Thresher Sharks Fishing Drops 91% Thanks to Community-Led Efforts in Indonesia
Thresher Shark | Photo byHoward Chen
When you think of sharks, chances are you picture a great white shark, or maybe a reef shark, but one less common and the main character on today’s story are Thresher sharks, one of the Many species of sharks that exists in the ocean.
Indonesia’s community-led conservation efforts are proving to be a game-changer for endangered thresher sharks. A recent study published in Oryx journal, reveals a groundbreaking 91% reduction in thresher shark catches among fishers who received alternative livelihood support. The findings offer new hope for protecting the pelagic thresher shark, a species long targeted in the country’s small-scale fisheries.
Why Thresher Sharks Need Protection
Thresher sharks, known for their elongated tails and sleek, powerful bodies, are some of the ocean’s most unique predators. Thresher sharks are one of the few shark species known for their unique hunting technique, using their long tails to stun prey—a rare hunting technique in the shark world.
Yet, despite their fascinating adaptations, thresher sharks are endangered, facing sharp population declines across the Indo-Pacific. Over the last three generations, numbers of the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) have dropped between 50–79%.
The Crisis in Indonesia's Waters
Indonesia holds the unfortunate title of being the world’s largest shark-fishing nation. In areas like the Alor Archipelago in East Nusa Tenggara, pelagic sharks have been fished for generations, especially for their meat and fins.
Thresher sharks are found in various regions, including the eastern Pacific Ocean, from British Columbia to central Baja California, and further south to Panama and Chile.
Until recently, how big is a thresher shark wasn’t just a curious question—it was a crucial one for fishers measuring their catch. These sharks, which can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters), are valued locally as a source of food and income.
Indonesia, West Nusa Tenggara, Sumbawa, canoe | Getty Images
A New Conservation Model Emerges
From 2021 to 2023, a conservation initiative in the villages of Ampera and Lewalu aimed to change this. Instead of enforcement or bans, researchers and NGOs introduced a community-based approach, supporting nine voluntary fishers with resources to transition to new livelihoods.
Community Engagement and Education
Community engagement and education are pivotal in the conservation of thresher sharks. Various organizations and research institutions are collaborating to raise awareness about the critical need to protect these unique predators. Educational programs and workshops are being conducted to inform the public about the biology, ecology, and conservation status of thresher sharks. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of the vital role thresher sharks play in marine ecosystems and the urgent need to safeguard them.
Moreover, community-based conservation initiatives are actively involving local communities in thresher shark conservation efforts. These initiatives include training local fishermen in sustainable fishing practices, promoting eco-tourism, and supporting conservation-friendly policies. By engaging local communities, these programs ensure that thresher sharks continue to thrive in their natural habitats, benefiting both the environment and the people who depend on it.
From Shark Fishing to Sustainable Incomes
Participants received fishing boats, engines, equipment, and startup capital to pursue alternative jobs—ranging from tuna and snapper fishing to land-based businesses. In return, they pledged to halt their thresher shark fishing, which previously included targeting species like the common thresher shark for their meat and fins.
The program’s results were staggering: though participants represented 33% of local shark fishers, they were responsible for only 9% of thresher shark catches during the project period. In the first 18 months, they caught zero sharks.
Boosting Incomes by 5.2x
Beyond environmental impact, the program helped raise incomes. Some fishers earned 5.2 times more than they did while shark fishing. This counters a common misconception that conservation means financial loss for local communities.
Thresher Shark Face: A Symbol of the Deep
Recognizable by their wide eyes, curved mouth, and elongated upper lobe of the caudal fin, the thresher shark face is both striking and expressive. For many, this shark has become a symbol of misunderstood marine species—both feared and exploited.
As apex predators, their role in ocean health is crucial. Removing them from the ecosystem disrupts marine biodiversity and risks further ecological collapse.
Thresher Shark swimming away | Photo by Robin Ohloggre
Tourism and Ecotourism
Thresher shark tourism and ecotourism are gaining traction, offering unique opportunities for people to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. Many tour operators now provide shark-watching tours and expeditions, allowing enthusiasts to learn about thresher sharks’ behavior and ecology firsthand. However, it is crucial that these tours are conducted responsibly and sustainably, minimizing any negative impact on the sharks and their environment.
Popular destinations for thresher shark tourism include the Maldives, the Philippines, and the Galapagos Islands. Indonesia will become one the best places to dive with sharks in the world. These locations not only offer the chance to see thresher sharks but also other marine species such as manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. By supporting responsible and sustainable tourism practices, we can help promote the conservation of thresher sharks and their habitats, ensuring these majestic creatures continue to grace our oceans.
Setbacks and Socio-Political Pressures
Not all participants thrived. Three fishers experienced income drops, mainly due to illness, family duties, or job instability. Others faced community and familial pressure to return to shark fishing—especially during difficult financial periods.
