The once abundant oceanic whitetip shark has experienced rapid and severe population declines throughout its range due to overexploitation by commercial fisheries. Within the last decade, policymakers have taken action. The species was included on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). This was the first instance that a commercially traded shark species was included on CITES, and works in concert with retention prohibitions in major regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). Oceanic whitetip sharks were recently added to the U.S. Endangered Species List, and a set of recovery criteria for the species was recommended.
The Project
In Haiti, a lack of an industrialized fishery and a unique marine environment present an opportunity to consult with local agencies and stakeholders to help to implement conservation approaches for oceanic whitetip sharks. In partnership with local nonprofit Haiti Ocean Project, we have developed a relationship with artisanal fishers from the communities of SW Haiti. The project has equipped and trained an increasing number of fishers how to safely release sharks while collecting valuable genetic and demographic data. This has resulted in a reduction of fishing mortality for juvenile oceanic whitetips in the region and has allowed us to confirm the consistent presence of juveniles. Now employing satellite telemetry, the project is beginning to study the movements and habitat use of juveniles along the coast of the SW peninsula.
The Impact
By bringing advice on the species protected status, bycatch mitigation, live release and fisher education techniques to local communities and government agencies alike, we are building momentum toward formal management of the species as well as water behavior change. The project conducts outreach throughout the schools of the fishing communities along the coast, generating awareness on marine conservation issues in general, but with a focus on sharks.