In recent years, zebra shark populations in Raja Ampat (West Papua province, Indonesia) have undergone dramatic declines in the wake of threats like habitat degradation and overharvesting due to shark finning.

Zebra sharks are listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Raja Ampat contains an extensive network of some of the world’s most well-enforced marine protected areas. These measures have enabled the dramatic recoveries of other shark species, however the Eastern Indonesian-Oceania subpopulation of zebra sharks remains on the brink of extinction.

Due to a slow population growth rate, which is common for most shark species, conservation actions including fisheries regulations and the creation of marine protected areas have not been sufficient for recovery of this species. Research and conservation planning have revealed that the species is unlikely to recover without additional intervention (see the Population Viability Analysis report).

StAR Project, led by the West Papua Provincial Government and the Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia aims to recover zebra shark populations that are important for healthy marine ecosystems. This project involves multiple partners' collaboration at the global and national levels to ensure zebra shark species are recovered and protected for the long-term benefit of the Indonesian people.

Experts conceived that leveraging the proven breeding success and husbandry expertise of accredited aquariums could be critical in the recovery of this species. Through genetic testing, adult sharks from the Eastern Indonesian-Oceania subpopulation have been identified at accredited facilities around the world. These broodstock are being purpose-bred for the StAR project.

ReShark is thankful for the incredible support for the project from the Province of West Papua as an international leader and partner that is dedicated to collaborating and bringing innovation to the conservation of this species in Indonesia.