Fuvahmulah：世界上最大的虎鲨聚集地

根据 Nature.com 最新发表的一项研究，马尔代夫的 Fuvahmulah 岛被认定为全球有记录的最大虎鲨聚集地。

六年来，德国莱布尼茨热带海洋研究中心的 Lennart Vossgaetter 带领的研究人员通过非侵入性照片识别方法识别了 239 条虎鲨。这是在单一地理区域内记录到的虎鲨个体数量之最。

研究显示，富瓦穆拉岛周围的虎鲨表现出很强的地点忠诚度，尤其是成年雌性，它们在怀孕期间会长时间呆在该地区。岛屿周围的水域为这些鲨鱼提供了重要的栖息地，提供了温暖的温度和来自废弃鱼类废物的稳定食物供应，使其成为繁殖的理想场所。

虎鲨保护前景乐观

The study highlighted Fuvahmulah as a vital site for tiger shark conservation in the Indian Ocean, housing the world’s largest known aggregation. The protected status of sharks in Maldivian waters contributes to the island being a “bright spot” for conservation efforts. Researchers emphasise that the island’s waters are essential for supporting female tiger sharks during gestation, serving as a crucial refuge that helps sustain their population.

However, the researchers also pointed out the necessity for further studies on the geographic connectivity of Fuvahmulah’s tiger sharks. Telemetry research could determine whether these sharks primarily inhabit the protected waters of the Maldives shark sanctuary or venture beyond its limits. Such insights are essential for understanding their movements and enhancing conservation strategies.

平衡旅游与保护

The study also raised concerns about the absence of formal regulations governing shark tourism in the Maldives, which has become a significant economic driver for local communities. The researchers noted that shark diving at sites like Fuvahmulah’s “Tiger Harbour” is currently unregulated, lacking official guidelines for shark provisioning for tourism purposes. Existing codes of conduct at diving sites are voluntary and vary by dive center.

研究人员从其他鲨鱼潜水目的地（如斐济当地管理的海洋保护区 (MPA)）采用的成功管理策略中汲取灵感，建议制定正式法规来监督 Fuvahmulah 的鲨鱼供应和潜水实践。他们认为，采取可持续的做法对于确保虎鲨的长期保护和鲨鱼旅游带来的经济效益至关重要。

To prevent future conflicts between tourism and conservation, the study advocates for incorporating stakeholder interests into local management plans, promoting sustainable ecotourism practices in one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries.

关于富瓦穆拉岛

富瓦穆拉是马尔代夫第二南端的环礁，距离首都马累 500 公里。岛上有 9000 人，可乘坐马尔代夫国家航空公司运营的每日定期航班抵达。港口附近有几家潜水中心，可满足越来越多前来观赏虎鲨的游客的需求。

In addition to its fame as the “Tiger Shark Island”, Fuvahmulah is also known for its long, white sandy pebble beach, locally called “Thoondu”, on the northeast coast. The beach, with its natural beach breaks, is a popular destination for surfing.