T h r e s h e r S h a r k P r o j e c t I n d o n e s i a | i n f o @ t h r e s h e r s h a r k . i d
THRESHER SHARKS Getting to know one of the endangered, overlooked shark species and how you can save them!
M a p o f t h r e s h e r s h a r k l o c a t i o n s i n i n d o n e s i a
From West to East: Aceh, Pelabuhan Ratu, Cilacap, Bali, East THRESHER SHARK CAN BE FOUND IN THE BALMY AND TROPICAL WATERS OF THE INDO-PACIFIC. Lombok, and Alor THEY ARE DISTINGUISHABLE BY THEIR LONG TAILS, WHICH ARE BEAUTIFUL AND ACT AS THEIR Life and Reproduction HUNTING TOOL, USING THEM TO WHIP AND STUN THEIR PREY. Thresher sharks are ovoviviparous (eggs hatched within the body), and give birth There are three species of Thresher Sharks: Pelagic to two pups per litter with around one Thresher Shark (Alopias pelagicus), Big-Eye Thresher year gestation. Pregnant thresher Shark (Alopias superciliosus) and CommonThresher sharks often caught by fishers. Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus). The most common Thresher sharks reproduce slowly, with maturity Shark species found in Indonesia is the Pelagic around 7-14 years old. Thresher Shark (Alopias pelagicus), though Big-Eye Thresher Shark (Alopias superciliosus) is also sometimes Thresher sharks considered to be seen in the Indonesian waters, commonly in the Indian extremely understudied. Most studies Ocean. mainly focus on fisheries, with limited source of information about T hresher Shark in Indonesia reproduction In Alor Island, Indonesia thresher sharks are valuable catch which are consumed locally and the fins are sold in some regions in Indonesia and for export. Thresher sharks can also be seen in the waters of Aceh, Bali and Maumere.
One of very productive thresher shark fisheries can be found in big fisheries port, such as in Aceh, Cilacap, Pelabuhan Ratu, Banyuwani and Lombok, which operate mostly around Indian Ocean fishing grounds. Thresher shark caught in a fishing line in Alor Island, Indonesia. Photo by Shawn Heinrichs
T h r e s h e r S h a r k P r o j e c t I n d o n e s i a | i n f o @ t h r e s h e r s h a r k . i d
"Thresher sharks protected under the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), Resolution 12/09 and Indonesian Ministerial Decree (Kepmen-KP, 12/2012 and 30/2012)"
Thresher Shark Tourism
Thresher shark-specific tourism has not been established in Indonesia. However, their presence around diving tourism sites have been identified, particularly in Nusa Penida, Bali, Maratua, and Alor.
One of the successful thresher shark tourism in the world is in Malapascua, which could generate revenues and contribute up to US$12million annually to the economy, and Behavior and Ecology incentivize conservation efforts. Thresher sharks often found in the blue from 20-40 meters (recreational diving limit). It can be curious at times, by What You Can do to swimming closer to diver before decided to heading out, Protect Threshers? disappear in the deep blue sea. Tuna and mackerel are their main diets, and usually hang around them to feed. Be an aware Eco-Tourist, follow the guidelines when diving with thresher Threshers use their whip-like tail to stun and kill their sharks (lucky when you found one!) prey. Sometimes it comes to cleaning station for "spa" Support conservation initiatives for days. Although generally solitary, threshers can be found thresher shark (like us! - Thresher Shark hunting in a group with 2-3 other individuals. Project Indonesia) by reporting your sighting in our citizen science program, Conservation Issues and donate or purchase our thresher shark merchandises! Thresher shark families (Alopias spp.) are classified as Spread the words about thresher shark endangered and Vulnerable by IUCN Red List. Although population are declining worldwide, information on the conservation, educate the people that presence around protected area are not not available. close to you, and make them excited to Therefore, their site-based protection has not been conserve thresher sharks! established, especially in Indonesia. Threshers also included in Appendix II CITES, meaning their international trade is regulated. However, they still being caught in bycatch and targeted in many local fisheries.
Lack of conservation education and awareness also limit Follow us! the knowledge for people on the conservation status and Instagram: @threshershark.id further to promote action. Facebook/Linkedin: Thresher Shark Project Indonesia Website: http://threshershark.id