Sharks In Bahrain: What's The Truth?

The Arabian Gulf is home to 30 species of sharks, 16 of which are endangered. Bahrain, which lies within the Arabian Gulf, is no exception. In fact, a rare zebra shark that was a key attraction for the Bahrain diving community was sold at a fish market in 2020. A survey of Bahrain's waters in 2012 identified 16 species of shark, including the snaggletooth, milk, sliteye, spottail, blacktip, and great hammerhead. While shark attacks in Bahrain are rare, it is important to be aware of the different species and their potential risks to humans.

Shark species in Bahrain

There are a variety of shark species in Bahrain, and while shark attacks are extremely rare, some species are less friendly than others. A 2012 study identified 16 species of shark in Bahraini waters, some of which had never been listed before. Here is a closer look at some of the shark species found in Bahrain:

Snaggletooth Shark

This species was identified in Bahraini waters during the 2012 study. However, there is limited specific information available about this particular species and their behaviour in Bahrain.

Milk Shark

Also identified in the 2012 study, the milk shark is another species that may not be well-known or widely studied in the region. The behaviour, size, and potential risks of this species in Bahrain remain unclear.

Sliteye and Spottail Sharks

These two species, identified in the study, add to the diversity of sharks in Bahraini waters. However, specific information about their behaviour, size, and potential risks in Bahrain is not readily available.

Blacktip Shark

The blacktip shark, a member of the Requiem shark family, is commonly found in the Arabian Gulf. They are identified by the black tips on their fins and usually inhabit shallow, inshore waters. Blacktip reef sharks typically reach lengths of up to 1.6 metres and actively prey on small bony fishes, sea snakes, and seabirds. While they are generally shy and pose little danger to humans, they may mistakenly bite people wading through shallow waters.

Great Hammerhead Shark

The great hammerhead is the largest species of hammerhead shark and can be distinguished by the shape of its distinctive "hammer." They are strong swimmers and feed on a variety of prey, including bony fish, smaller sharks, and stingrays. Great hammerheads are considered dangerous but will only attack humans when provoked.

Tiger Shark

Tiger sharks are macro predators that can reach lengths of over five metres. They are called tiger sharks due to the dark stripes on their bodies, resembling a tiger's pattern. These stripes tend to fade as the shark matures. Tiger sharks are solitary hunters and have a broad food spectrum, consuming everything from fish and seals to man-made objects. They are known to inhabit tropical and temperate waters, including the Arabian Gulf. Tiger sharks have a reputation for being dangerous, and swimmers should avoid them.

Whale Shark

Whale sharks are harmless filter feeders that sustain themselves on plankton and small fish. They are typically found in warm, shallow waters, making the Arabian Gulf a suitable habitat. Whale sharks can grow to impressive sizes, with the largest recorded specimen measuring 12.6 metres in length and weighing 21 tonnes.

Conservation Concerns

While the presence of these shark species in Bahrain indicates a diverse marine ecosystem, there are concerns about declining shark populations. Overfishing, pollution, construction, and other human activities have been cited as key threats to the Gulf's shark population. Conservation efforts and legislation are needed to protect shark species and ensure the long-term health of the marine environment in Bahrain and the surrounding region.

Shark conservation in Bahrain

Sharks in the waters around Bahrain are facing a multitude of threats, with overfishing and pollution being the most pressing. A report by the UK-based Shark Conservation Society (SCS) found that many larger shark species are in danger of disappearing from the region altogether. The situation is so dire that experts are warning the Gulf could become a "marine desert" unless urgent action is taken.

Threats to Sharks in Bahrain

The key threats to the Gulf's shark population include unchecked construction, sedimentation, a lack of freshwater, overfishing, and pollution. These factors have led to a massive decline in the number of sharks in Bahraini waters, with some species on the verge of vanishing from the Arabian Gulf entirely.

One of the main threats to sharks in Bahrain is overfishing. The demand for shark fins for soup, a controversial delicacy, is endangering shark populations not just in the Gulf but worldwide. Bahrain's neighbour, the UAE, is the world's fifth-largest exporter of shark fins, despite a 2008 ban on shark finning. This demand for shark fins is driving unsustainable and illegal fishing practices, contributing to the decline in shark populations.

Pollution is another significant threat to sharks in Bahrain. Plastic waste, in particular, has a detrimental effect on marine life. Each year, 45,000 tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into the world's oceans, and this amount is increasing by about 10% annually. Plastics do not biodegrade but instead break down into smaller and smaller pieces under the sun's ultraviolet rays. These microplastics then mix with the natural food sources of marine organisms, leading to malnutrition and starvation.

Conservation Efforts

Despite the dire situation, there are some positive signs of conservation efforts in Bahrain. The government of Bahrain commissioned the SCS to conduct a study on sharks in the Gulf, demonstrating their commitment to protecting these species. The study identified 16 species of shark in Bahraini waters, including five species that had never been recorded in the area before. This highlights the importance of research and monitoring in shark conservation.

Additionally, Bahrain has taken steps to protect certain species, such as the green sawfish, which is described as critically endangered. The country has also implemented legislation prohibiting the fishing of this species. This is a step in the right direction, and similar measures should be extended to other shark species to ensure their protection.

Environmental organizations like Global Ocean and its Bahrain equivalent, Environment Friends, are also actively working to conserve marine life in the region. They focus on education and outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the waters of the Middle East.

