WWF updates public on shark conservation progress at DRT Expo 2017
Attendees at the recent Dive and Resort Travel (DRT) Expo in Hong Kong learned about the WWF’s latest efforts to reduce demand for shark fins as well as the growing importance of ecotourism as a way to conserve sharks and rays.
Dr. Andy Cornish, Leader of WWF’s Shark & Ray Initiative, gave a presentation on the event’s opening evening. The talk covered shark conservation, while highlighting the landmark Responsible Shark and Ray Tourism – A Guide to Best Practise, a virtual how-to manual for tourism operators, produced by the WWF, Project Aware and The Manta Trust.
The DRT is a major diving expo held annually in Hong Kong, attracting operators and gear manufacturers from the Asia Pacific region and beyond. In addition to Dr. Cornish’s presentation, WWF Hong Kong took a booth at the expo to share its shark initiative work with the public. A game where visitors tried to match shark fins with various shark species was well received.
DRT 2017 ran from 15 to 17 December. It featured 220 exhibitors and was projected to attract 40,000 visitors.
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Andy Cornish/WWF
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