And since the shark meat has little value, the animal is often thrown back overboard, left to an agonizing and slow death. Apart from being brutal, this practice is unsustainable and eradicating sharks around the world .
On many occasions we had around thirty sharks around us and none of them ever showed any aggressiveness towards us.
I returned home with many beautiful memories. But the most powerful memory I have was when, while talking with shark conservationists on the boat, I found out about shark finning. At that time, I didn’t know about the full extent of that practise and what I heard felt so wrong and unbelievable. But unfortunately all was true.
Sharks are targeted around the world for their valuable fins which are used to make shark fin soup, an Asian delicacy, which apparently can cost up to $ 100 a bowl. It is estimated that up to 100 million sharks are killed every year for shark fin soup, the equivalent of one third of the USA population wiped out in one year! That’s 11,416 sharks killed every hour, 3 sharks a second. Think about the number of sharks killed since you started reading this blog…Such an unbearable thought, isn’t it?
And since the shark meat has little value, the animal is often thrown back overboard, left to an agonizing and slow death. Apart from being brutal, this practice is unsustainable and eradicating sharks around the world .
To me, this is absolutely heartbreaking. Sharks have been around for millions of years, even before the dinosaurs, and I could see them extinct in my lifetime. All because of a soup! Shark fins are made of cartilage so eating shark fin soup is similar to eating human hair and nails. Shark fins have actually no flavor and no nutritional value and are only used to add texture to the dish. And because sharks are apex predator, they usually contain high level of mercure. Still, shark fin soup remains popular especially in Asia where it is a traditional dish served in banquets, weddings, etc.
Thankfully, people are becoming more aware of the shark finning problem and efforts are being made around the world to ensure better protection of the sharks. Several countries have already taken action and they are creating a momentum: For example, Palau established the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, the Bahamas signed a law prohibiting all commercial shark fishing in 2011 and Brunei just declared the ban of trade of shark products in their country.
Furthermore, the recent CITES-protection of species conference in March 13 recognised the precarious situation of 5 species – the oceanic whitetip, three species of hammerheads and the porbeagle- and gave them protection against overfishing and exploitation for their fins. Even though this decision generated much debate and was not unanimous, it is a positive step in the right direction.
Thankfully, people are becoming more aware of the shark finning problem and efforts are being made around the world to ensure better protection of the sharks. Several countries have already taken action and they are creating a momentum: For example, Palau established the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, the Bahamas signed a law prohibiting all commercial shark fishing in 2011 and Brunei just declared the ban of trade of shark products in their country.
Furthermore, the recent CITES-protection of species conference in March 13 recognised the precarious situation of 5 species – the oceanic whitetip, three species of hammerheads and the porbeagle- and gave them protection against overfishing and exploitation for their fins. Even though this decision generated much debate and was not unanimous, it is a positive step in the right direction.
Shark protection is without doubt moving forward, unfortunately only slowly and we are running out of time. According to a study conducted by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Shark Specialist Group in 2009, a third of open ocean sharks are threatened with extinction in the next few decades. Some populations of sharks, like hammerhead and oceanic whitetip sharks, have seen their numbers reduced by up to 90% in some places.
Sharks are very vulnerable to overfishing because they are very slow to mature sexually and they have few young. Therefore, they are not able to recover quickly enough to sustain their populations.
In addition, even when there is protection in place, it can be very challenging to monitor and enforce them in the middle of the ocean.
I believe that, to be effective, the protection of sharks requires people involvement and a change in some nations’ deep-seated traditions. As long as there is a demand for shark fin soup, there will be people hunting the sharks. Therefore it is essential to educate people and raise awareness about the plight of the sharks.
Many people in the world don’t know about shark finning, and when they do, they often don’t know the full extent of it. Worse, they sometimes feel it is ok to get rid of what they perceive as scary dangerous animals. People’s fears, ignorance and lack of interest are some of the shark’s worst enemies. If we are to protect the sharks, we have to change the perception that many people have of them. As divers and ocean lovers, we are amongst the best people to talk about those animals. My experience of sharks is that they are usually pretty cautious around humans, and they would prefer to avoid us if possible.
Sharks are very vulnerable to overfishing because they are very slow to mature sexually and they have few young. Therefore, they are not able to recover quickly enough to sustain their populations.
In addition, even when there is protection in place, it can be very challenging to monitor and enforce them in the middle of the ocean.
