Fox saves shark

Photo of Andrew. Mark & Matthias attempting to cut plastic strapping from 'Strappy' 28/9/10 (Source:

https://www.rodneyfox.com.au/ )

Many thanks and congratulations to Andrew Fox (Rodney Fox Jnr) who has rescued many sharks that have been caught up in fishing lines. In September, he was also able to cut some heavy plastic strapping from a 2½m-long male white pointer nick-named ‘Strappy’. The shark was very appreciative of his new-found freedom from the strapping. If you’d like to sponsor Strappy and receive a picture and bio of him, with all proceeds going to the work of the Fox Shark Research Foundation, visit https://www.rodneyfox.com.au/shop/index.php/page/shop/browse/products/1/category_id/c74c19c53d27381ad10d8769765d8162 . Visit https://www.rodneyfox.com.au/index.php/selectedContent/624827680 for further details.

Shark attack website

Dramatisation of a shark attack?
(Source: http://www.journeyidea.com/perilous-beach-destinations-beware-of-the-mighty-jaws )

When I wrote my blog “Military and NSW government adopting high-tech new methods to prevent a repeat of last summer's spate of shark attacks” last year (2009), Ricky Peterson commented “Nice post. Shark is very dangerous. We should beware of fatal shark attacks. You can find sharks in New Smyrna Beach in Florida, Oahu beach, Hawaii beach. Though floating shark nets are available on some beaches, but it is of little help. For more details refer Shark Attacks (http://www.journeyidea.com/perilous-beach-destinations-beware-of-the-mighty-jaws )

Shark attack prevention humour

A humourous look at shark attack prevention can be found at

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/gallery-e6freon6-1111119901453?page=1

Oceanic white-tip swimming with large No. of pilot fish

Photo by Picture Media (Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/finding-nemos-shark-bruce-comes-to-real-life/story-e6freon6-1225978102914 )

This photo of an oceanic white-tip shark (swimming with about 10% of the world's population of pilot fish in the Red Sea in Egypt) on page 1 & 3 of The Advertiser newspaper 30/12, can be found at
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/finding-nemos-shark-bruce-comes-to-real-life/story-e6freon6-1225978102914

More on 'Strappy'

Photo of 'Strappy' taken from http://www.rodneyfox.com.au .

Silly me! I just rediscovered that the story of 'Strappy' the white pointer shark was also reported on page 42 in the December issue of Dive Log magazine. I'm not sure that it can still be seen at http://www.divetheblue.net/ for much longer. The January issue should be showing any day now. By the way, people can join Mares in sponsoring 'Strappy' through the Rodney Fox Foundation - http://www.rodneyfox.com.au/

"Strappy" - white pointer shark

Photo taken by Andrew Fox (Source: http://www.rodneyfox.com.au/ )

Read about "Strapppy", the white pointer shark, at http://www.rodneyfox.com.au/ .

Oceanic whitetip sharks

Photo of young oceanic whitetip shark (taken by Julien Stein, Marine Photobank)

The oceanic whitetip shark, Carcharhinus longimanus is a completely different species to the whitetip reef shark, Triaenodon obesus. It can be found in tropical and warm temperate seas. It is a large open water shark and, although usually encountered over deep water, they do sometimes come close to shore. They tend to have quite a varied diet due to the sparse distribution of prey in the open ocean, They have a preference for bony fish but are also frequently associated with mammal carrion such as whale carcasses. Feeding on the occasional whale carcass might be sufficient to keep them going for a while. They tend to be very bold & inquisitive and may investigate any potential food source when meals are scarce. (Source: http://saveourseas.com/blog/red_sea_shark_attacks_in_perspective?utm_source=Save+Our+Seas+Foundation+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f007e5d6db-Newsletter_December_2010_FINAL&utm_medium=email )

Red Sea Shark Attacks in Perspective

Photo by Johanlantz at en.wikipedia [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0]

