New research on Ascension Island is revealing that the success of shark conservation hinges on understanding the complex attitudes and fears of the local human population. A recent study highlights how increased encounters with sharks in the remote UK territory have bred fear and anxiety among residents, altering their relationship with the ocean and complicating efforts to protect these apex predators within one of the world’s largest marine sanctuaries.
By integrating social science with marine biology, scientists are developing a more holistic approach to conservation that addresses not just the ecological factors but also the human dimensions of wildlife conflict. Following two non-fatal shark attacks in 2017, a collaborative research team has been analyzing the perceptions of the island’s community. The findings suggest that managing human-shark interactions is fundamental to the long-term viability of the region’s marine protected area and offers a model for conservation strategies globally.
A Remote Ocean Sanctuary
Ascension Island is an isolated volcanic peak in the South Atlantic, home to a community of approximately 800 people. Its waters are a critical habitat for a variety of marine life, including large populations of silky and Galapagos sharks. Recognizing its ecological significance, the United Kingdom designated a vast Marine Protected Area (MPA) around the island in 2019. All shark species in Ascension’s waters have been legally protected since 2015.
The MPA is one of the largest in the world, prohibiting all fishing from 12 to 200 nautical miles offshore and permitting only recreational fishing in nearshore waters. This designation aims to conserve the island’s globally important biodiversity. However, the success of such a large-scale conservation effort is being challenged by increasingly frequent interactions between sharks and the island’s residents, which can potentially undermine the societal and conservation benefits of the MPA.
Analyzing the Human Dimension
A research team, led by the University of Exeter and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), initiated a study to understand the social dynamics of the increased shark encounters. Researchers conducted interviews with 34 islanders to gauge their perceptions, fears, and attitudes toward the sharks. The study revealed that the conflict is driven by a variety of factors far beyond the physical danger of attacks.
The two non-fatal attacks in 2017, one of which resulted in a life-threatening injury, had a significant psychosocial impact on the community, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. The research, published in the journal People and Nature, showed that these fears prompted behavioral changes, with 90% of those interviewed stating they had reduced their use of the ocean. Many residents felt that the current number of sharks and their behavior in coastal waters were not normal, though opinions varied. Some attributed the changes to past human activities, such as the practice of “chumming” by fishers to attract fish.
Biological Research and Monitoring
Complementing the social research, the broader scientific project is investigating the biological drivers behind the shark encounters. This multidisciplinary effort employs sophisticated tracking technologies, including biotelemetry and acoustic telemetry, to monitor the movements and habitat use of Galapagos sharks in the coastal waters. By mapping how sharks navigate their environment, scientists aim to understand what factors are influencing their distribution and bringing them into closer contact with people.
This biological data is crucial for bridging knowledge gaps and developing a clearer picture of the sharks’ migration patterns and residency times around the island. The goal is to provide a scientific basis for management decisions and to help predict and explain human-shark interactions. The research is funded by the UK government’s Darwin Initiative and the Save Our Seas Foundation, involving a partnership between the Ascension Island Government, the University of Exeter, ZSL, and other academic institutions.
Challenges for a Fishing Community
For the residents of Ascension Island, recreational fishing is a significant activity. The increased shark presence has created direct conflicts for local fishers, who report frequently losing their catch and fishing tackle to sharks. These encounters not only create economic losses for the fishers but also foster negative sentiments that can erode support for conservation initiatives.
The interviews revealed a community struggling to define what constitutes normal shark behavior. This uncertainty complicates efforts to create effective management strategies that both protect the shark populations and address the legitimate concerns of the islanders. The research underscores that without community buy-in and a clear understanding of their perspectives, conservation policies are unlikely to succeed.
A Blueprint for Global Conservation
The situation on Ascension Island serves as a compelling case study for human-wildlife conflict management worldwide. The project’s approach, which integrates local ecological knowledge with scientific research and gives equal weight to the psychosocial impacts on the community, provides a framework that can be adapted for other regions. It demonstrates that effective conservation requires more than just biological protection; it demands a deep understanding of the human communities that coexist with the wildlife.
By working with local stakeholders, researchers aim to develop non-lethal mitigation strategies and promote coexistence. The lessons from Ascension highlight that fostering community participation and directly addressing the anxieties of residents are fundamental pillars of successful marine conservation. The ongoing project, which is scheduled to continue until 2025, aims to deliver applied shark research that informs both local management and international conservation policy.