Did you know a whale shark can give birth to 300 shark pups in one litter? Although this may sound impressive, it isn’t enough to make up for the 20 million sharks and rays that are killed in the Gulf of California each year - and recent studies suggest that our friends from the deep may need some help if their species is to survive.
The problem stems from the fact that 80 percent of sharks caught in this region are pre-reproductive juveniles, and it’s believed that this area is a vital breeding ground for many shark populations throughout the eastern Pacific. Since shark and ray fishing is a significant source of food and employment in Mexico, this creates a dilemma between balancing the needs of the sharks with those of the local community.
In order to find a viable solution, a grassroots program called Iemanya Oceanicahas emerged. Its goal is to protect shark populations,as well as provide a source of food and employment to local communities. In an effort to achieve this, the program provides environmental education to inspire fisherman to get involved in conservation efforts. It also grants scholarships for fisherman’s children, enabling them to broaden their career opportunities – and supports local business development to ensure that these communities have a realistic chance at participating in conservation.
The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has supported this project since 2006 – and whole-heartedly believes in its efforts to help preserve our world’s most precious resources.