Some 5 shark attack incidents occurred at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh between 30/11 & 5/12/10. Such incidents are rare in the area, so why have so many attacks occurred in such a short space of time? James Lea puts the attacks in to perspective in Red Sea Shark Attacks in Perspective at http://saveourseas.com/blog/red_sea_shark_attacks_in_perspective?utm_source=Save+Our+Seas+Foundation+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f007e5d6db-Newsletter_December_2010_FINAL&utm_medium=email

Singing cinematographer who swims with sharks

Andy Casagrande is a National Geographic cinematographer who swims with great white sharks. But Andy also sings songs whilst playing a guitar whilst swimming with those sharks. Well, one song at least - one that he had written for the sharks, “The Great White Shark Song”. Video footage can be seen at

http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/swimming-with-the-sharks/x9xunb9?tab=m2397&mediaid=7881298%22%20target=%22new&from=39

Global shark stocks may be lower than thought

A yardstick for estimating ocean fish stocks, including sharks, has warned that some commercial species may be closer to collapse than thought. The study, released on 17/11/10, says figures determining global stocks of some commercially valuable top predators,including sharks, may be unrealistic. Since the late 1990s, scientists and regional management organisations have used catch data to measure changes in the balance of species across so-called "trophic levels." The new study says this technique is not smart enough. Scientists not involved in the study said the findings could revolutionise the way fish populations are measured. "This study makes clear that the most common indicator, average catch trophic level, is a woefully inadequate measure of the status of marine fisheries," said Henry Gholz, an environmental biologist at the US National Science Foundation. Visit http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1416597/Global-fish-stocks-lower-than-thought for more details.

Debate re shark fishing from SA beaches

There has been much debate in the printed media in South Australia recently regarding people fishing for sharks from metropolitan beaches & jetties. Visit

both http://weekly-times-messenger.whereilive.com.au/news/story/danger-on-shore/ and

http://weekly-times-messenger.whereilive.com.au/news/story/jetty-ban-call-hooks-anglers/ for more details.

White pointer sharks end up in Mediterranean

A recent study has shown that Australian white pointer sharks have ended up in the Mediterranean Sea. Visit http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/8339538/aussie-white-sharks-go-walkabout/ for details.

Honduras and Palau call for countries to designate shark sanctuaries

Honduras and Palau, two countries that banned commercial shark fishing in their waters, have challenged other countries worldwide to work together to save the world's shark species. In a joint statement released in September, the presidents of the two countries called on coastal nations to designate shark sanctuaries, where no shark fishing would be allowed. They also called on fishing nations to stop the practice of shark finning and the global overfishing of sharks. A press release on the statement, along with an audio recording of the presidents' joint press conference, is at www.pewtrusts.org/news_room_detail.aspx?id=60905 .

Sharks learn to not react

According to the web page found at http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow, bait or burley used by tourist operators to attract sharks to boats for the amusement of their customers affects the sharks' behaviour. Instead of being attracted, sharks become used to the lure, remember there's really nothing on offer and, being smart, don't react.

Videos of a lady diver balancing a shark on her hand

A video of a lady diver balancing a shark on her hand can be seen at http://marinebio.org/blog/?p=1604. The lady is Cristina Zenato. She has her own website at http://cristinazenato.com/CZ.html. More videos of Cristina handling sharks can be seen at http://cristinazenato.com/videos.html.

Push to have UN impose worldwide catch limits

The Pew Environment Group is pushing to have the UN impose worldwide catch limits on the 30% of species under threat of extinction. Nine shark attack victims such as Paul de Gelder are supporting Pew's lobbying of the UN. Paul lost both a hand and a leg in a shark attack in Sydney Harbour in February 2009. He now wants to protect sharks.

