The Dorsal Fin

Sharkdefenders has posted a video testimonial in support of a proposed bill that would “prohibit the possession, selling, offering for sale, trading, or distribution of shark fins and ray parts.” A public hearing on the bill, held Tuesday, reportedly drew a “full house,” according to Kuam News.

TourismToday continues to focus on shark conservation in the Bahamas in their latest video which discusses conservation efforts in Andros. The Bahamas National Trust’s shark conservation initiative is making an effort to educate citizens of the Bahamas about the importance of sharks to the environment, as well as the local tourism industry.

Andros’ sport-fishing and scuba diving opportunities make the island particularly dependent on healthy shark populations, due to the importance of sharks maintaining a healthy balance in the marine ecosystem.

Oscar Munroe (Island Administrator) hopes to get all stakeholders in the Adnros community involved in the shark conservation efforts in order to set an example to those outside of Andros.

The Florida Museum of Natural History recently added the video above to its YouTube channel. The video, which features George Burgess discussing the importance of shark conservation, was filmed as part of the museum’s traveling exhibition “Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived”.

In the video, Burgess discusses threats to shark populations such as demand for shark fins and unintentional bycatch. Burgess discusses how slow maturation and low reproductive rates make shark species particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the important role of sharks as apex predators in the marine environment is also briefly touched upon.

WARNING: Video features images of sharks being butchered

Matt Rand of the Pew Environment Group discusses Shark Conservation Act, which was recently signed into law. Rand notes that while the shark mandates that all sharks landed in U.S. must have their fins intact, the act does not set limits on the number of sharks that can be caught, which Rand says is something that is still “greatly needed.”

Part 2 of TourismToday’s episode on shark conservation in the Bahamas features Matt Rand of the Pew Environment Group discussing the impact of demand for shark fin soup on shark populations. The environmental effects of declining shark populations are once again discussed, as is the economic importance of sharks to the Bahamas. Rand goes on to say that shark tourism generates $78 million annually. He points out that shark populations are a sustainable resource that could continue to generate income for the Bahamas if shark populations are properly managed.

The video does have some hints of finger-pointing most notably is the implication that sharks might be in trouble due to a “significant Chinese population” taking up residence in the Bahamas, as result of the upcoming Baha Mar project.