I believe that, to be effective, the protection of sharks requires people involvement and a change in some nations’ deep-seated traditions. As long as there is a demand for shark fin soup, there will be people hunting the sharks. Therefore it is essential to educate people and raise awareness about the plight of the sharks.
Many people in the world don’t know about shark finning, and when they do, they often don’t know the full extent of it. Worse, they sometimes feel it is ok to get rid of what they perceive as scary dangerous animals. People’s fears, ignorance and lack of interest are some of the shark’s worst enemies. If we are to protect the sharks, we have to change the perception that many people have of them. As divers and ocean lovers, we are amongst the best people to talk about those animals. My experience of sharks is that they are usually pretty cautious around humans, and they would prefer to avoid us if possible.
It is also essential that people understand that sharks are essential to the oceans. As apex predators, they maintain other fish populations under control and play a very important role in the overall health of the ocean. Remove them and the ecosystem becomes out of balance. Healthy oceans are essential to the planet well being and therefore essential to us. I might be stating the obvious, and I might be preaching to the converted in this blog, but it does seem that a lot of people don't realize how important sharks are in the big picture so it is essential to share that information.
After spending one week with the sharks in the Bahamas and being accepted by those beautiful animals in their environment, I cannot stay quiet about their terrible plight. My time with them has changed me. Finding out with my own eyes how much they are misunderstood and wrongly depicted as killers has changed me. Discovering how they are being hunted down to extinction has changed me. I feel pain, I feel anger, I feel disgust when I think about what is happening to them. I have always been an animal lover, and so many things in this world get to me and disturb me. It breaks my heart when I see pictures of hundreds of shark fins drying in the sun. I feel sick when I see pictures of a gentle whale shark, dead on the beach with his fins stolen. Sometimes it feels that it would just be easier to go through life by looking away and ignoring that this is happening. After all, they say ignorance is blissful.
But I can’t! I still have vivid memories of those beautiful sharks and I smile when I think about my time with them in the Bahamas. I have to share my story and diving experiences. I have to let people know that sharks are not man hunters patrolling the beaches to get swimmers.
The truth is that sharks are in danger of vanishing fast, very fast. There is not much time and it all depends on every single one of us to take a stand for sharks. Protest against shark culling. Say NO to shark fin soup. If you see it on a menu, make a comment to the restaurant management or leave. And talk to people around you, especially non divers.
Sharks have been around for millions of year and I will be heartbroken to see them disappear in my lifetime. I will do what I can to raise awareness and stop that from happening. I hope you will too!
After spending one week with the sharks in the Bahamas and being accepted by those beautiful animals in their environment, I cannot stay quiet about their terrible plight. My time with them has changed me. Finding out with my own eyes how much they are misunderstood and wrongly depicted as killers has changed me. Discovering how they are being hunted down to extinction has changed me. I feel pain, I feel anger, I feel disgust when I think about what is happening to them. I have always been an animal lover, and so many things in this world get to me and disturb me. It breaks my heart when I see pictures of hundreds of shark fins drying in the sun. I feel sick when I see pictures of a gentle whale shark, dead on the beach with his fins stolen. Sometimes it feels that it would just be easier to go through life by looking away and ignoring that this is happening. After all, they say ignorance is blissful.
But I can’t! I still have vivid memories of those beautiful sharks and I smile when I think about my time with them in the Bahamas. I have to share my story and diving experiences. I have to let people know that sharks are not man hunters patrolling the beaches to get swimmers.
The truth is that sharks are in danger of vanishing fast, very fast. There is not much time and it all depends on every single one of us to take a stand for sharks. Protest against shark culling. Say NO to shark fin soup. If you see it on a menu, make a comment to the restaurant management or leave. And talk to people around you, especially non divers.
Sharks have been around for millions of year and I will be heartbroken to see them disappear in my lifetime. I will do what I can to raise awareness and stop that from happening. I hope you will too!
The Great Barrier Reef: An international treasure at risk.
"I don’t understand why when we destroy something created by man we call it vandalism, but when we destroy something created by nature we call it progress." — Ed Begley Junior.
Progress has often been used as an excuse to justify the loss of precious habitats and wildlife. But what is the limit? When is progress actually becoming and viewed as vandalism? Could we let progress degrade and destroy one of the world most exquisite natural wonders?
Because right now, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the largest coral reef system on earth, is under threat of rapid and large scale industrialisation.
The Great Barrier Reef covers 348,000 square kilometers of the north east coast of Australia. It is not a continuous barrier but instead a broken “maze” of about 3000 individual reefs which together forms a complex living structure visible from space.