STUDY ON CAGE DIVING’S AFFECT ON BEHAVIOR OF WHITE POINTERS

Image by Andrew Fox (Source: AdelaideNow)
Shark ecologist Dr Charlie Huveneers, from Flinders University & SARDI, is leading a study regarding the affect of cage diving operators on the behavior of white pointers. These sharks are protected because they are endangered. The study aims to ensure that shark cage diving is safe for both the divers and the sharks. Eight sharks had been tagged by the research team by 25/9. Up to 20 sharks are to be tracked by the researchers to determine whether or not shark berleying affects their behavior. More details can be found at http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/studying-tourisms-bite-on-sharks/story-e6frea83-1225929101680

SHARK FISHING IN SA

A free CCSA Fish Forum about Shark Fishing in SA is being held from 6.30-8.00pm at the Coglin Street Community Centre (near the Central Markets) on Wednesday 13th October. It is open to all. Topics to be discussed are: -
“Should we be worried?” by Chris Ball, Shark Watch
“Who’s catching how much of what?” by Gary Darter, PIRSA Fisheries
“What We Do and Don’t Know About Sharks” by Dr Charlie Huveneers, Flinders Uni.
The talks will be followed by informal discussion over drinks and nibbles. RSVP to Alex Gaut on 8223 5155 or alex.gaut@conservationsa.org.au

STOP SHARK KILLING IN PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Jim of Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures Inc. says that he needs your help to stop needless shark killing in Palm Beach, Florida.
“Good Morning friends”, he says. “I need your help please! I am trying to stop the needless shark killing here in my home town Palm Beach. Although this has happened many times at this marina, it was the first time I was in town to catch it, thank god! Please vote for the video above so this needless killing of an endangered scalloped hammerhead shark will have more impact! If enough people vote it may go to national news which means more support for stopping the needless slaughter of these beautiful creatures that are so vital to the health of our oceans! Feel free to post this everywhere! Below is the actual story with images! Thank you for your help!
At this moment I am very sad to say that the fisherman that did this will not be penalized in anyway, because of a interpretation of the law that makes no sense to me what so ever! If you need to reach me, email is best! Many of you know me very well and know that because I live at sea, swimming with these beautiful creatures everyday year round, I see this horrific act the same way most people would look at your pet dog, left on a cart to die and bake in the sun, as if no one gives a damn! I do give a dam and I hope you do to! Please make this count and make a difference! This type of behavior infuriates me and needs to be stopped! Thanks so much for your help! Save The Sharks.
Jim, Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures, Inc.
www.scuba-adventures.comhttp://current.com/green/92627366_shark-death-a-waste-of-life.htm

SHARK FISHING IN SA

A free CCSA Fish Forum about Shark Fishing in SA is being held from 6.30-8.00pm at the Coglin Street Community Centre (near the Central Markets) on Wednesday 13^th October. It is open to all. Topics to be discussed are: -

“Should we be worried?” by Chris Ball, Shark Watch

“Who’s catching how much of what?” by Gary Darter, PIRSA Fisheries

“What We Do and Don’t Know About Sharks” by Dr Charlie Huveneers, Flinders Uni

The talks will be followed by informal discussion over drinks and nibbles. RSVP to Alex Gaut on 8223 5155 or alex.gaut@conservationsa.org.au .

STOP SHARK KILLING IN PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Jim of Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures Inc. says that he needs your help to stop needless shark killing in Palm Beach, Florida.

“Good Morning friends”, he says. “I need your help please! I am trying to stop the needless shark killing here in my home town Palm Beach. Although this has happened many times at this marina, it was the first time I was in town to catch it, thank god! Please vote for the video above so this needless killing of an endangered scalloped hammerhead shark will have more impact! If enough people vote it may go to national news which means more support for stopping the needless slaughter of these beautiful creatures that are so vital to the health of our oceans! Feel free to post this everywhere! Below is the actual story with images! Thank you for your help!

At this moment I am very sad to say that the fisherman that did this will not be penalized in anyway, because of a interpretation of the law that makes no sense to me what so ever! If you need to reach me, email is best! Many of you know me very well and know that because I live at sea, swimming with these beautiful creatures everyday year round, I see this horrific act the same way most people would look at your pet dog, left on a cart to die and bake in the sun, as if no one gives a damn! I do give a dam and I hope you do to! Please make this count and make a difference! This type of behavior infuriates me and needs to be stopped! Thanks so much for your help! Save The Sharks.

