INTERVIEW WITH BEN FOGLE
BRITISH WRITER AND ADVENTURER
Thresher sharks hunt fish with their enlongated tail fin, which can be as long as their body. As many other shark species, they are hunted for their meat, liver, oil, skin and fins. These are regularly traded and highly prized in both legal and illegal markets. Despite their value, and declining populations, sharks are generally subject to little or no management globally, with less than 20 percent of the world’s shark fin trade being regulated. For this week's Making Waves article, we interview writer and adventurer Ben Fogle, who defends the thresher shark as part of his work with our campaign.
1. You have been to some of the wildest places on earth. What is the most important lesson you have learned?
To respect the land. The wilderness has taught me to respect the environment. I have been moved and humbled by the wilderness.
2. What is the most memorable experience you have had in the ocean?
When I towed across the Atlantic Ocean we were followed by a whale for nearly 10 days. Day and night, the whale joined our tiny little rowing boat, sometimes lifting out hull out of the water as it scratched its back on the bottom of our boat.
3. Why do you think protecting our oceans is so important?
The oceans are vital to our planet. They regulate our weather and are home to more flora and fauna than anywhere else on earth.
4. What is the greatest threat to our oceans?
Plastics are clogging up our oceans. It has been estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish.
5. What can people do to help protect marine life?
We can all do our bit by reducing our consumption of single use plastics but we also need to encourage governments around the world to take action on national levels.