Some of the most experienced fishers refused to participate, not because of conservation concerns, but due to personal conflicts with village leaders. This highlights the need to address human-to-human dynamics in any successful conservation plan.
Data-Driven Results: A 91% Drop in Shark Catches
The study compared monthly shark catches between participating and non-participating fishers. Over 27 months, the participants caught just 29 of the 332 total sharks—proving that targeted, incentive-based conservation can yield real, measurable outcomes.
Cultural and Economic Significance
For many communities, fishing for species like common thresher sharks isn’t just a job—it’s a tradition. The meat is dried, salted, and smoked for local consumption, while fins may be sold for export. Unfortunately, few regulations exist across the shark product supply chain.
That’s why it’s essential to balance cultural respect with sustainable practices—something this initiative attempted through collaboration and empathy.
International Cooperation in Shark Conservation
International cooperation is essential for the conservation of thresher sharks, as they are a highly migratory species found in oceans worldwide. Many countries are collaborating to develop and implement conservation measures, such as catch limits, fishing gear restrictions, and marine protected areas.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed thresher sharks as vulnerable to extinction, prompting many nations to take action. For instance, the United States has established catch limits for thresher sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, while Australia has created marine protected areas to safeguard their habitats.
Additionally, international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations are working to promote sustainable fishing practices and reduce bycatch of thresher sharks. Through global cooperation, we can ensure that thresher sharks continue to thrive in their natural habitats, maintaining the health and balance of our oceans.
Long-Term Conservation Over Quick Fixes
Experts agree: this can’t be a one-off project. Conservation is not a short-term campaign—it requires long-term commitment, funding, and local partnerships. This includes not just NGOs but also strong government support.
The study emphasized that provincial governments must work closely with coastal communities to map economic needs and co-create training and employment solutions.
Thresher shark close to surface | Getty Images
Government’s Evolving Role in Shark Protection
Until 2023, Indonesia only offered full protection to one shark species—the whale shark. That changed with new laws granting full protection to six walking shark species. Others, like the thresher shark, remain endangered but not fully protected.
Although regulations exist (like CITES and licensing), implementation is patchy, especially among small-scale fishers. With 2.5 million fishers across the country, enforcement remains a monumental task.
Lessons for Global Shark Conservation
Indonesia’s thresher shark program provides a replicable model for other countries facing similar overfishing challenges. The key takeaways?
Conservation works when it’s community-driven.
Alternative livelihoods must be sustainable and reliable.
Success depends on trust, training, and support, not just bans.
Understanding the different thresher species and their unique characteristics is crucial for effective conservation.
What’s Next for Thresher Shark Protection?
While this program reduced shark fishing dramatically, it also revealed weak spots in current frameworks. Social dynamics, economic stability, and enforcement all influence whether conservation succeeds or fails.
Moving forward, expanding such programs to include more fishers, addressing socio-political tensions, and building stronger local institutions will be critical.
Protecting the Ocean’s Silent Hunters
Thresher sharks—majestic, misunderstood, and now endangered—deserve more than extinction. Their disappearance would echo throughout ocean ecosystems. Thanks to this Indonesian conservation model, hope remains for reversing their decline.
By understanding the pelagic thresher shark, respecting its ecological role, and empowering communities, we can chart a new course for ocean sustainability—one where both marine life and people thrive.
Common FAQs
How big is a thresher shark?
Thresher sharks can grow between 10–14 feet (3–4.5 meters), with their tail making up nearly half of their total body length.
What is a pelagic shark?
The pelagic thresher shark is one of three species of thresher shark and is most commonly found in open oceans. The bigeye thresher shark is another species of thresher shark, known for its unique features and classification as a type of mackerel shark. Known for their long tail fin—which can be as long as their body—they are swift swimmers and elusive to humans.
Pelagic thresher shark size varies, but adults typically range between 10–14 feet (3–4.5 meters) long, with their tail making up about half their length.
Pelagic sharks live in the open ocean rather than near the sea floor or coast. The pelagic thresher shark is a prime example of this group.
Why is the thresher shark endangered?
Due to overfishing, particularly for their meat and fins, thresher sharks have experienced dramatic population declines—up to 79% over the past three generations.
Can thresher sharks be protected through tourism?
While species like manta rays benefit from non-extractive tourism models, thresher sharks are still largely seen as a fishery resource. Tourism-based conservation could be an alternative if properly developed.
What are the different species of thresher sharks?
There are three species of thresher sharks: the common thresher, the pelagic thresher, and the bigeye thresher. Bigeye threshers are known for their size, unique coloration, and solitary nature. They inhabit deep waters and have distinct reproductive habits compared to other thresher sharks.
