Shark Diving in the Azores: Challenge and Opportunity

Abstract

Many shark species are highly endangered. The main cause of mortality is fishing. Shark tourism is growing worldwide and has the potential to provide incentive-based conservation for some shark species but fishing remains a major challenge. In the Azores, sharks are still relatively abundant and a shark tourism industry has developed over the last few years. This article reports on the current status of shark diving, conflicts with fishing, dive industry management, and the potential future sustainability of shark diving in the Azores. Interviews with industry stakeholders show a rapidly emerging conflict with fisheries that threatens the future sustainability of the shark-diving industry. To facilitate the sustainable development of shark watching, partnerships among operators, local fishers, and the government are essential.