scholarly journals Visitation and economic impact of whale shark tourism in a Maldivian marine protected area

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Fernando Cagua ◽  
Neal M Collins ◽  
James Hancock ◽  
Richard Rees
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Models ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Whale Shark ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Whale Sharks ◽  
Guest Satisfaction ◽  
Shark Conservation ◽  
Direct Expenditure

Whale sharks are a major attraction for tourist divers and snorkelers in South Ari Atoll, Maldives. Yet without information regarding the use and economic extent of the attraction, it is difficult to prioritize conservation or implement effective management plans. Using empirical recreational data and generalized mixed models, this study provides the first economic valuation—via direct spend—of whale shark tourism in Maldives. We estimate that direct expenditure on whale shark excursions in the South Ari Marine Protected Area for 2012–2013 at US$7.6 and $9.4 million, respectively. These expenditures are based on an estimate of 72 to 78 thousand tourists who are involved in whale shark excursions annually. This level of visitation and expenditure highlights the need to implement regulations and management which can safeguard the sustainability of the industry through ensuring guest satisfaction and whale shark conservation.

scholarly journals Visitation and economic impact of whale shark tourism in a Maldivian marine protected area

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Fernando Cagua ◽  
Neal M Collins ◽  
James Hancock ◽  
Richard Rees
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Models ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Whale Shark ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Whale Sharks ◽  
Guest Satisfaction ◽  
Shark Conservation ◽  
Direct Expenditure

Whale sharks are a major attraction for tourist divers and snorkelers in South Ari Atoll, Maldives. Yet without information regarding the use and economic extent of the attraction, it is difficult to prioritize conservation or implement effective management plans. Using empirical recreational data and generalized mixed models, this study provides the first economic valuation—via direct spend—of whale shark tourism in Maldives. We estimate that direct expenditure on whale shark excursions in the South Ari Marine Protected Area for 2012–2013 at US$7.6 and $9.4 million, respectively. These expenditures are based on an estimate of 72 to 78 thousand tourists who are involved in whale shark excursions annually. This level of visitation and expenditure highlights the need to implement regulations and management which can safeguard the sustainability of the industry through ensuring guest satisfaction and whale shark conservation.

scholarly journals The impact of injury on apparent survival of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, Maldives

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Harvey-Carroll ◽  
Joshua D. Stewart ◽  
Daire Carroll ◽  
Basith Mohamed ◽  
Ibrahim Shameel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Whale Shark ◽  
Apparent Survival ◽  
Rhincodon Typus ◽  
Whale Sharks ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an endangered species with a declining global population. The South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), Maldives, is one of few locations globally where year-long residency of individuals occurs. This SAMPA aggregation appears to consist almost exclusively of immature males. Due to its year-round residency, this local aggregation is subjected to a high degree of tourism pressure. This ecotourism contributes to the high level of interest and protection offered to whale sharks by the local community. Unfortunately, if regulations are not followed or enforced, tourism can bring with it major stressors, such as accidental injuries. We used POPAN capture-mark-recapture models and lagged identification rate analysis to assess the effect of major injuries on whale shark residency within SAMPA. Injuries may be obtained outside SAMPA. We found individuals with major injuries had a higher apparent survival in the area than those without. Lagged identification rates also demonstrated that sharks with major injuries are more likely to return to the area. We suggest that major injuries result in sharks prolonging their time in the developmental habitat. These findings have implications for individual fitness and the population viability of this endangered species. We propose targeted conservation strategies be considered to protect sharks from further injury. Based on the presented spatio-temporal distributions of sharks, and current local knowledge of sighting patterns, speed limit zones and propeller-exclusion zones should be implemented and enforced. If carried out alongside tourist education, these measures will contribute to the protection of whale sharks within SAMPA and beyond. Furthermore, our results can aid research direction, alongside regulation and enforcement development, at similar sites worldwide.

scholarly journals Marine protected area and the spatial distribution of the gill net fishery in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Amorim ◽  
C. Monteiro-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Fisheries Resources ◽  
Gill Net ◽  
Fishing Gears ◽  
Management Plans

Abstract This study characterizes the gill net fishery at Colônia de Pescadores Z13 (CPZ13), in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, and its relationship with the marine protected area ‘Monumento Natural do Arquipélago das Ilhas Cagarras – MoNa Cagarras’, describing the fleet and fishing gears, identifying fishing spots, species and their associations by gillnet type. From June 2012 to May 2013, every Tuesday to Sunday, gill net landings were monitored and fishers interviewed regarding their catch. Small boats (dory whaleboats) are used to set three types of gillnets: “Corvineira” (target species – whitemouth croaker), “linguadeira” (target species – flounders) and “rede-alta” (target species – bluefish). Fifty-nine species within 37 families were captured at 14 fishing spots, showing association with bottom type and distance from shore. The use of fisher’s local ecological knowledge defines gear placement at specific sites targeting fisheries resources. All fishing sites are not within the limits of MoNa Cagarras but would benefit from management plans including an MPA buffering zone.

