Diver and shark behaviour pilot study

When not properly managed, dive tourism can disrupt marine life and contribute to the degradation of sensitive reef habitats. This is particularly concerning in popular dive destinations, where entire island communities depend on income generated by visitors drawn to the reef—income that is directly at risk as reef health declines. As a Field Research Assistant for the Thresher Shark Research and Conservation Project (TSCRP) in the Philippines, I contributed to a pilot study investigating the carrying capacity of thresher sharks.

The aim was to develop an effective and feasible survey method by conducting daily pre-dawn deep dives—timed to coincide with peak shark activity—to collect data on diver and shark behaviour, as well as key environmental parameters. The TSRCP is a community-based, non-profit initiative dedicated to shark research, education, and conservation outreach.