Challenges and conservation potential of shark-diving tourism in the Macaronesian archipelagos

Macaronesia is formed by some of most isolated oceanic islands the Atlantic Ocean. This region typically heavily exploited fisheries; however, in recent years, marine wildlife tourism has become popular and a shark-diving industry emerged, potentially presenting an alternative for sustainable use sharks. Combining literature review with interviews dive operators conducting shark encounters Macaronesian archipelagos, we provide overview challenges conservation potential these territories. Owing to regular presence important species growth scuba-diving industry, expand over region. Yet, overlap between European industrial fishing pressure populations, coupled unregulated recreational artisanal sector Canary Islands Cape Verde, may jeopardize sustainability industry. However, economic benefits local communities directly indirectly produced suggest benefits, fostering stronger Macaronesia. • Shark based-tourism emerging archipelagos. Dedicated operations are only developed Azores Islands. occur scuba diving Verde Canaries. Commercial fisheries threaten shark-diving. More effective monitoring large-scale protected areas needed.