Jim, Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures, Inc.

www.scuba-adventures.com

http://current.com/green/92627366_shark-death-a-waste-of-life.htm”

MANTAS & MOBULAS BEING USED AS SHARK FIN SOUP FILLER

According to the Times Online (UK) - the London Times - at
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6345512.ece , the falling shark population is prompting Asian chefs to look for manta rays & mobula rays to meet the voracious demand for shark fin soup. Until recently, they have been hunted only by subsistence fishermen, who harpoon them. But in the eastern Indonesian port of Lamakera, catches of manta have rocketed from a few hundred to about 1500 a year. "Mantas and mobulas are being used as shark fin soup filler," said Tim Clark, a marine biologist at the University of Hawaii. The cartilage is being mixed with low-grade shark fins in cheap versions of the soup. So divers, next time you're in Indonesia, raise a little hell about manta fishing.”

An interesting view on shark attacks

The web page found at http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/pets-animals/stories/infographic-shark-attacks gives an interesting view on shark attacks. Divers continue to be of little interest to sharks with the number of divers being attacked by sharks remaining low whilst the number of surfers being attacked rises steadily. Surprisingly, the number of swimmers to be attacked continues to fall.

Shark skin harbours deadly bacteria

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/07/28/2966480.htm

According to recent research in the Journal of Zoo & Wildlife Medicine, sharks along the east coast of North America harbour colonies of deadly, drug-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus and E. coli. Visit http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/07/28/2966480.htm for further details.

Shark photo alleged to be a fake

The shark in this (allegedly fake) photo is said to have been taken from video footage found at Charles Maxwell's site.

Shark attack statistics

The website found at http://www.taronga.org.au/tcsa/conservation-programs/australian-shark-attack-file/general-information.aspx says, "Worldwide estimates state that 30 to 100 people a year are attacked (by sharks). Analysis of over 1000 case histories world wide, from the International Shark Attack File suggests an average of 30% (of attacks) are fatal. This is consistent with Australian figures of 28% fatal."
There are statistics re reported shark/human interactions for over 218 years (as of 2/7/2010). There hasn't been a fatality due to shark attack in Australian waters since 2008.

Uni study's findings re shark attacks

A University of Florida study released recently suggested that young surfers in black and white bathing suits were most vulnerable to shark attacks or bites. Also, sharks are said to most likely attack surfers and other unsuspecting swimmers in shallow water, on Sundays, during new moons and hot weather. The study based its conclusions on observations and statistics gathered over a 50-year period in Florida's Volusia County. The area is known as the "shark attack capital of the world". According to http://www.taronga.org.au/tcsa/conservation-programs/australian-shark-attack-file/general-information.aspx, "As of June 2009 for all Australian States combined: In the last 20 years, there have been 24 recorded fatalities due to shark attack = averages 1.2 per year. In the last 50 years, there have been 52 recorded fatalities due to shark attack = averages 1.04 per year." Visit http://www.news.com.au/world/shark-attacks-spike-on-new-moons-study/story-e6frfkyi-1225872458248 for further details re the University of Florida study.

Recreational fishing for mako sharks to be allowed again

Recreational fishing for mako sharks is to be allowed again, after draft laws were passed by parliament recently. Short and longfin makos and porbeagle sharks became off limits from January 29 due to a listing on an international convention to protect migratory animals. Labor's legislation now overturns the ban on the recreational fishing for these sharks in commonwealth waters. Visit http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/mako-shark-ban-finally-overturned for more details.

Sharks & rays filmed at GBR fish cleaning station

ABC TV's "Catalyst" program recently featured a report about a fish cleaning station 28m deep at Osprey Reef on the Great Barrier Reef. A large number of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) were filmed at the cleaning station, including some huge manta rays. Sharks would repeatedly swim through, being cleaned for 5-10 seconds at a time. Over a 12-week period, the cameras observed 97 elasmobranchs attending the cleaners. Visit http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2929830.htm for more details, including some short video footage. The footage can also be downloaded from
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/tv/geo/catalyst/cat_s11_ep18_CleanerFish.wmv .

