Country/Region: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Partner: Conservation International (CI)
The zebra shark lives in shallow coastal reefs throughout the Indo-West Pacific. Its populations are declining worldwide due to habitat degradation, overfishing, bycatch, and the shark fin trade.
This project builds on a previous grant completed successfully in 2023. The main goal is to restore a healthy, breeding population of zebra sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum) in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This will be done through the world’s first conservation translocation program for captive-bred endangered elasmobranchs.
Conservation International and its partners, including large aquariums, researchers, conservationists, and Indonesian government agencies, aim to recover Raja Ampat’s zebra shark population. They will release genetically suitable, captive-bred offspring from accredited partner aquariums, following IUCN guidelines for conservation translocations.
Over three years, at least 250 eggs will be sent to two hatcheries in Raja Ampat. The juveniles will be raised and then released into two strictly enforced no-take zones. They will be closely monitored to ensure their survival.
The project will also help establish a ministerial decree for full protection of Stegostoma tigrinum in Indonesian waters. By its third year, it will achieve financial sustainability through the “Adopt a Zebra Shark” program.
You can read more about our previous support to Conservation International HERE.
