The Indian Ocean - Shark fishing, Mozambique
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The Indian Ocean
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Introduction
The Indian Ocean is the third largest body of water on Earth at more than 6,000 miles wide and covering 13% of the world's surface. It is home to 5,000 species of fish, many of which only exist in the Indian Ocean. But it is also an ocean under threat from global issues such as over-fishing and climate change, which make this an ocean on the edge.
Shark fishing, Mozambique
Overview
Shark fishing, although relatively new to the Mozambique coast, is already a huge and organised industry. Much of the trade is fuelled by demand for shark fin soup from an increasingly wealthy population in far eastern countries. Shark numbers may be falling by up to 73 million a year and 26 shark species are now listed as critically endangered.
In one community where locals did not fish for shark it appears that fishermen from outside the area were brought in specifically to fish for shark. A small boat can land as many as 1,000 sharks a year and fins from just 2 sharks can fetch up to 60 dollars, that's two months income for many people in the region. Removing an apex predator from an area in this way can have a profound effect on the species beneath it in the food chain.
| Importance: | The impact of shark fishing and the removal of top predators could be devastating for oceans across the entire planet. Understanding how the industry works can inform debate on the best way to limit its effects. |
| Dive category: | No dive was involved. |
| Access: | Several dive operators offer the chance to dive with sharks in this area; one way to enjoy these creatures without killing them. |
Interesting for
- Shark finning
- UK based charity the Shark Trust explains the issues and suggests ways in which people can help.
- Stop shark finning
- Ship seized off Mozambique
- This article from a website that collates information on illegal and unregulated fishing illustrates the scale of the problem and how difficult it is to police.
- Shark haul found on unlicensed ship
BBC related content
- Oceans presenter biography: Philippe Cousteau
- Oceans 360 experience: Reef sharks
- Oceans image gallery: The Indian Ocean
- BBC Science & Nature: Shark conservation
- BBC News: Clampdown urged on shark finning
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