Case study 2: Knowledge exchange
In many marine ecosystems, sharks play an ecological important role as
apex predators (Heithaus et al. 2012). Thus, declining shark populations
due to overfishing and climate change are a significant cause for
concern (Chin et al. 2010; Strickland 2017). However, sharks also
present a water safety risk in many areas of the world, with the number
of unprovoked shark bites, while rare, on the rise (Chapman and McPhee
2016). Shark encounters or a perceived change in the risk of encounters,
for example through media coverage, can alter the way people use and
enjoy the ocean for swimming and watersports (Gibbs and Warren 2015;
McCagh et al. 2015) potentially impacting on human health. In regions of
Australia with a relatively high number of shark encounters, state
governments and local authorities have instigated shark mitigation
programs (e.g. phone apps, drum lines, nets, drones, helicopter warning
systems) to reduce the risk of human-shark encounters (Neff 2012).
However, there is only a nascent understanding of recreational ocean
user’s perceptions of risk, and how they respond to mitigation measures
(Pepin-Neff and Wynter 2018). In a project funded by the New South Wales
State Government, knowledge exchange between researchers, managers and
the coastal community (including young adults) through workshop events
at surf lifesaving clubs and schools, is increasing understanding and
awareness of three relevant aspects of shark encounters: i) shark
behaviour, movement, and abundance, ii) the different types of
mitigation methods and devices, iii) people’s perceptions of risk of
encounters, and iv) ocean user’s behavioural responses to different
shark mitigation measures. In this ongoing project, workshops are
leading to a shared understanding among ocean users, authorities and
scientists that there are links between having healthy shark populations
and a healthy ocean, and that both were valued by all stakeholder
groups. Given that healthy shark populations are valued by many members
of the public (Gibbs and Warren 2015; Pepin-Neff and Wynter 2018),
better understanding of people’s responses to non-lethal mitigation
measures is anticipated to lead to the desired levels of risk mitigation
for ocean users. Healthy minds and bodies from surfing, swimming, and
other recreational activities can be encouraged while non-lethal
mitigation measures (combined with sustainable fisheries management)
will help ensure healthy shark populations.