A great Great White web page

Just found a great Great White web page at http://www.divearound.com.au/divelocation/26/great-white-adventure.html. The page includes some great info, great images & great video footage too.

Shark attack data

A WA surfer was recently bitten on the leg by an unidentified shark whilst surfing at Conspicuous Beach near Walpole. This incident is the latest known shark attack to occur in Australia. Coincidentally, it was announced on TV the same weekend that there have only been 63 known shark attack fatalities world-wide in the past 130 years. That is less than 2 per year throughout the world.

Courtesy of David Whysharksmatter Shiffman

New video shows how thresher sharks use their tails to catch prey: http://rtseablog.blogspot.com/2010/05/threshers-tale-tail-video-footage.html

The Great White formerly held in captivity in Monterrey Bay aquarium has been killed by fishermen: http://www.thedorsalfin.com/shark-news-stories/monterey-bay-aquarium-great-white-shark-killed/

A prehistoric megaladon nursery has been discovered off the coast of Panama: http://scienceblogs.com/laelaps/2010/05/off_the_coast_of_panama_a_preh.php?

The oil spill may impact endangered whale sharks: http://sharkdivers.blogspot.com/2010/04/oil-spill-in-gulf-whale-shark-impact.html

SHARK FINS BANNED IN HAWAII

Hawaii has now banned shark fins by the passing of a bill prohibiting the possession, sale, trade or distribution of shark fins. It is hoped that the new law will help to protect sharks from becoming extinct due to overfishing. Hawaii is the first US state to ban shark fins. (This was reported in the May 30th issue of the Sunday Mail, the newspaper which is yet to formally recognise the threat of shark finning (following its 2-page spread on April 18th about a local restaurant selling a seafood soup of which shark fin was a main ingredient. We asked the Sunday Mail to do a feature article about shark finning but the Mail news desk indicated that they are more than happy to run a follow up article, however, the article needs to be primarily based on something reportable, i.e. an event, screening, protest, etc. . I have now implored the Mail to run a feature on the threat of shark finning. Visit http://sites.google.com/site/sascubadivingsite/sharks/more-about-adelaide-s-shark-fin-soup-story for more details.)

Dismay over Sunday Mail's promotion of SA restaurant selling shark fin soup

On April 18th, Adelaide's Sunday Mail ran a 2-page spread about a local restaurant selling a seafood soup of which shark fin was a main ingredient. Residents of Adelaide responded beautifully, with the 1st response to the item on the AdelaideNow website being posted 1st thing Sunday morning. Many of SA's divers & scientists have now expressed their dismay. There had been some 150 responses within a few days, several of them coming from overseas. My own response read: - "Clearly the Sunday Mail has overstepped the mark by promoting shark fin soup in this era. I'm glad to see that Adelaide has responded en masse. But this is not the end of the matter. It will be brought to the attention of a wider audience which expected to express its dismay in a huge way." Dive Log magazine & SportDiving magazine have offered to make a stand against the Mail's thoughtlessness in promoting both the restaurant and the meal. The page 24 article can also be read at http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/soup-of-the-day-for-450/story-e6fref5u-1225854379693. Be sure to study the numerous responses to the article.

Great white shark sets world record for deepest dive

April Fool? A New Zealand great white shark has apparently set a world record for the deepest ever known dive of 1200 metres. It was reported in the media (papers & Internet) on 1st April. New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) says that the biggest great white shark that they had ever tagged (4.8m long) has also dived to the deepest depth that they have recorded. Details can be found at
http://www.niwa.co.nz/our-science/oceans/news/all/great-white-sharks-are-taking-tropical-winter-holidays-too. Film footage can be found at ftp://ftp.niwa.co.nz/niwamedia/white%20sharks/PAL_niwa_white_shark.mov

LEMON SHARKS ADDED TO FLORIDA'S PROHIBITED SPECIES LIST

Last year, a petition to protect Lemon Sharks in Florida was instigated by a coalition of scientists, divers and shark conservation groups. The petition received 5560 signatures and the campaign was a success. On 18th February the Commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted unanimously to add Lemon Sharks to Florida's Prohibited Species List. This means that the harvest of lemon sharks - commercial and recreational - is now prohibited in Florida State waters.

