As many of you already know, there is nothing quite like seeing a Whitetip Reef Shark (Mano lalakea) in the water.
Even though these nocturnal sharks are perfectly harmless to humans, they are still an exciting animal to encounter as they rest in caves or swim slowly around the reef during the day.
That’s why they are being considered for no take status under upcoming administrative rules in 2009. Protection makes since because they are relatively rare, serve a vital ecological function, and are a cultural as well as marine resource. At the moment, however, they enjoy no such protection.
A couple of weeks ago, a resident Whitetip Reef Shark, known to countless Puako scuba divers, was speared and dragged out of the water along Puako Beach Drive.
A Puako resident who asked the young spearfishermen if they planned to eat the shark reported that they didn’t know what to do with it and that they had just shot it because they could.
As the animal thrashed around in a tidepool with a spear through it, they were unconcerned about its fate. It is likely that it died and was washed out to sea by the surf in the night.
The market value of a single shark pales in comparison to its value on the reef, alive and serving its function for reef ecology. As seemingly insignificant as the take of one shark may seem, these are not abundant animals, and, as they pose no danger to us, there is no justification for killing them for sport.
Please support the new administrative rules that will protect this and other species enjoyed by many, like manta rays, from being killed by a few irresponsible individuals. And, if you have a similar encounter or story to share, or better yet, pictures call me at 756-2080.
We all have an opportunity to speak up for responsible use of marine resources. If you’re ready to tell your stories and lend your voice to the discussion, I’m ready to listen.
As always, if you’re interested in volunteering for any of our surveys, or if you’d like more information, e-mail cwiggins@tnc.org or call 756-2080.
Chad Wiggins
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god…who cares
kill the damned sharks