Eco-tourism touted as chance to save whale sharks
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Scientists say whale shark numbers have depleted over the past 10 years. (User submitted: Paul Sorensen)
A Darwin conference has been told that eco-tourism could be the best way to save dwindling whale shark populations off the north coast of Australia.
Whale sharks can grow up to seven metres long and can live for 150 years, but they are a popular delicacy in some parts of south-east Asia.
Scientists say whale shark numbers have depleted over the past 10 years and the vulnerable animals are not growing to their normal size.
Marine scientist Mark Meekin says promoting the sharks for their tourism value could save the population from further decimation.
"Its not a case of throw your hands up in the air and admit defeat," he said.
"There are some definite things we can do here, and the key to that is showing the people who are using these animals as a food source that they're actually more valuable alive than they are dead."
Environmental researcher Natasha Stacey says there is already a pilot program for coastal villagers in West Timor to become involved in monitoring the shark population.
"They can get paid for that service or be provided with an income that takes them away from pressure on exploiting already overexploited fisheries resources," she said.