Porbeagle shark added to CITES today

Today the Humane Society International welcomed the inclusion of the porbeagle shark in the CITES Appendices. The shark is the first commercially valuable shark species added to CITES in the treaty’s more than 30-year history. Unfortunately, 3 other proposals considered at CITES to provide protection for the scalloped hammerhead, oceanic whitetip shark and the spiny dogfish shark failed to be adopted. It is possible that these decisions may be reconsidered and reversed later this week as the meeting concludes. Meanwhile, HSI will continue to urge countries to take urgent action to protect their shark species. Visit http://www.hsi.org.au/emailmarketer/display.php?M=4192&C=a2a5f8f38fd13970b8bc5a149bcb5512&S=207&L=3&N=71 for more details.

Diver wrestling a shark to remove a frisbee

Another CBS Early Show shark feature can be found at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/05/earlyshow/living/petplanet/main6269941.shtml?tag=latest . It concerns a diver wrestling a nurse shark to remove a frisbee caught around its body. There's a photo and video footage of the feature.

The story behind recent great white shark pics appearing in multiple media outlets

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-500202_162-10002779.html

Visit the web page found at http://www.thedorsalfin.com/shark-news-stories/story-behind-recent-great-white-shark-guadalupe-pics-appearing-in-multiple-media-outlets/ for the story behind recent white pointer shark photos in the media (i.e. The Advertiser 11/3/10). Underwater photographer Don Carpenter explained On "The CBS Early Show" that this great white shark wasn't attacking the cage at all, rather that it was being "wrangled" to help the photographer achieve the best photo angle. Photos can also be viewed at http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-500202_162-10002779.html. Further details can be found at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/12/earlyshow/living/petplanet/main6292577.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentAux.

Black tip reef shark

Photo courtesy of Kydd Pollock/Marine Photobank

Here is a photo of a Black tip Reef Shark cruising the shallow reefs of a tropical lagoon. According to Kyd Pollock, this would be a far more frequent sight if a worldwide shark finning ban could be established.

CITES meeting to discuss international protection for 8 species of shark

CITES is meeting this week (on March 13th) to discuss whether 8 species of shark will receive international protection.

Recent research re status of white pointers

White Pointer Sharks may be more endangered than previously thought according to recent research reported at http://observationsofanerd.blogspot.com/2010/02/plight-of-great-white.html

Dorsal Fin website

The Dorsal Fin website at http://www.thedorsalfin.com/is a good source of information on all shark matters. The Dorsal Fin provides news and information about sharks with the intent to promote awareness and responsible conservation. A video of the recent shark tank which sprung a leak at a mall in Dubai can be viewed at http://www.thedorsalfin.com/shark-news-stories/dubai-mall-aquarium-springs-a-leak/

Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations attacked by sharks

AIMS scientists developed Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) in order to monitor vast areas inaccessible to research divers. BRUVS consist of tourist-grade “HandiCam” video cameras in simple underwater housings made of PVC sewer pipe and acrylic, with a canister of minced pilchards on the end of a bait arm in the field of view. The housings are held in steel frames, and are deployed in strings of 4-6 under separate ropes and floats, to be picked up after one or two hours filming at the seabed. BRUVS have been used by AIMS to compare shark populations at Scott Reef with an unfished Commonwealth marine reserve. BRUVS revealed a marked difference in the abundance of sharks at Scott Reef and the protected area. The number of sightings in the video recordings indicated that sharks were on average 4-17 times more abundant in the reserve. This result was reinforced when the time it took for sharks to appear in each video was analysed and on Scott Reef was, on average, twice that in the reserve. Details can be found at http://www.aims.gov.au/docs/research/monitoring/seabed/video-monitoring.html. Video footage of a hammer head sharks & a tiger shark feeding on a bait cannister can be viewed at http://www.aims.gov.au/movies/web-sharks.mpg.

