To protect sharks, go on an excursion
Discover the natural beauty of Lombok and its easygoing style with an ex-shark fisherman who has put down his nets and is now providing tours to tourists instead of fishing for the declining shark population. If you book an eco-tour you are helping to support his new way of life.
When we told their story back, a lot of people including Eunice were inspired to embark on eco-tours. We also went on a trip through A. The Dorsal Effect to take in the natural beauty of Lombok and learn what it has done to change lives.
MEET SUHARDI
He would venture out to sea for two or 3 weeks at stretch separated to his wife as well as two kids. Since the constant demand for sharks wiped out the number of sharks, his earnings diminished.
Fishermen had to travel further in search of sharks, this meant that every trip would cost more. Based on the amount of fish caught Suhardi can earn between S$50 and S$200, despite the inherent risks of being at the sea.
As of now, while employed by The Dorsal Effect, “I can sleep at home every night with my wife and kids,” he says. He also has enough savings to use his four years of experience to purchase an additional boat that is used to operate an in-town boat taxi service for additional income.
He also enjoys meeting new people and showcasing the stunning and stunning island of Lombok.
DIVE INTO THE DREAM
A journey through The Dorsal Effect is both an adventure into a dreamscape as well as a stark and brutal reality.
As as a guest, you’ll be transported on a boat to the most beautiful snorkel sites and private beaches that are far from tourist areas, where you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters surrounded by healthy reefs. If you’re lucky, you might even see sharks in their natural surroundings.
It is also possible to explore the picturesque rice paddy fields or explore beautiful waterfalls in the beautiful forests. Foods include local specialties like nasi kogur (mixed rice and vegetables) and tasty curries.
However, you should also go to Tanjong Luar market to see the shark trade firsthand and discover how risky this is to both sharks and the people that hunt them because the industry is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
You can see the dangers of tourism, as you witness the carelessness other tourists show when walking across the island. While on our trip we saw tourists and guides on other tours picking up corals off the bottom of the ocean, and pose for photos.
Additionally, you will learn how to not only have fun but also be respectful of the environment. Suhardi unlike other boat operators, anchors his boat on sand to ensure that coral reefs aren’t affected by cruises.
THE ONE WHO STARTED IT ALL – KATHY
A former teacher at a secondary school in Singapore Kathy’s passion for the environment and her dismay about shark trading prompted her to create The Dorsal Effect. Her solution? Get shark fishermen to make a living by working as eco-tour guide guides. This will stop sharks and whales from being chased to harvest their fins.
“When you see sharks in their natural habitat, I think there is a point where something would change in you and you really want your future generations to able to experience that as well.”
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
A tour that is eco-friendly could assist in achieving Kathy’s wish to convince more shark fishermen to shift to leading eco-tourism trips to generate an income that is sustainable.
The demand from responsible travelers like you inspires fishermen to look into eco-tourism as a viable alternative to pursuing sharks in the hunt for a source of income.
In the longer term this will make a difference to that shark community in the area and lead to the health of the marine ecosystem in and surrounding Lombok.