Asian_Geographic_Issue_4_2017

But can countries counter the

overfishing of sharks? Many nations

have implemented restrictions on the

trade of certain endangered shark

species under the Convention on the

International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

(CITES) – if only partially. Others have

taken further steps, banning shark

fishing itself within their territorial

waters. Indonesia has done so within

Raja Ampat since 2010, and Palau has

had a ban since 2009.

However, there can be a

disconnect between policies that

a nation adopts and their practical

implementation. Paul Friese, founder

of Bali Sharks Rescue Centre, notes

that Indonesia – the top “shark

catcher” in the world according to

a 2011 analysis by TRAFFIC and the

Pew Environment Group (PEG) – have

“policies [that] don’t filter down to

the fishing villages”. Friese adds:

“Fishermen don’t read newspapers,

have Facebook or smart phones, for

the most part.” The fact that many

people are unaware of the rules means

that “the disconnect from the policy

makers to the fisherman is prevalent”.

Education on policies is an

unresolved issue within Southeast

Asian fishing communities. Yet Friese

says that there are deterrents in place,

IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK

IMAGE © NATUREPL.COM/JEFF ROTMAN/WWF

There can be a disconnect

between the policies that

a nation adopts and their

practical implementation

above There is still a high
demand for shark fin, which
makes it difficult to implement
measures to stop the killing

right Shark fin soup can fetch
around USD100 per bowl