Shark mothers provide critical life support for newborn pups

According to a new study, live-bearing sharks are not the cold-hearted mothers (or parents) that they have been made out to be. The study shows that sharks provide substantial post-partum investment in their young. Visit http://www3.aims.gov.au/docs/publications/waypoint/015/headlines-02.html for further details.

Tagging white pointer sharks - ABC-TV’S “CATALYST” PROGRAM

The first segment for the very first “Catalyst” program on ABC-TV for 2010 was all about . They were being tagged at Hawks Nest beach, just north of Port Stephens in NSW. SA’s own Barry Bruce from CSIRO was involved in the tagging procedure. Hawks Nest beach is said to be prime juvenile white shark territory. In the matter of a few days, the research team caught eight great white sharks just along a stretch of the popular swimming beach. Details of the program, including video footage of the episode, can be found at http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2816558.htm . (It is quite amazing that there have never been any shark attacks at Hawks Nest beach.) An additional video about the special significance great white sharks have for the traditional owners of the area north of Port Stevens can be seen at http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2816945.htm .

The book "Sharks in British Seas"

The book "Sharks in British Seas" by Richard Peirce (ISBN: 978-0-955869402) has 138 pages, colour illustrations, line drawings & lots of newspaper reports. Publisher: Shark Cornwall Softcover 2008 £9.99
Visit http://www.nhbs.com/sharks_in_british_seas_tefno_155135.html for further details.

Grey nurse shark video

Check out the Grey nurse shark video to be found at http://azoresub-bluewater.blogspot.com/ (along with the caption "Tubarões: Um tubarão consegue cheirar 1 parte de sangue em 100 partes de água. " (Portuguese) - English translation = "Sharks: A shark can smell blood 1 part in 100 parts of water".)

SHARK FISHING FROM JETTIES

Shark fishing from SA jetties was in the news again during January. An article which appeared in The Advertiser on 12th January can be viewed at http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26578382-2682,00.html . The day’s editorial comment also discussed this topic. The article drew many comments from the public. These can be viewed at http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/comments/0,22638,26578382-2682,00.html . The comments covered topics such as berleying, crabbing, swimming, jetties, boating, etc.. The editorial suggested that shark fishing from jetties should be stopped. A letter from Trevor Watts, Executive Officer for SARFAC, in response to the article, appeared in the paper on 13th January.

DNA used to identify endangered shark species

Millions of shark fins are sold each year to make shark fin soup. Proving which sharks they came from has been difficult for those monitoring illegal trade of endangered species. Researchers at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, however, have recently been able to use DNA taken from fins from a Hong Kong market to trace not just the species, but the geographical location of endangered scalloped hammerheads. This is one of 8 shark species being considered for trade protection under CITES (Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species) this March. The study “Tracking the fin trade: genetic stock identification in western Atlantic scalloped hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna lewini” by Demian D. Chapman, Danillo Pinhal, Mahmood S. Shivji can be viewed at http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2008/theme/Forensic/forensicpp9.pdf .

The Great white post card and poster at Tumbulgum NSW

Tony Isaacson from Queensland tells me that this Great white shark poster (& a postcard) is attracting business in NSW at Tumbulgum (well up the Tweed River) despite it being caught many years ago in South Australia. Some locals think that it came from the river and a lot of urban legend has been created. This poster (with accompanying signage) & the postcard can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/SharkPosterPostcardAtTumbulgumNSW

WA government to track white pointers in ‘real time’

The WA government is using satellite receivers along the WA coast to track white pointers in ‘real time’. About 100 sharks will be tagged in a 2-year study to measure the movements & migration patterns of the sharks along the metropolitan coast. More than 70 sharks have already been tagged, most of them from SA. If one of the tagged sharks swims off of Perth’s beaches, authorities will be alerted either by email or SMS to their mobiles.