Steve's Shark Site

GREENS CALL FOR REMOVAL OF SHARK NETS ON NSW BEACHES

2012-01-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-04T20:47:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-04T20:46:00.001-08:00

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

2011-10-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Great News! According to http://app.bronto.com/public/?q=preview_message&fn=Link&t=1&ssid=10832&id=4uk01u1t70l6577p37a96u69v15ml&id2=je52z0xvsu88iz4ilvlvbfd0r4x0c&subscriber_id=btzjiicfycbfwwujgzcivjfntoblbae&messageversion_id=adbdxjrpcmawryrjqhqqgfpoltjmbjd&delivery_id=bjwyaegoapumwogulaskjkfwkvbibmn&tid=3.KlA.BAvueA.CHIg.LT_i..RB_0.b..s.rvk.a.To-TGA.To-TGA.VOtcFw

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

2011-09-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

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."

Grey nurse sharks on the come back list

2011-09-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

Tony Isaacson reported on Facebook that he had recently managed 2- 4 dives in the Solitary Islands/SW Rocks area and had seen more Grey Nurse Sharks than in his previous 40 years of diving. "This is a paradise for divers. Definitely on the come back again list." he said.

GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING

2011-08-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

(PRESENTATION OF CSIRO & SARDI RESEARCH FINDINGS & POLICY UPDATE)

During 2009-2011, DENR & PIRSA have undertaken a joint review of the Great White Shark Cage Diving (GWSCD) activity at the Neptune Islands Conservation Park, near Port Lincoln. In February, information sessions were held to present the draft review findings to stakeholders and comments were sought from stakeholders and interested parties on the document. Finalisation of the review findings and subsequent GWSCD policy has been delayed pending the outcomes of a CSIRO research study looking at the effects of berley on shark behaviour at the Neptune Islands.

In September, Barry Bruce from the CSIRO in Hobart and Charlie Huveneers from SARDI - Aquatic Sciences in Adelaide will present their research findings to industry and other stakeholders. This will be followed by discussion on the research findings and how they might influence an SA Government policy position on GWSCD.

Barry Bruce will present the results of the recently completed project "The effects of berley on the distribution and behaviour of white sharks at the Neptune Islands, South Australia". The project examined the residency, distribution and behaviour of acoustic-tagged sharks at both North and South Neptune Islands from 2009 - 2011. These data were compared to similar data collected by CSIRO in 2001-2003 to assess evidence for changed behaviour in sharks over the period between the two studies. The final report from the project will be circulated prior to the workshops.

Adelaide Meeting: Thursday 29 September 2011 - 12noon - 5.30pm (light lunch and afternoon tea provided). CSIRO Conference Room, Soil and Water Environs Centre, Waite Road, Urrbrae (Entry 4). A map can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/campuses/mapscurrent/waite.pdf. Parking may be limited near the building. The Mulyungerie Carpark at the south of the campus generally has plenty of parking. There is non-time limited street parking a short distance along Claremont Avenue.

Port Lincoln Meeting: Friday 30 September 2011 - 10am - 3.30pm (morning tea and light lunch provided). Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board Office, 23 Napoleon Street, Port Lincoln.

The agenda will be circulated before the events. (Please note that the information presented at the two meetings will be identical). Please register your interest in attending a meeting to Leah.McIntyre@sa.gov.au or telephone: 08 8463 4809.

GREAT WHITE JUMPS INTO RESEARCH BOAT IN SOUTH AFRICA

2011-08-23T04:50:00.000-07:00

The web page found at http://www.perthnow.com.au/great-white-shark-jumps-into-research-boat-in-south-africa/story-fn6cmyjj-1226099134745= shows the moment after a 3m great white shark leapt on board a marine science vessel, leaving scientists with the rather delicate challenge of not only keeping it alive, but getting it off board. “A great white shark leapt metres into the air and onto a marine science vessel, leaving the crew to face the angry, thrashing specimen as it tried to stay alive. Six members of Oceans Research organisation were collecting data on sharks in Mossel Bay, 388km west of Cape Town, when the 3m shark leaped out of the water and landed on the boat's fuel and bait storage containers.”

NECROPSY BY MIAMI UNI SCIENTISTS ON BEACHED LEMON SHARK

2011-08-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

When a 7-foot lemon shark beached itself on Virginia Key, Florida, the turtle nest observers that found her there called in a team of scientists from the University of Miami's RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program. Dunlap program director Dr. Neil Hammerschlag decided to film the necropsy to use as a teaching tool. Check out the video at http://www.southernfriedscience.com/?p=11011 to learn more about shark anatomy and the process that scientists use to determine the causes of death in marine life.

