Shark culling ishigaki
SHARK CULLING: ISHIGAKI
Project information
IIn this article, I’ll provide the context behind the annual shark hunting campaign carried out by fishermen in Japan’s Yaeyama Islands. The stated goal of this event is to reduce conflicts between sharks and local fisheries, as sharks can damage fishing gear and feed on fish before they are brought aboard. While the practice is well known within Okinawa, it remains largely unknown outside Japan.
This report contains graphic images and explores the subject in greater depth than a typical social media post. Rather than presenting a single point of view, my goal is to document what I witnessed, explain the historical, cultural, ecological and economic context, and allow readers to better understand one of the region’s most controversial and least understood fishing practices.
I care deeply about sharks, and I believe they belong in the ocean, not on a dock. At the same time, I don’t believe complex issues can be understood through emotion alone. This report is my attempt to document what I witnessed, explore the reasons behind this annual event, and provide the context that allows readers to form an informed opinion based on facts rather than assumptions.
Ubicación: Ishigaki Island
Cámara: Sony a7III
Lentes: Sigma 35mm f1.4 + Sony 70-200 f2.8 GM II
Chapter 1: ISHIGAKI ISLAND
Where Fishing Shaped an Island
The fishermen of Ishigaki have historically played an important role in organizing maritime activity around the island. Their knowledge of local waters and their experience with the port system have given them a strong influence over how boats are managed, how harbor space is used, and how the community responds to events such as typhoons and local activities.
However, this traditional influence has also created challenges. As Ishigaki’s relationship with the ocean continues to evolve, decisions around the use and management of its waters must balance the interests of fishing communities with those of conservation, tourism, and other local activities. The future of the island’s seas depends on finding a balance between preserving traditional knowledge and adapting to new realities.
Chapter 2: The Root of the Conflict
When natural behaviour becomes a human–wildlife conflict
Fishery depredation the consumption of catches by predators before fishermen can retrieve them is a well-documented conflict in fisheries worldwide. For tiger sharks, taking hooked fish is an energy-efficient strategy, requiring less effort and risk than hunting free-swimming prey.
For small-scale fishermen, however, these interactions create economic losses. They may lose the fish itself, as well as hooks, fishing line, and valuable working time.
Nevertheless, shark culling is not a simple solution. Because tiger sharks have large movements and an important ecological role, removing individuals may only provide a temporary reduction in encounters. The challenge is finding ways to protect fishermen’s livelihoods while maintaining marine ecosystem balance.