"I don’t understand why when we destroy something created by man we call it vandalism, but when we destroy something created by nature we call it progress." — Ed Begley Junior.
Progress has often been used as an excuse to justify the loss of precious habitats and wildlife. But what is the limit? When is progress actually becoming and viewed as vandalism? Could we let progress degrade and destroy one of the world most exquisite natural wonders?
Because right now, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the largest coral reef system on earth, is under threat of rapid and large scale industrialisation.
The Great Barrier Reef covers 348,000 square kilometers of the north east coast of Australia. It is not a continuous barrier but instead a broken “maze” of about 3000 individual reefs which together forms a complex living structure visible from space.
It is one of the richest and most diverse natural ecosystems on the planet and is home to about 1500 species of fish, over 360 species of hard reef-building corals, over 4000 species of molluscs and many vulnerable or threatened species such as whales, dugongs, manta rays and 6 out of the world’s 7 species of marine turtles. The Great Barrier Reef is actually a nesting and birthing area for several species of turtles like the green and hawksbill turtles which are listed as endangered on the IUCN red list. It is also a breeding ground for the magestic humpback whales, which every year migrates from the Antartic to mate, give birth and nurse their babies.
As a result of such unique diversity, the Great barrier reef was listed as a World Heritage Area in 1981 and is viewed as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
As a result of such unique diversity, the Great barrier reef was listed as a World Heritage Area in 1981 and is viewed as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
The Queensland and Australian governements have been working together in managing the Great Barrier Reef and protecting this international icon. However, they are currently considering proposals for rapid and unprecedented expension of the coal and gas industries and their associated infrastructures in the Great Barrier Reef area. These will include open cut mines, railways, mega ports developments, increased dredging, dumping of millions of tonnes of seabed in the reef’s waters, and growing shipping traffic through the Great Barrier Reef. This could lead to the loss and degradation of coastal habitats and reefs, and directly threatens the wildlife which depends on them. It also means increased danger of shipping accidents, marine pollution, oil spills and the possible introduction of marine pest species via ballast water exchange and hull fouling.
It seems inimagineable that industrialisation projects that present so many risks to the Great Barrier Reef could even be contemplated. The fact that it is a precious and unique ecosystem should be enough to make us want to protect it and fight for it. But if this is not enough motivation, surely we can not ignore that this natural wonder supports a $ 6 billion tourism industry and over 60,000 jobs.
In addition to concerns associated with industrialisation, the reef is facing other threats, especially due to climate change. Corals are very sensitive to changes in water quality and sea temperatures. Rising ocean temperatures increase the frequency of coral bleaching, which happens when stressed corals eject their oxygen producing zooxanthellae algae in an attempt to save energy. In addition, rising carbon dioxide levels also make the seawater more acidic, which inhibits the formation of calcium carbonate skeletons (including shells, corals, crabs, sea urchins, etc). It is also likely that climate change will increase the severity of cyclones, which will add additional pressures on the reef wildlife and habitats.
It seems inimagineable that industrialisation projects that present so many risks to the Great Barrier Reef could even be contemplated. The fact that it is a precious and unique ecosystem should be enough to make us want to protect it and fight for it. But if this is not enough motivation, surely we can not ignore that this natural wonder supports a $ 6 billion tourism industry and over 60,000 jobs.
In addition to concerns associated with industrialisation, the reef is facing other threats, especially due to climate change. Corals are very sensitive to changes in water quality and sea temperatures. Rising ocean temperatures increase the frequency of coral bleaching, which happens when stressed corals eject their oxygen producing zooxanthellae algae in an attempt to save energy. In addition, rising carbon dioxide levels also make the seawater more acidic, which inhibits the formation of calcium carbonate skeletons (including shells, corals, crabs, sea urchins, etc). It is also likely that climate change will increase the severity of cyclones, which will add additional pressures on the reef wildlife and habitats.
In view of those existing challenges, negative human impact should be kept to a minimum if we are to ensure the survival of the World Heritage listed icon. In 2012 the United Nations visited the Great Barrier Reef, expressed their concerns about the threat of industrialisation on the reef, and warned that the Great Barrier Reef could be listed by the World Heritage Committee as “World Heritage in Danger” by 2015 if no action is taken to rectify the situation. When the World Heritage Committee met in June this year, they moved this decision forward a year and will now consider listing the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger” by 2014. The Committee highlighted the need to protect the reef further and better and recommended that: no new developments that impact the reef be approved; No developments outside existing port areas be approved; and that environmental laws protecting the reef be strengthened. If the State and Federal governments fail to comply with those recommendations by mid-2014, when the committee is due to meet next, the Great Barrier Reef could be listed as "in danger".
I feel that some further industrialisation of the reef is inevitable sooner or later. I hope however that proper risks assessments will be conducted and that sustainable plans and conservation programs will be put in place for any industrialisation project. I hope that the precious Great Barrier Reef would not be compromised for the sake of development and money. It is our responsibility to ensure that our concerns are raised and heard and that the Great Barrier Reef is protected. Right now, Environment Minister Mark Butler is reviewing a proposal to allow three million tonnes of seabed to be dredged and dumped in the Reef waters, and is to make his decision by 9 August. Please get involved in saving the reef, have your say and spread the word!
To find out more about the Great Barrier Reef campaign and contribute to the appeal, please visit:
www.marineconservation.org.au/reefappeal
http://fightforthereef.org.au/
To find out more about the Great Barrier Reef campaign and contribute to the appeal, please visit:
www.marineconservation.org.au/reefappeal
http://fightforthereef.org.au/
Cuttle Cuddles
I have always deeply disliked cold water, and by cold I mean anything below 22 degrees. This is why, even after 10 years in Australia, the underwater world of South Australia was still ranking low on my “to dive” list.
That was until I heard that the giant cuttlefish migration was in trouble. Every year, between May and August, the cold waters of the South Australian town of Whyalla in the Upper Spencer Gulf region used to attract an estimated population of over two hundred thousand Giant Australian Cuttlefish in a mass breeding aggregation.
The Giant Australian Cuttlefish (Sepia Apama) is the largest specie of cuttlefish known in the world. It can reach up to 50cm in body length and up to 5kg. The rocky coastline of Whyalla provides a good spawning environment for the cuttlefish as the female can attach her eggs to the underside of the rocky ledges. Each female will mate with and collect sperm from multiple partners. The adults then die, while the next generation develop in their eggs. They hatch within three to five months, depending on the water temperature.
A fascinating mating ritual can be witnessed during the breeding season, as males compete for the outnumbered females. There are two distinct groups of males attending this annual congregation: Smaller males which reached maturity within 7 to 8 months of hatching, and much larger males which fail to mature quickly enough to mate during the previous breeding season and which are a year older than their smaller competitors. Bigger males have without doubt a physical advantage, but smaller males have mastered the art of trickery. They will change patterns and colour to look like a female and approach a mating pair under the unsuspecting eye of the bigger male. Given the chance, the “cross-dressing” male will quickly reverts to his usual male patterns and mate with the female.
I have always deeply disliked cold water, and by cold I mean anything below 22 degrees. This is why, even after 10 years in Australia, the underwater world of South Australia was still ranking low on my “to dive” list.
That was until I heard that the giant cuttlefish migration was in trouble. Every year, between May and August, the cold waters of the South Australian town of Whyalla in the Upper Spencer Gulf region used to attract an estimated population of over two hundred thousand Giant Australian Cuttlefish in a mass breeding aggregation.
The Giant Australian Cuttlefish (Sepia Apama) is the largest specie of cuttlefish known in the world. It can reach up to 50cm in body length and up to 5kg. The rocky coastline of Whyalla provides a good spawning environment for the cuttlefish as the female can attach her eggs to the underside of the rocky ledges. Each female will mate with and collect sperm from multiple partners. The adults then die, while the next generation develop in their eggs. They hatch within three to five months, depending on the water temperature.
A fascinating mating ritual can be witnessed during the breeding season, as males compete for the outnumbered females. There are two distinct groups of males attending this annual congregation: Smaller males which reached maturity within 7 to 8 months of hatching, and much larger males which fail to mature quickly enough to mate during the previous breeding season and which are a year older than their smaller competitors. Bigger males have without doubt a physical advantage, but smaller males have mastered the art of trickery. They will change patterns and colour to look like a female and approach a mating pair under the unsuspecting eye of the bigger male. Given the chance, the “cross-dressing” male will quickly reverts to his usual male patterns and mate with the female.
This canvas of changing colour and fascinating behaviour explain why the cuttlefish mating season arguably ranks among the most amazing of marine wildlife spectacles. However, what made this breeding migration truly unique, (not just in Australia, but in the world) was the sheer number of attendees. I had heard that there had been so many cuttlefish in Whyalla in the past that it would look like an underwater carpet of changing colors as those “chameleons of the sea” would court and breed.
