Thresher Sharks in the Banda Sea: Bycatch Threats and Conservation Efforts

The Banda Sea is one of the richest and most diverse marine ecosystems in Eastern Indonesia. In its deep waters, many unique and rare marine species can be found, including the thresher shark.

In 2019, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classified thresher sharks as an endangered species. However, most people in the Banda Islands are unaware that thresher sharks are endangered and in need of protection.

The Banda Islands consist of several islands, including Run, Ai, Hatta, Naira, and Banda Besar. In 2021, Run and Ai Islands were designated as Fishery Conservation Areas (FCAs). However, none of the three thresher shark species are specifically targeted for conservation within these FCAs.

Thresher Shark Data Collection

Thresher Shark Indonesia (TSI) has been conducting surveys on thresher shark catches and engaging with local communities in the Banda Islands. Since January 2023, there have been 57 reported catches of thresher sharks across 16 locations in the Banda Sea, including evidence of juvenile and pregnant sharks.

Data collection has been carried out through one-on-one outreach with fishermen on Run Island. Fishermen who catch thresher sharks report their findings to TSI enumerators via WhatsApp, providing the date, fishing location, and photographs of the catch.

Community Perceptions

The people of the Banda Islands have a long history of shark fishing, traditionally catching sharks for valuable parts such as meat and fins, while discarding the rest of the body.

In addition to data collection, TSI has been working closely with fishing groups in the Banda Islands. According to the fishermen, thresher sharks are no longer their primary target. Most thresher sharks are caught accidentally as bycatch while using purse seine nets.

One of the main reasons thresher sharks are not targeted is their low market value, fetching only Rp 10,000/kg, and the declining demand for their fins.

"Fishermen say that thresher sharks are not worth the effort to catch due to their low price, and when they are caught, it increases costs because the nets get damaged," said TSI enumerator Samsul Basrun.

However, the fishermen noted that thresher shark meat does not have the strong fishy odor commonly found in other shark meat, making it suitable for drying before consumption. They also mentioned that there are many local recipes using thresher shark meat as the main ingredient, indicating that the sharks are sometimes used for personal consumption.

Conservation Education

Conservation is not only the responsibility of adults, but also something that should be instilled in children. Teaching them the importance of conservation can help create a more environmentally conscious generation that takes responsibility for protecting the Earth.

With this in mind, Thresher Shark Indonesia has conducted outreach programs in 42 schools across the Banda Islands. Since May 2023, these programs have reached 1,576 students from elementary to high school levels. Through these efforts, students learned about the characteristics of thresher sharks and the steps needed to help protect them.

TSI enumerator Samsul Basrun explained that most students had never seen a thresher shark, and some even questioned whether they live in the Banda Sea. Samsul also noted that the Fisheries Conservation Area (FCAs) in Banda could help raise awareness among students about shark conservation.

"The students already know that thresher sharks are protected because the Banda Sea is part of a conservation area, and they assume that all shark species are protected," said Samsul Basrun.

Regulation Implementation

Although thresher sharks are not yet a conservation target in the FCAs areas of Run and Ai Islands, regulations regarding thresher sharks are outlined in Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 61 of 2018 and CITES Appendix II, which bans the trade and export of thresher sharks.

Fishermen acknowledge that there are regulations prohibiting the capture of thresher sharks, but they also express concern about the accidental bycatch of thresher sharks.

While they are generally willing to comply with these regulations, they point out that it's practically impossible to predict what will get caught in their nets underwater. Fishermen recognize the need for new approaches and innovative technologies to prevent the accidental capture of thresher sharks.

Fishermen also acknowledge the benefits of conservation areas, as they provide space for fish to breed and grow. They understand that destructive fishing practices that damage coral reefs are harmful, especially in areas that rely on tourism.

Thresher Shark Indonesia hopes that through their data collection and community outreach in the Banda Islands, thresher sharks will become a conservation target within the FCAs. This would allow for interventions to release thresher sharks caught as bycatch and raise community awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems.