There is the thought that conservation of species is only for the sake of the species, and at the expense of people.

In the Pacific region, when you conserve and protect species, it is also for the benefit of Pacific communities.

These benefits are not always only economic, they also have cultural and spiritual values.

Across several Pacific islands, sharks are at the core of cultural legends, whales are at the heart of traditional chants and turtles have always been part of cultural practices.

Whales are now the source of multi-million dollar whale watching industries in Tonga, Niue, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

These efforts are done at the international level, we all have a role to play in this at the national level by supporting conservation efforts.

Both by caring, and sharing information about these migratory species which our Pacific cultures and traditions hold dear.

One of the biggest ways to make an impact is by sharing information.