It’s no surprise that Global FinPrint has commended The Bahamas as a “world-leader” in shark conservation efforts. The nation has a long history of forward -thinking ocean management policies. As a result, Shark populations have remained stable over the last several decades. The Bahamas has never allowed any commercial shark fisheries to develop within its borders. Back in 1993, The Bahamas banned the destructive practice of longline fishing as the industry was starting to take off. Later, in 2011, protections for sharks were reinforced by the designation of the Bahamas Shark Sanctuary. In turn, this resulted in the prohibition of fishing, possession, and trade in shark or shark parts. The Bahamas was one of the first countries in the world to protect sharks in the entirety of its waters and has the best shark diving available.

Global FinPrint grew out of a partnership between the Bahamas-based Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI), New York-based Stony Brook University, and the Moore Bahamas Foundation. They have participated in a multi-institutional research program that has done many studies on the sharks of the Bahamas. For example, tagging oceanic whitetip sharks, deploying baited cameras for deep water studies, and evaluating Caribbean reef shark populations.

Shark Diving

Shark diving in the Bahamas continues to reinforce the value of sharks to the local economy. The Bahamas attracts divers, wildlife photographers, filmmakers, and scientists each year for some of the best shark diving available worldwide. They interact with, observe, and study its healthy shark populations and offers some of the best shark diving around. Because of this, shark ecotourism accounts for approximately $115 million USD to the Bahamian economy every year, mostly through specific shark diving trips.

“The Bahamas is an important regional refuge for reef-associated sharks. By refusing to allow a shark fishery to develop and prohibiting destructive fishing practices such as longlines, The Bahamas is clearly a world leader in forward-thinking, economically and environmentally sustainable shark conservation, and serves as an example of how nations in the wider Caribbean can both conserve sharks and benefit from healthy shark populations.”
Demian Chapman – Lead Scientist of Global FinPrint

The Bahamas is a world-leader in shark conservation. Healthy shark populations not only benefits the reefs, but also the island economies. Other nations are able to model after The Bahamas’ success.

We are proud of the Bahamas leadership in shark conservation and shark diving. You will be amazed at the variety of species and number of sharks that can be seen on a typical dive. Caribbean reef sharks are everywhere and easily seen on dives. Tiger Sharks and Great Hammerhead Sharks have a big draw for those looking to dive with large sharks. Bull and Oceanic Whitetip sharks can be found in certain locations at certain time for those divers with more nerves, more experience, or both. Contact us today to find a shark diving adventure because it will be sure to thrill.