The non-profit organization, Saving our Sharks, is embarking on a mission to rescue over 20,000 sharks by 2025. Their plan involves the removal of seven thousand hooks and training 32 fishermen to become skilled divers. These divers will be equipped to provide nature tourism experiences. The organization aims to raise a minimum of $10,000 through GoFundMe to fund training and equipment, with the ultimate goal of replenishing the shark population.
Pamela Vázquez Márquez, the director of Saving our Sharks, explains that this marine conservation initiative is designed to protect at least 30 species of sharks. These include nurse, reef, and bull sharks that inhabit the waters of the Mexican Caribbean. The initiative seeks to prevent the consumption of these sharks and promote nature tourism instead.
A key aspect of this initiative is the collaboration with the Kab Xok fishermen's cooperative. In 2022, this cooperative chose to abandon their hooks and redirect their efforts within the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve. This reserve spans the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres. "The cooperative is transitioning towards ecological tourism, but they need our support to complete their transformation and protect our precious marine ecosystems," Márquez explains.
According to the organization, there has been an increase in shark sightings since these practices were implemented. This has resulted in a positive impact on the reef. Marine biologist and collaborator with Saving our Sharks, Joel Rodríguez Duarte, emphasizes that the cooperative has a rich history. For generations, its members have been dedicated to shark fishing. The funds raised will be used to purchase diving equipment and maritime tools.
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