GREAT WHITE SHARKS LOVE THE MUSIC OF AC/DC

2011-08-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

Great white sharks love the music of rock
band AC/DC. Visit http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/great-whites-sharks-love-the-music-of-acdc/story-e6freuzi-1226085938682
for more details. Then there’s http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/were-your-biggest-fins-great-white-sharks-love-acdc/story-fn6b3v4f-1226067418494
and several more.

(I know that it's been some time between blogs, but its due to having been unable to post to my site rather than a lack of things to blog about.)

7 baby stingrays born in London Aquarium have no father(s)

2011-08-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

Two female stingrays in the Sea Life London aquarium gave birth to 7 babies despite not having been near a male stingray for 2 years.

Shark articles published recently

2011-07-09T04:37:00.000-07:00

My blogging has been quiet as of late, mostly due to my 'newsletter interests'. I am editor for several newsletters such as the MLSSA Newsletter (& Journal), the SDF news sheet & bulletin and The Gangway Bulletin for Stella Maris Adelaide. I can now report, however, that a couple of 'shark' articles appear in the July issue of the MLSSA Newsletter, as follows: -

“Steve's SharkShield Stories” and “”Cousteau Society's Shark Study in SA Over 20 Years Ago” - see http://www.mlssa.asn.au/cgi-bin/Newsletters.cgi?year=2011&nl=MLSSA_NL_383_July_2011.htm

World record shark caught & released

2011-06-13T00:37:00.000-07:00

During May, a team from National Geographic captured a large white pointer. The Shark Men crew claimed a record for the largest white pointer to be caught. The 17'9", 4225 lb shark was released afterwards. Details were featured on the last episode of Shark Men on the Discovery Channel on 11th June.

The world road toll is huge

2011-06-01T04:54:00.000-07:00

The WHO says that something like 1.2m people are killed on roads around the world each year. Over 1000 young people are killed on the roads every day. 20-50m people are also injured on the roads each year. Yet people always say to me, "There are too many dangerous sharks in the water for me. Aren't you scared that you might get killed by one?" My reply is often something like, "Do you drive to work?"

Mako shark & eagle ray that jumped into boats

2011-03-31T01:43:00.000-07:00

"A Texas fisherman got the fright of his life when a 2.5m shark jumped into the back of his boat without warning. Jason Kresse, 29, was dumping fish guts over the side of his boat about 80km offshore when the shark jumped aboard, the Associated Press reports. The 170kg mako shark thrashed violently aboard the 7.5m boat as Mr Kresse and his crewmates tried and failed to get the giant animal back overboard about 3.45am on Monday, local time. "All of a sudden something hit the side of the boat," he said. "He ends up landing on the back of the boat." The shark died several hours later, damaging the boat in its struggle to escape. Mr Kresse needed to get a forklift to get the animal off the boat. It is now on display at a seafood business in Mr Kresse's hometown of Freeport." (Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8230852/shark-leaps-into-fishermans-boat?cmp=nl_news_31march2011_7&mch=newsletter ) Video footage can be seen at http://tracking.msadcenter.msn.com/cegnngia_nruobodrnh.html . It includes further footage of an eagle ray that jumped in to a boat.

Great White Shark needs more protection - not less

2011-03-02T01:05:00.000-08:00

The Humane Society International has expressed its alarm over calls to cull white pointer sharks in Australia following the recent death of diver Peter Clarkson. Clarkson was killed in waters off Pt Lincoln, South Australia. As a professional diver, Clarkson would have logged 1000s of hours underwater, and only once before had he reported an encounter with a white pointer shark.

(Source: http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news/2381-great-white-shark-needs-more-protection-not-less )

BOOK WRITTEN BY SHARK VICTIM

2011-02-21T01:56:00.000-08:00

Shark victim Peter Clarkson co-authored the book “Australia's Spectacular Cowries: A Review and Field Study of Two Endemic Genera--Zoila and Umbilia” with Barry Wilson. Peter also took 100s of the photos in the hardcover book (1^st edition 2004), including the one on the front cover. The book is expensive (at more than $100), but some of it can be read online at http://www.amazon.com/Australias-Spectacular-Cowries-Endemic-Genera-Zoila/dp/0966172027#reader_0966172027 . It includes taxonomic indexes to both cowries and sponges.

