Today, almost all shark species worldwide are in acute danger and threatened with extinction. As you may have already noticed, with our new special edition, we want to support the protection of the thresher shark off the island of Alor in Indonesia. Why we chose this particular project, and who and what is behind our partner organization. Thresher Shark Indonesia You can find out in this article!
Ever heard of the thresher shark?
We have to honestly admit - hardly anyone on the Oceanmata team had ever heard of the thresher shark. This species of shark is also colloquially called Threshing shark . Now you're probably wondering how it got this name!
Large tail fin and large eyes
Thresher sharks are known for their striking upper parts. tail fin It can grow to between 3.5 and 7.5 meters in length. The tail fin alone is almost as long as the entire shark. Thresher sharks typically reach a length of about 3 to 4 meters.
This long and strong tail fin helps the thresher shark hunt small prey fish, such as herring or mackerel. "threshes" With its tail, it attacks a school of fish, stuns or kills its prey, and only then eats it. Furthermore, the special tail fin allows the thresher shark to spectacular jumps out of the water.
Other characteristics of the thresher shark are the long pectoral fins, a relatively short mouth and exceptional size Eyes that are located on the sides of the head.
The common thresher shark, other species and their distribution
The genus of thresher sharks is divided into three species: the Pacific thresher shark, the bigeye thresher shark and the Common thresher shark . The common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) is probably the best known and most widespread species.
In general, especially the common thresher shark, almost all oceans They can be found all over the world—from Brazil, Argentina, and Norway, along the European Atlantic coast to South Africa, China, Indonesia, and Japan. However, the thresher shark is probably most commonly found off Egypt and the Philippines. Thresher sharks usually stay close to the coast, but can occasionally dive to depths of up to 500 meters. Generally, the thresher shark is a solitary animal, but occasionally it also lives in small, single-sex groups.
Another animal species on the Red List
Although the distribution area of the thresher shark extends over almost the entire world, the shark species unfortunately also belongs to the endangered animal species and its status has been listed as "endangered" on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources since 2007 (IUCN) led.
They are on this list because of, among other things, Sport fishing . Due to their unusual appearance and demanding hunting, which is accompanied by high jumps out of the water, thresher sharks are a popular target for many sport fishermen. But unfortunately, this is not the only threat. commercial fishing It becomes increasingly difficult for the thresher shark to find food and in the worst case it even dies as Bycatch . In addition, the thresher shark is also affected by the so-called Finning The shark's fins are cut off while it is still alive and processed into shark fin soup, medicine, or a dried snack. The lifeless body of the shark is simply thrown overboard back into the sea. We wrote more about this topic and the dangers sharks face in our previous Blog article about the important role of sharks in the sea.
A trip to Alor
As with all our previous projects, we have decided to focus on the Indonesian area to concentrate. More precisely, on the paradisiacal Alor Island . This small island lies in Indonesia's Coral Triangle and is home to about 30% of all coral and fish species. Among them are numerous shark species, such as the thresher shark. The small island remains virtually untouched by tourism and boasts beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible biodiversity. But see for yourself:
Why is the thresher shark endangered there?
Unfortunately, the home of the thresher shark in this very paradise is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, and this species is acutely threatened with extinction on Alor. Currently, around 100 thresher sharks captured and killed. There's a complex problem behind this...
Livelihood of local fishermen
A large part of the Alor people (that is the name given to the inhabitants of the island of Alor) are fishing and selling them at the market enables them to feed their families and send their children to school. Since the thresher shark often stays close to the coast and most fishermen have only a very short simple equipment This shark species is a popular hunting target. Furthermore, the meat and fins of the thresher shark can be processed almost entirely and fetch comparatively high prices on the local market.
The hunt for pregnant sharks
In addition, pregnant thresher sharks are very close to the shore and are therefore particularly easy to hunt. It is estimated that about 70% of the thresher sharks killed are pregnant specimens At the same time, up to eight unborn babies die. A tragedy for the Reproductivity The thresher sharks are a lucrative windfall for the fishermen. Since the thresher shark gives birth live, the young can also be processed and sold at market.
Overfishing and devastating consequences
It is therefore not surprising that in recent years there has been a massive Overfishing of the thresher shark on Alor. This is also slowly becoming noticeable among the fishermen and is causing them great concern, as shark fishing is currently an important source of livelihood for them. But of course, it would also have devastating consequences for the ecosystem if the thresher shark were to become extinct. Like other shark species, it also ensures the balance in the sea and regulates healthy fish populations.
The organization Thresher Shark Indonesia
In order to protect the thresher shark and the ecosystem around Alor, the organization Thresher Shark Indonesia Since then, a group of young Indonesian scientists led by Rafid The aim is to save the thresher shark from extinction in Alor.
In pursuing this goal, it is important to consider the needs of local population The hunt for the thresher shark ensures the survival of many residents. So how else are they supposed to survive?
What is Thresher Shark Indonesia’s goal?
This is exactly the question that the organization stumbled upon and would therefore like to offer the fishermen a alternative source of income By concentrating on many different fish species, including tuna, the focus is shifted away from the thresher shark. You're probably wondering whether hunting tuna isn't just as harmful. In fact, however, fish populations recover faster because they produce more and more frequent offspring.
However, alternative fishing can only be made possible if the fishermen have a better equipment and are no longer dependent on fishing near the coast. This progress will be accompanied by training in the area sustainable fishing . The specific goal is that all local shark hunters 2022 stop hunting the thresher shark completely. As you can see in this video As you can see, similar successes have already been achieved in other regions.
Cooperation with the fishermen
The organization also works with local fishermen to ensure their To know about the thresher shark. The sharks are to be tracked down and treated with a Tracking transmitter This will allow for better monitoring of the populations in the future and the identification of specific regions that require special protection. Thresher Shark and the fishermen have already begun this process, and six thresher sharks have already been equipped with a tracker. Although it is a relatively simple procedure, several people are required to secure the shark, so this is a very A labor-intensive process . After all, no one, especially no animals, should be harmed.
How can you help?
Together with you We want to support Thresher Shark in turning the shark hunters Hairsetter and your contribution is easier than you think! In a few days we will launch our new Shark Special Edition We will donate 5% of the proceeds from all products in this range directly to the organization in Indonesia. The money can then be used new boats and better equipment will be purchased, as well as training and awareness-raising work will be financed.
Furthermore, with topics like this, it is of course always important for Attention to ensure and consciousness to create. Talk to friends and family about the project or share relevant content on your social media channels. Each and every one of us has so much more influence on world events than we often realize!
