Bali Diver
Contributor
Hi Everyone,
This arcticle was written by one of our instructors.
We have spent the last 2 1/2 months in meetings and emailing NGOs , government dept's and dive centers about the threshers.
We have a lot of info that was not included in the article.
We have a petition that will be released very shortly both online and at dive centers and interested businesses here on Bali. Basically we are waiting to hear from large NGO's if they want their logo on the petition or not.
Our aims and purpose will be on the petition.
A similar petition in Raja Empat has already resulted in a shark sanctuary there, so we are hopeful with your help we can do the same in Bali.
"Sandy Rose"
At least something is being done and should and all Dive Op's around Bali should be supportive with you.It really has made me feel so sad this week that there is a Shark finning industry in Bali and as well as the slaughter of Thresher sharks and worse that i have been told that both theses have been going on for some years.
Also that not far from Tulamben there is some line fishing going on after sharks.
I have sent and will be sending more to everyone i know in Bali and Indo with xmas greetings and P.S about this and was sent this comment which made things worse.
Indonesia has the highest elasmobranch diversity of any country with approximately 140 shark and ray species identified. Unfortunately, it also has the world’s largest shark fishery with an estimated 200 thousand tonnes of shark caught each year (Finning and long-lining). Much of this catch is exported to the markets of China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Companies selling shark fins are common on Lombok and neighboring islands with much of their product passing through Bali on its way to the aforementioned countries. Sharks Fin Soup can also be readily bought at restaurants in Bali and throughout Indonesia.
With such a wealth of biodiversity at its disposal and an opportunity to lead the way in marine conservation, the Indonesian government is doing little to prevent this unsustainable trade. At Jakarta airport shark fin is on sale to passengers doing little to support what is becoming an increasingly desperate situation.
I wonder if board member Buiszie over on Lombok has any information about this