White pointer shark video

2011-02-17T00:11:00.000-08:00

There is a funny tribute to white pointer sharks as a critical link in the food chain of the sea

at http://deepseanews.com/2011/02/sea-lions-sing-tribute-to-the-great-white-shark/

SHARK EXHIBITION ENDING SOON

2011-02-13T02:50:00.000-08:00

The free exhibition “Planet Shark - Predator or Prey” at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney is now scheduled to end on 6th March 2011. Visit http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1821 or www.planetshark.org

Mako attack on captured marlin

2011-02-11T01:19:00.000-08:00

The story regarding a mako shark attacking a captured marlin off of Pt Stephens, NSW which was on page 1 of The Advertiser 11/2/11 also featured on Channel 9 TV's "A Current Affair" that same night. Video footage of the incident can be found at http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/video/#c1a0f289-fc9b-454f-b73a-de13706f6e55 .

INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR THE GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING REVIEW

2011-01-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

During 2009-2010 DENR and PIRSA have undertaken a joint review of the Great White Shark Cage Diving (GWSCD) activity at the Neptune Islands Conservation Park, near Port Lincoln. The objective of the Review has been to establish a whole-of-Government management strategy and policy for GWSCD within South Australia that is efficiently managed, facilitates the development of sustainable environmental tourism businesses (GWSCD tours), is environmentally sustainable (for species and natural environment) and has public confidence (in terms of shark attack threats). DENR and PIRSA are seeking comments from stakeholders and interested parties on the document prior to its finalisation. To assist you in better understanding the Review process and the Review findings/recommendations, 2 information sessions are being held, one in Adelaide and the other in Port Lincoln. Current GWSCD operators, persons interested in conducting future GWSCD tours and other users of the Neptune Islands Conservation Park, including commercial and recreational fishing interests, and any other interested parties are encouraged to attend an information session. Please register your interest in attending a meeting as soon as possible and no later than Friday 4th February 2011.

Adelaide Meeting - Thursday 10 February 2011 9.15am - 12.15pm Conference Room, Level 1, 100 Pirie Street Adelaide. Morning tea provided

Port Lincoln Meeting - Thursday 17 February 2011 12.30pm - 3.30pm EP NRM office, 23 Napoleon Street, Port Lincoln. Afternoon tea provided

Written comments can be submitted at any time via email to martina.egeler@sa.gov.au or posted to:

Great White Shark Cage Diving Review

Attention: Martina Egeler

GPO Box 1047

ADELAIDE SA 5001

The closing date for written submissions is COB Friday 18 March 2011.

If you have any questions regarding this process please feel free to contact me.

Regards

Martina Egeler
__________________________________________________

Policy and Planning Officer, Commercial Development
Information Delivery
Client Services
T: 08 8124 4799
F: 08 8124 4789
E: martina.egeler@sa.gov.au

Sharks may be colour blind

2011-01-20T00:45:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Andy Stephney of White Shark Projects)

Australian researchers say sharks may be colour blind. This challenges the long-held belief that they were mainly attracted to the colour yellow.Visit http://abcmail.net.au/t/1256185/1500402/23789/0/ for further details.

SHARK TRACKING SYSTEM

2011-01-11T01:39:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Andy Stephney of White Shark Projects)

Dr Charlie Huveneers has developed a shark tracking system. More than 6 white pointer sharks have been micro-chipped and 40 receivers are in place on the South Australian coast. There are many more receivers interstate and overseas. 10 more are to be placed in SA shortly.

Alexius' shark cage dive

2011-01-11T01:35:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Andy Stephney of White Shark Projects)

Congratulations to Alexius Sutandio who finally got to do a shark cage dive and see a 4m white pointer. Although he only got to see the one (small?) male shark, Alexius was thrilled to finally get some close-up shots of one. It all happened at North Neptune Island. Alexius couldn’t wait to post photos and video footage on his Facebook page. This meant that I could (sort of) experience it all for myself.

SA SUMMER SHARK PATROLS

2011-01-11T01:30:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Andy Stephney of White Shark Projects)

There are helicopter shark patrols on SA metropolitan beaches on weekends and public holidays. Plane patrols are also operating between North Haven & Rapid Bay between 11am & 8pm each weekday until April.

Dream jobs

2011-01-11T01:21:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Andy Stephney of White Shark Projects)

Jennifer Taylor wrote the first report about Strappy the white pointer shark in the December issue of Dive Log. Jennifer came to Australia from Scotland two years ago. She now works as a shark personality profiler (my dream job) at Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions. There was a large photo of Jennifer video filming a white pointer shark from close quarters (from within a cage) in The Advertiser in January. Jennifer was getting right in to her shark profiling job at North Neptune. She shares her passion with Dr Rachel Robbins from England. Rachel is the chief scientist at the Rodney Fox Shark Foundation.

