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Shark ecotourism often seems to be promoted as a “one size fits all” solution for shark conservation - however, as research at sites across the world has shown, it’s also not without its problems (thats even without considering wide-scale barriers like *cough* a global pandemic)
So my question to you, academic Twitter, is what are your thoughts on shark ecotourism as a mechanism for facilitating shark conservation, from your experiences? Is it a force for good or for bad? Is it putting a bandaid over one issue to create another? The lesser of two evils?
I’m particularly worried that converting everyone to ecotourism isn’t sustainable in itself, and could also oversaturate the market, causing other issues associated with mass tourism in remote and fragile parts of the globe. We’re already seeing this in some locations. Thoughts?
Ecotourism, both marine and terrestrial, has been shown in the last year to not be the most resilient strategy in the face of a global pandemic, for example. Is it fair to assume that due to lack of tourism, shark fishing, the activity a lot of these operations were created (1/2)
to reduce is now on the rise in these locations? (Understandably so in many cases, people have to make a living and in many communities across the world sharks are a means to support and feed their families) (2/2)
Maybe I’ve answered my own question here, but surely it’s just one part of the strategy rather than the whole solution as it’s commonly presented. In which case, what are some of the other viable solutions? (Some spring to mind but keen to hear your opinions)
Whilst recognising that this is a deeply complex issue and varies on a case-by-case basis for a wide variety of reasons across the globe, I’m keen to hear your thoughts and observations - particularly on the human element too, as after all people make conservation.
Any input is appreciated! I’m hugely interested in this topic both personally and academically, and it’s been weighing on mind a lot... especially from the social science angle, so looking forward to hearing thoughts - and thanks if you made it this far through this thread 
