Are Shark Feeding Tourism Practices Harming Their Health and Reproduction? A Deep Dive into the Risks

Shark ecotourism is on the rise, offering exciting chances for divers and snorkelers to interact with these magnificent animals. Many tourists are eager to do more than just observe; they want to experience the thrill of shark feeding. This involves providing food to attract sharks, making it a popular activity. While shark ecotourism is often seen as beneficial — supporting local economies and promoting conservation — there are growing concerns about the effects of feeding on shark health and reproduction.

Recent studies focus on blacktip reef sharks in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. These sharks are typically found in shallow coral reefs and play an essential role in their ecosystems. However, their health might be compromised due to artificial feeding practices.

A scientific team analyzed blood samples from 117 adult blacktip reef sharks at both feeding and non-feeding areas. They looked at various health indicators, including haematocrit levels, insulin, glucose, and sex hormones. The results raised alarms about the potential negative impact of feeding. For example, sharks at feeding sites showed lower haematocrit levels, indicating a decline in overall health.

Male sharks at these sites had lower insulin levels, which may suggest they aren’t getting enough nutrition from the food provided. This nutritional deficiency appears to be even more critical for female sharks, especially during the breeding season. They showed lower glucose levels and reproductive hormones, which could result in fewer successful pregnancies.

Interestingly, male sharks displayed higher testosterone levels at feeding sites. This might be linked to increased competition for food. However, any changes in hormone levels can disrupt reproductive cycles, which is concerning for the long-term stability of shark populations.

The impact of feeding isn’t the same for all sharks. Factors like sex and the time of year play significant roles. Female sharks, in particular, need high-quality nutrition during pregnancy, so if the provided food doesn’t meet their needs, their health could suffer. This could lead to problems that extend beyond individual sharks, affecting the entire population.

Researchers stress that careful regulation of feeding practices is necessary. The nutritional value of the food provided is crucial. Random scraps cannot replace their natural diet. It’s essential to ensure that feeding locations are genuinely benefiting the sharks and not creating reliance on an unpredictable food source.

Shark tourism can indeed build awareness and diminish fishing pressure, but it shouldn’t jeopardize the health of local shark populations. For ecotourism to be a true conservation tool, practices like shark feeding need thorough evaluation to confirm they are more beneficial than harmful.