Sharks are good for coastal communities

A joint study published today with La Universidad de la Laguna (Tenerife) shows that shark and ray watching by divers is bringing millions of pounds into the Canary Islands economy every year, and nef says that similar stories could be told in the UK if better conservation measures are put in place.

• Shark and ray watching by divers brings in €17.7 million (£14.5 million) to the Canary Islands each year.
• 429 jobs are directly attributed to the presence of sharks and rays in the Canary Islands.
• The UK has 21 types of sharks and 16 of skates and rays in its waters, including the Basking Shark which is the world’s second largest fish and already supports wildlife tourism activity in the UK.

Aniol Esteban, head of environmental economics at nef said: “This study reminds us that the marine environment is a key economic asset to countries like the UK. Wildlife tourism in the UK already brings millions to our local economies but much of the marine environment remains an untapped resource that needs to be looked into in more detail. Sharks and rays could be a very exciting starting point to explore the benefits for UK marine wildlife tourism. Better conservation of the marine environment will undoubtedly bring opportunities for UK coastal communities helping them secure longer term income flows and employment.”

The study reveals that diving companies on the Spanish mainland were missing out on the attraction of sharks for divers, but those interviewed said that a higher frequency of shark and ray sightings would be very beneficial for their businesses, and all described the presence of these species as positive.

But nef highlights that the value of the natural environment goes beyond a direct source of revenue and jobs.

Aniol Esteban continued; “Spectacular species like sharks, whales, and rays bring business to local economies but they are worth much more than that. The natural environment is the skeleton of our socio-economic system.”

nef is also advising that marine wildlife tourism need not result in additional carbon emissions.

“Climate change and ocean acidification are two of the greatest threats to marine wildlife, both of which are made worse by international flights,” said Rupert Crilly, co-author of the report and environmental economics researcher at nef, “so instead of encouraging people to jump on a plane, we should be thinking about how to make the most of the fantastic marine wildlife that we have right here in the UK and making sure that we protect them for future generations.”