In Indonesia, former shark fishermen are taking tourists to see the sharks instead
Project Hiu is testing a powerful tourism idea: make a living shark worth more to local families than a dead one.
Project Hiu works with shark fishermen in Indonesia who now use their boats and local knowledge for snorkeling trips, conservation work and shark research.
The project is centered around Maringkik Island in East Lombok.
Why it’s worth going
Travelers get access to guides who know these waters intimately while their tourism spending supports an alternative livelihood to shark fishing.
When not to
Wildlife tourism is only valuable when animal welfare and local ownership are real. Choose operators that limit disturbance and clearly explain how revenue reaches local communities.
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The economics of shark tourism
The idea behind Project Hiu: one study in French Polynesia valued a single reef shark at US$100,000 a year to tourism, versus about $100 for its parts.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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