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Sharks in Culture

Exploring cultural connections to bridge the gap between conservation, livelihoods, and people

Sharks and rays are among the most threatened vertebrates in the world. They play a crucial role in keeping marine ecosystems balanced and are important for fisheries, tourism, and trade. They also provide a vital source of protein and hold significant cultural value for many coastal communities.

 

In countries like the Philippines, a marine biodiversity hotspot, many coastal communities rely on marine resources for their food and livelihoods. Unfortunately, both accidental bycatch of sharks and rays and targeted fishing practices continue. These communities often face challenges in managing their resources due to limited options and a lack of alternatives. Therefore, it is important to work closely with the communities to understand their cultural connections to the sea. By integrating local knowledge, we can develop more effective conservation strategies that not only protect sharks and rays, but also respect and preserve the communities’ cultural beliefs. This approach will help create sustainable resource management systems that support food security and reduce poverty while safeguarding biodiversity and cultural identities.

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Melissa Ciampaglia

This project is among the few exploring human dimensions of sharks and rays in the Philippines, focusing on conservation and how it intersects with traditional cultural beliefs of local communities. To make conservation more effective, we need to understand people’s connections to nature, their economic dependence, and how conservation messaging influences their views. In collaboration with the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE), this project will contribute to strengthening conservation efforts by enhancing our understanding of culturally influenced behaviour in a region where the need for shark and ray conservation is most urgent.

Specific aim of the project:

  • Identify the cultural ties that fishers and tourism operators have to sharks and rays in Palawan, Philippines;

  • Examine how these connections might inform conservation and management strategies and affect their outcomes;

  • Explore how conservation messaging, through screenings of LAMAVE’s shark conservation film, may influence local perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours.

Our research team:

Melissa Ciampaglia, JCU (Lead)

Dr Andrew ChinJCU

A/Prof. Simon Foale, Department of Anthropology, JCU

Dr. Vanessa Jaiteh, University of Bern

Sally Snow, LAMAVE

Jessica Labaja, LAMAVE

David Garcia, LAMAVE

For additional information on LAMAVE and their work:

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