User:Egapaa/Shark tourism

Conservation benefits: edits

Shark tourism serves as an important factor in their countries' local economy. Communities in Fiji and the Maldives generate upwards of $35 million per year.

Shark Tourism in Fiji

Beqa Lagoon is home to eight species of sharks, each of whom are very prominent around feeding sites. Shark diving and shark feeding is very popular in the area, locals have been swimming with the sharks for close to three thousand years. The people have passed down many myths of these creatures since even before Christianity. Because of their grandiosity, they are easily spotted in the waters of Beqa Lagoon Resort, which is their primary feeding ground. Shark tourism in places such as this are very profitable in Fiji, generating around 42 million USD.

Shark Tourism in Palau

Palau is home to three species of sharks; the Grey Reef Shark, the Leopard Shark, and the Whitetip Reef Sharks. Palau's waters are saturated with coral reefs, which are home to Grey Reef Sharks, the most commonly seen of the three. Whitetip Reef sharks are also seen around coral reefs, and are much more curious than the other sharks. Many tourists and locals are fascinated by these creatures, so much so that shark diving has become a big part of many tourists incentive to come to Palau.In terms of economy, studies have shown that shark diving and shark tourism in general is a major contributor to the economy of Palau. Over $18 million USD is generated every year, which accounts for close to 10% of all domestic product in the country. The local communities and government benefit greatly, receiving over $1 million and $1.5 million USD respectively.

"Shark diving in Fiji's Beqa Lagoon". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2019-10-22.

"Shark Savers :: Sharks and Ecotourism". www.sharksavers.org. Retrieved 2019-10-22.

Vianna, G. M. S.; Meekan, M. G.; Pannell, D. J.; Marsh, S. P.; Meeuwig, J. J. (2012-01-01). "Socio-economic value and community benefits from shark-diving tourism in Palau: A sustainable use of reef shark populations". Biological Conservation. 145 (1): 267–277. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2011.11.022. ISSN 0006-3207.