Previously this month the New Zealand court of appeal ruled that shark cage diving is prohibited, and as an outcome cage diving tourist will soon stop in the country.But is a restriction a suitable course of action when shark population numbers are declining globally?The New Zealand judgment centres on the white shark cage diving operations off Stewart Island, which initially started 9 years ago. Picture: Lauren Smithii) Ecological interactionsThe behaviour and ecology of sharks and other non-target types needs to be examined even more in order to determine whether any negative or positive modifications are associated with tourism.iii) Fitness and bioenergeticsIt is understood that white sharks reveal increased activity levels throughout tourist operations, however industry regulations prohibit the intentional feeding of sharks. White shark cage diving has developed in places where sharks naturally aggregate, so water activities will naturally carry a particular degree of risk.The benefits of cage diving show it to be a important and efficient preservation tool as long as it is thoroughly handled to make sure a sustainable and viable industry.With the existing international decrease of shark populations, it is challenging to see how banning accountable cage diving operations would benefit anybody, least of all the sharks.ReferencesApps, K. Dimmock, K. Huveneers, C. 2018.
Previously this month the New Zealand court of appeal ruled that shark cage diving is unlawful, and as a result cage diving tourism will soon stop in the country.But is a ban a suitable course of action when shark population numbers are decreasing globally?The New Zealand ruling centres on the white shark cage diving operations off Stewart Island, which initially started 9 years earlier. Enticing sharks too close to the cage with bait, which might result in them colliding with or getting stuck in the cage, is unacceptable.Great white shark feeding, for cage diving tourists. Photograph: Lauren Smithii) Ecological interactionsThe behaviour and ecology of sharks and other non-target types needs to be investigated further in order to determine whether any negative or positive modifications are associated with tourism.iii) Fitness and bioenergeticsIt is known that white sharks show increased activity levels during tourism operations, however industry regulations prohibit the deliberate feeding of sharks. White shark cage diving has actually established in locations where sharks naturally aggregate, so water activities will naturally bring a certain degree of risk.The benefits of cage diving show it to be a efficient and important conservation tool as long as it is thoroughly managed to make sure a sustainable and feasible industry.With the current global decrease of shark populations, it is tough to see how banning responsible cage diving operations would benefit anyone, least of all the sharks.ReferencesApps, K. Dimmock, K. Huveneers, C. 2018.
