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/