Abstract
Introduction: Shark-based ecotourism is significantly developing around the world, often without appropriate management of risk. This activity involves a risk of accidental bites on divers that can be quite severe or even fatal. Objectives: To determine if ecotourism companies' liability can be engaged in the context of bites on scuba divers in presence of hand-feeding practices, supporting the legitimacy of financial compensation for the victims. Methods: We analyzed the development from the mid-eighties to 2010 of shark-based ecotourism through artificial provisioning practices in Moorea Island (French Polynesia) and more specifically the features and motivation of two bites on divers by Sicklefin Lemon sharks. Results: The specific practice of hand-feeding can be considered as a facilitating factor for accidental bites on divers, potentially involving the diving operator's responsibility. Conclusions: Our findings should support the technical work of experts that might be called in such cases.
Highlights
Shark-based ecotourism is significantly developing around the world, often without appropriate management of risk
We analyzed the development from the mid-eighties to 2010 of shark-based ecotourism through artificial provisioning practices in Moorea Island (French Polynesia) and the features and motivation of two bites on divers by Sicklefin Lemon sharks
In their search for impressive larger species for tourist divers, professional ecotourism operators focus on the tore-tore but mainly on the arava which is in higher densities and more sedentary
Summary
Shark-based ecotourism is significantly developing around the world, often without appropriate management of risk. In french Polynesia (Eastern-Central Pacific), environmental economists [3] have shown that any one of the 13 lemon sharks most often observed at a feeding site in Moorea (Windward islands) made an average contribution to the local economy of around USD 316 699 per year, contributing to a total income of US$5.4 million Given their elusive nature, encountering these shy species cannot be guaranteed, and artificial provisioning, generally called ‘shark-feeding’, is necessary to ensure impressive aggregations of animals in specific places thereby allowing close interactions with divers and snorkellers [1]. Real ‘feeding’ intends to provide the animals with a variable quantity of large pieces of fish or meat that they are allowed to consume at a given stage of the session [4,9,10] These are usual techniques, called ‘baiting’, used with Grey Reef (C. amblyrhynchos and C. perezi), Lemon (Negaprion brevirostris and N. acutidens), Blacktip (C. melanopterus) and Bull sharks (C. leucas). Experts may be employed to provide technical support for the legal process
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