The situation for sharks in Bahrain is critical, and urgent action is needed to prevent further decline and potential extinction of certain species. By addressing the key threats of overfishing and pollution, and continuing to support conservation efforts, it is possible to protect and restore the health of the Gulf's shark population. Collaboration between governments, organizations, and local communities is essential to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures.

Shark endangerment in Bahrain

Sharks in the waters around Bahrain are facing a significant threat of endangerment, with experts warning of a massive decline in their numbers. A combination of factors, including overfishing, pollution, unchecked construction, sedimentation, and a lack of fresh water, has led to a dire situation for these predators in the Gulf. The situation is so severe that the region is in danger of becoming a "marine desert," according to the Shark Conservation Society (SCS).

A Variety of Species

The Gulf is home to a diverse range of shark species, with over 30 species inhabiting its waters. Some of the more common species found in the Arabian Gulf include the whale shark, tiger shark, great hammerhead, sicklefin lemon shark, sand tiger shark, and tawny nurse shark. However, many of these species are now endangered or facing the threat of extinction.

Key Threats

The key threats to the Gulf's shark population have been identified as overfishing and pollution. Overfishing has been exacerbated by the demand for shark fins, which are used in soup and sold in markets. Shark fins from small sharks can fetch high prices, leading to a lucrative and unsustainable trade. Additionally, construction and development are taking a toll on the marine ecosystem, with sedimentation and increased salinity affecting shark habitats.

Conservation Efforts

Despite the grim situation, there are efforts underway to protect shark species in the region. The Bahrain government commissioned a study on sharks in the Gulf, which was carried out by a team including volunteers from the UK and Holland, advised by the SCS. This study identified 16 species of shark in Bahraini waters, including the great hammerhead, whale shark, and Arabian carpet shark. The team also highlighted the presence of six species of ray, which are close relatives of sharks.

Conservation organizations like Global Ocean and Environment Friends are working to integrate marine conservation with public stewardship and education. They conduct workshops and outreach programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the waters of the Middle East. Additionally, new legislation has been enacted in Bahrain and Qatar to protect certain species, such as the green sawfish, which is critically endangered.

A Global Issue

The endangerment of sharks in Bahrain is not an isolated issue. Worldwide, humans are responsible for killing approximately 73 million sharks each year, leading to a potential mass extinction within our lifetime. The demand for shark fins and products contributes to this global crisis, and it is crucial that sustainable fishing and development plans are implemented to ensure the protection of shark species and the prevention of marine deserts.

Shark attacks in Bahrain

Although shark attacks are extremely rare in Bahrain, there has been at least one recorded incident. On 31 December 2003, a US Navy swimmer was pulled under the water by an unidentified shark, which left tooth marks on the swimmer's fin. This is the only reported shark attack in Bahrain's history, a country that has existed for thousands of years.

Shark Species in Bahrain

Despite the rarity of shark attacks, there are a variety of shark species present in Bahraini waters. A 2012 survey by the UK-based Shark Conservation Society (SCS) identified 16 species of shark in Bahrain, including the snaggletooth, milk, sliteye, spottail, blacktip, hooktooth, slender weasel, hardnose, whitecheek, great hammerhead, pigeye, spinner, grey sharpnose, whale shark, Arabian carpet shark, and Arabian smoothhound.

Threats to Shark Populations in Bahrain

Experts have raised concerns about the significant decline in shark populations around Bahrain, with overfishing, pollution, unchecked construction, sedimentation, and lack of freshwater cited as key threats. The SCS chairman, Richard Peirce, warned that the Gulf could become a "marine desert" if urgent legislation is not passed to protect shark species and the marine ecosystem.

Shark Attacks Worldwide

While shark attacks in Bahrain are rare, they do occur elsewhere. According to a 2014 article, there were 14 fatal shark attacks worldwide in 2011, the highest figure recorded in recent years. The annual average of fatal shark attacks is typically around five or six. However, it is important to note that tens of millions of sharks are killed each year to meet the demand for shark fin soup.

Shark fishing in Bahrain

The SCS survey, which lasted three weeks, discovered an alarming absence of mature, large predatory shark species. This is particularly concerning given that most sharks have a late maturity rate and produce a small number of offspring, making them vulnerable to population decline. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of fresh water, unchecked construction, sedimentation, and habitat degradation in the Gulf.

In response to these findings, there have been calls for urgent legislation to protect shark species in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region. Conservationists have suggested a complete ban on commercial fishing for a period of up to five years to allow shark stocks to mature and recover. While fishing as a leisure activity is considered sustainable, commercial fishing methods such as netting, trawling, and trapping are detrimental to the shark population.

Despite the efforts of conservationists and the implementation of some protective measures, such as the law prohibiting the fishing of green sawfish in Bahrain, the enforcement of these laws remains a challenge. Language barriers and a lack of understanding among fishermen about fishing regulations and the ecological importance of shark conservation contribute to the issue.

To address this, education and awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in ensuring that fishermen and the general public understand the importance of shark protection. Additionally, stricter monitoring and enforcement of existing laws are necessary to prevent the illegal fishing and sale of endangered shark species. By working together and taking proactive measures, Bahrain can lead the way in shark conservation and protect the rich marine biodiversity within its waters.

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