Whale sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park: managing tourism in an Australian marine protected area

1997 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 259-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derrin Davis ◽  
Simon Banks ◽  
Alastair Birtles ◽  
Peter Valentine ◽  
Michael Cuthill
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Marine Park ◽  
Whale Sharks

scholarly journals Observations of sharks (Elasmobranchii) at Europa Island, a remote marine protected area important for shark conservation in the southern Mozambique Channel

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0253867
Author(s):  
Mireille M. M. Guillaume ◽  
Bernard Séret
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Nursery Ground ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Southwest Indian Ocean ◽  
Sphyrna Lewini ◽  
Mozambique Channel ◽  
Shark Conservation ◽  
Favorable Conditions

Sharks have declined worldwide and remote sanctuaries are becoming crucial for shark conservation. The southwest Indian Ocean is a hotspot of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity mostly impacted by anthropogenic damage. Sharks were observed during surveys performed from April to June 2013 in the virtually pristine coral reefs around Europa Island, a remote Marine Protected Area located in the southern Mozambique Channel. Observation events comprised 67 1-hour scientific dives between 5 – 35m depth and 7 snorkeling inspections, as well as 4 dinghy-based observations in the shallow lagoon. In a period of 24 days, 475 sharks were tallied. Carcharhinus galapagensis was most encountered and contributed 20% of the abundance during diving, followed by C. albimarginatus (10%). Both species were more abundant between 11-14h, and on the exposed sides of the island. Numbers of Sphyrna lewini were highest with 370 individuals windward and leeward, mostly schooling. S. lewini aggregations in the area are hypothesized to be attracted to the seamount archipelago offering favorable conditions for deep incursions and of which Europa Island forms part. C. amblyrhynchos, Galeocerdo cuvier and S. mokarran were uncommon, while there was an additional observation of Rhincodon typus. The lagoon of Europa was a nursery ground for C. melanopterus where it was the only species present. A total of 8 species was recorded, contributing to the shark diversity of 15 species reported from Europa since 1952 in the scientific and gray literature. Overall, with the occurrence of several species of apex predators in addition to that of R. typus, large schools of S. lewini, fair numbers of reef sharks and a nursery of C. melanopterus, Europa’s sharks constitute a significant reservoir of biodiversity, which contributes to preserve the functioning of the ecosystem. Our observations highlight the relevance of Europa Island for shark conservation and the need for shark-targeted management in the EEZ of both Europa and Bassas da India.

scholarly journals Abundancia y estructura poblacional de dos recursos pesqueros bentónicos fuera y dentro del área de una concesión marítima portuaria en Caldera, Región de Atacama, Chile

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 232
Author(s):  
JM Alonso Vega ◽  
Marcelo Valdebenito ◽  
Luis Caillaux ◽  
Jorge Bravo
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Reference Site ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Sea Urchins ◽  
The Future ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Benthic Resources ◽  
Loxechinus Albus ◽  
Lessonia Berteroana

This study compares density and size structure of kelp Lessonia berteroana and sea urchins Loxechinus albus inside and outside a port concession area in Caldera. Greater abundance and larger adult individuals in populations of both benthic resources in this zone preliminarily indicates that this might be replicating a marine protected area. In the future, this port concession could contribute to the conservation of benthic resources as a reference site, without access to fisheries, useful for validating or implementing measures and actions in management plans or other instruments to support conservation.

scholarly journals Assessing the effectiveness of a large marine protected area for reef shark conservation

2017 ◽  
Vol 207 ◽  
pp. 64-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy D. White ◽  
Aaron B. Carlisle ◽  
David A. Kroodsma ◽  
Barbara A. Block ◽  
Renato Casagrandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Reef Shark ◽  
Shark Conservation

scholarly journals KAJIAN PEMANFAATAN WILAYAH PESISIR DAN LAUT KECAMATAN TANALILI KABUPATEN LUWU UTARA BERBASIS ZONASI KAWASAN

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Akram Akram ◽  
Abdul Rauf ◽  
Rustam Rustam
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Development Policy ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Mangrove Ecosystem ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Development Analysis ◽  
Area Development

The coastal area of Tanalili District has many coastal and marine natural resources. However, its utilization has not been well managed and has resulted in uncontrolled utilization. This research aimed to: (1) Identify the condition and potential of coastal natural resources (2) Analyze the suitability of land to its designation (3) Integrate land use zoning (4) Determine coastal and marine area development strategies. This research was conducted in January to March 2018. Potential of coastal resources, land suitability and zoning were analyzed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and SWOT for development analysis. The results of this study indicate the area of 96.38 Ha mangrove ecosystem, seagrass 31,68 Ha, coral reefs 192,81 Ha. Zoning area showed a general utilization area of 6.132,49 Ha which was divided into 4 zones; aquaculture zone with an area of 1.012,31 Ha, capture fisheries zone with an area of 4.875,76 Ha, a port zone with an area of 46,91 Ha and other zones covering an area of 197,51 Ha. The area of marine protected area is 1,393.99 Ha and the regional sea lanes for shipping activities is 526.88 Ha. The results of the development policy analysis were the provision of a potential data base, the formation of business groups in accordance with the potential, compilation of management plans according to zoning, improvement of human resources quality both the community and related stakeholders and rehabilitation programs to control physical damage to the coast and ecosystems by involving the community.

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