GREENS CALL FOR REMOVAL OF SHARK NETS ON NSW BEACHES

The Greens in NSW say that shark nets on the state’s beaches are ineffective and should be removed. They say that the nets are damaging to the environment and up to 50% 0f shark entanglements occur on the beach side of the nets.

'Shark attack' term is misleading

According to http://www.braidwoodtimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/shark-attack-term-misleads-people-expert/2410515.aspx?storypage=1, 'shark attack' term is misleading.

AERIAL SHARK PATROLS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

There will be hourly University SA fixed-wing weekday shark patrols until April. The patrols will fly from North Haven to Rapid Bay, South Australia daily between 11am and 8pm. If a shark is spotted by the patrol, the plane will circle and sound a siren to warn people in the water. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter surveys the coastline as far as Goolwa & Victor Harbor on weekends and public holidays.

DOZENS OF HYBRID SHARKS DISCOVERED OFF OF AUSTRALIA

The world's first hybrid sharks have been discovered in substantial numbers off the coast of Australia, and scientists say it may be an indication the creatures are adapting to climate change. Further details are included in the February issue of our SDFSA Bulletin. (Source: http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/02/scientists-dozens-of-hybrid-sharks-found-off-australia/ )

DOG PLAYS WITH SHARK ON BEACH

On Boxing Day (26/12/11) an orca (killer whale) attacked a group of sharks in shallow waters at Blues Cliffs Beach in Southland, New Zealand. An orca was seen thrashing around off the coast before a wounded shark floundered into shore. When the shark neared the beach, a dog jumped into the water and began playing with the shark. The incident can be seen at http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8396492/dog-plays-with-shark-wounded-in-orca-attack. The shark disappeared back into the sea with the high tide.

Trade of shark fins now banned in California

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Gov. Jerry Brown has now signed into law AB 376, the Aquarium-sponsored bill that bans the trade of shark fins in California. This is a huge step for shark conservation, as it helps end the economic incentive that drives the killing of millions of sharks worldwide for their fins each year. The shark fin trade is now illegal in five Western states and territories—including California. We can now encourage the US & other countries around the world to end the global shark fin trade.

White pointer in Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a 1.2m-long white pointer shark in its Open Sea exhibit. It was caught in the waters off California. They hope to keep it on display for several months. It may be seen on web cam at http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/efc/efc_opensea/open_sea_cam.aspx
(5 young sharks have previously been kept in the aquarium before being returned to the wild.) "The Open Sea exhibit is a mysterious, mesmerizing world where life looms large. The stunning one-million-gallon exhibit is home to one of the most diverse communities of open-ocean animals to be found in any aquarium. Giant bluefin tuna power their way through the water, while hammerhead sharks, pelagic rays and giant green sea turtles swim just inches away."