Shark populations around West Africa are declining due to the shark fishery, including the practice of finning. Senegalese women have traditionally been employed in processing the shark meat from the catches. Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) set up a workshop for women to learn about more sustainable and economical species, such as sardines. Sardines are abundant in the area and are affordable to even the most poor communities. The women were taught about hygiene standards, processing techniques and market regulations in order to provide them with a long-term source of sustainable income and opportunities to defend their rights regarding work and finances.
Like I've said before, I'm not really a fan of members of industrialized nations coming into poorer countries and telling people what to do, but it seems to me the IUCN made sure everybody wins here: people, communities and sharks! Great job!
photo credit IUCNFull article here (IUCN.org):
http://www.iucn.org/iyb/iucn_action_22/success/?5147/Shark-meat-Have-a-sardine
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