Unfortunately the numbers have declined steadily for a decade, to an estimated number of less than 20,000. A sense of urgency took over my aversion for cold water and I flew to Whyalla in June 2012.
The knowledgeable team at the local dive shop put me into the good hands of a local diver/photographer who kindly took me on his boat. This allowed me to get to more secluded areas and to access some areas that in the past had proven ideal for cuttlefish viewing. Everything was lining up for me: good weather, great logistics and an experienced dive buddy. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough. Over the 3 days I spent in Whyalla, I only saw about 25 individuals. I knew their number had plummetted, but I wasn’t prepared for that. No doubt I missed a few as they have an amazing ability to mimic their surroundings by altering their colour, patterns, texture and shape. Still, those waters that once used to be home to one of nature's most spectacular breeding migration, felt terribly empty.
Unfortunately the numbers have declined steadily for a decade, to an estimated number of less than 20,000. A sense of urgency took over my aversion for cold water and I flew to Whyalla in June 2012.
The knowledgeable team at the local dive shop put me into the good hands of a local diver/photographer who kindly took me on his boat. This allowed me to get to more secluded areas and to access some areas that in the past had proven ideal for cuttlefish viewing. Everything was lining up for me: good weather, great logistics and an experienced dive buddy. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough. Over the 3 days I spent in Whyalla, I only saw about 25 individuals. I knew their number had plummetted, but I wasn’t prepared for that. No doubt I missed a few as they have an amazing ability to mimic their surroundings by altering their colour, patterns, texture and shape. Still, those waters that once used to be home to one of nature's most spectacular breeding migration, felt terribly empty.
The exact reason for this drop in numbers is unknown. Locals mentioned a combination of factors, including overfishing in the late 1990s when the cephalopods were used as pet food and bait. There were concerns that the cuttlefish were being taken as they arrived at the breeding site, with no time to mate and spawn. Cuttlefish live fast and die young. They only ever breed once, and they have a short life cycle (generally no more than 18 months) since exhausted male and female adults die after mating and laying. Therefore overfishing of the breeding animals seriously impacts the overall population. Thankfully, in 1998 the state government introduced a giant cuttlefish fishing closure to protect the spawning area and in March 2013, the South Australian State Government extended the protected area to cover all of Northern Spencer Gulf- the population’s entire known range. Funding was also allocated to research that will help to determine the movement patterns and population structure of the Giant Cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulfthat will help to determine the movement patterns and population structure of the Giant Cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulfthe movement patterns and the population structure of the population in the area.
This is a positive conservation move, even though some might argue that, in view of the collapse in numbers and the fact that little spawning was witnessed last year, it might already be too late.
Furthermore, there are other possible risks as the Upper Spencer Gulf region receives proposals for major industrial developments including port development projects and desalination plants. Declining water quality in the area is already a concern and new pollution sources and local increases in the salinity could further harm or kill cuttlefish or their eggs.
This region is still mostly isolated from bigger cities, and industry brings jobs and money, therefore making it attractive to residents and the government. However it is essential that proper research and risks assessment are done to ensure the suitability of the proposed developments and identify their impact on the local wildlife.
I truly hope this will be the case and that the unique Australian giant cuttlefish migration will soon be back to its full glory.
For more information on the Giant Australian cuttlefish and to help protect it:
1) Read and share http://cuttlefishcountry.com
2) Sign the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/7/save-the-giant-australian-cuttlefish-upper-spencer-gulf/
This is a positive conservation move, even though some might argue that, in view of the collapse in numbers and the fact that little spawning was witnessed last year, it might already be too late.
Furthermore, there are other possible risks as the Upper Spencer Gulf region receives proposals for major industrial developments including port development projects and desalination plants. Declining water quality in the area is already a concern and new pollution sources and local increases in the salinity could further harm or kill cuttlefish or their eggs.
This region is still mostly isolated from bigger cities, and industry brings jobs and money, therefore making it attractive to residents and the government. However it is essential that proper research and risks assessment are done to ensure the suitability of the proposed developments and identify their impact on the local wildlife.
I truly hope this will be the case and that the unique Australian giant cuttlefish migration will soon be back to its full glory.
For more information on the Giant Australian cuttlefish and to help protect it:
1) Read and share http://cuttlefishcountry.com
2) Sign the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/7/save-the-giant-australian-cuttlefish-upper-spencer-gulf/
All contents and images © Vanessa Mignon. All Rights Reserved