Predator or prey? More sharks, more money - by Gabriel Mirman - Episode 3

Описание: Darwin Leader: Gabriel Mirman (USA)
Project title: Predator or prey? - The shocking reality of sharks in Uruguay - Episode 3 of 3
Filmed and edited: Sharon Ettinger
Location: Montevideo, Uruguay
View all episodes via www.darwin200.com/leaderboard

A larger portion of Uruguay’s territory is water rather than land. It is of outmost importance that it be protected. Right now, only 1 percent of their marine territory is under any form of protection. There is very little regulation on the hundreds of artisanal and industrial fishing vessels operating in Uruguay. This leaves a lot of room for improvement with many of the shark species being targeted and caught in bottom trawling being on the IUCN endangered or critically endangered list.

These documentaries explore the views of different stakeholders regarding shark fishing, a common practice in Uruguay. With a major export and import of sharks, in this project we spoke to fisherman,
scientists, restaurants owners, chefs, and the government to hear the differing knowledge, and
perspectives to help craft a solution for shark conservation.

The solution involves a multi-dimensional approach that has to go from both the top down and at the grassroots. The main issues involve the need for government focus and regulation, and the economic
alternatives to change the method of income for fisherman and their families away from fishing to tourist focused industries such as catch and release charter fishing, and other income strategies.