UNSUSTAINABLE SHARK FISHERY TARGETS FINS FOR EXPORTS

2011-01-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

(Photo source: http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news)

According to the web page found at http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news/1633-unsustainable-shark-fishery-targets-fins-for-exports , "Approval has been given to a shark fishery in NSW for operating in an ecologically sustainable manner, despite scientific advice that there is a lack of knowledge of the shark populations involved as well as a lack of even basic reliable data on historical catch. Despite this, the Minister has approved a quota far in excess of the historical average."

GREY NURSE SHARK CONSERVATION EFFORTS THREATENED BY SHARK NETS

2011-01-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

Shark caught in protective net (Source: http://www.ecovoice.com.au/econews )

According to the web page found at http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news/1620-grey-nurse-shark-conservation-efforts-threatened-by-shark-nets , "The Humane Society International has repeated its call for the shark nets on NSW's coast to be removed following the death of a critically endangered grey nurse shark in the nets off Bondi Beach."

White Shark Projects, Gansbaai, South Africa

2011-01-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Great White Shark (courtesy of Andy Stephney, White Shark Projects)

Andy Stephney is currently working for White Shark Projects, at Gansbaai, South Africa. He says that “8 companies here operate great white shark tours to Dyer Island (approx 30 mins. boat ride to dive site). Here we can see, on average, 4 to 5 individual great whites approach the boat. Our best months are the winter months – May, June, July & August). Sharks at this time are an average 2 to 3 metres, sometimes lucky to see 4 metre (ones). The sharks that we see are still young sharks, and I believe, due to the sizes of sharks and light bite marks from other sharks near gills or fins, that the great whites mate and give birth here. Once the sharks of a few years mature, then they migrate from our area, with only a handful returning over the coming years (see Nicole The Great White Shark SA web site at http://www.whitesharktrust.org/migration/main.html). I also believe the great whites are caught by fisherman (trawler nets, etc..). Instead of bringing in bodies of sharks for research, they cut off fins and remove teeth for the black markets, namely Asia (for shark fin soup) and dump the carcass. Here are some face book pages (and websites) for update photos: –

White Shark Projects Cage Dive Fans - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=23911738980

Marine Dynamics - http://www.sharkwatchsa.com/index.php

Dyer Island Cruises - http://www.dyer-island-cruises.co.za/

Sharkdiving Unlimited Gansbaai - http://www.sharkdivingunlimited.com/

Apex Shark Expeditions - http://www.apexpredators.com/

The lists are updated (with great photos) on a daily basis.”

Fox saves shark

2010-12-29T21:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-29T19:18:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

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'

2010-12-29T18:12:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-19T02:38:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-19T02:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-19T01:59:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-16T15:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-30T02:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-28T03:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-28T02:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-26T00:47:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

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

SHARK FISHING IN SA

2010-09-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-24T04:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-01T04:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-15T04:34:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-15T04:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-27T04:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-07T05:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-22T03:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-02T02:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-24T03:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-08T22:35:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-25T03:06:00.000-08:00

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"

2010-02-24T01:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-22T01:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-04T01:30:00.000-08:00

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’

2010-01-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

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.

"Sharkwater" website

2009-12-31T00:44:00.000-08:00

Leopard shark (photo courtesy Tony Isaacson)

Check out the "Sharkwater" website at http://www.sharkwater.com/. There is a video trailer of the movie itself there. Lots of other links too. You can also pledge to save sharks at http://www.sharkwater.com/pledge_to_save_sharks.php.

Tony's 'about face'

2009-12-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

It would seem that Tony Isaacson has done 'an about face'. Those who know Tony well would know of his position re wild animal feeding, but it would appear that he has now done an about face. Given the desperate status of sharks at the global level, Tony made a decision to have direct influence on the best shark feeding dive that he knows, at Beqa Lagoon in Fiji. That is where he will be training this year to become one of the shark wranglers. "I know that it will be an honour and privilege to work with these free-ranging survivors of the Pacific. We know that the tigers visit the Great Barrier Reef and at least one of the bull sharks has made it to Darwin. Many of them have scars or hooks to remind divers just how lucky they are to be witness to their continued return to Beqa Lagoon. This, & other of Tony's photos can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/TonySPhotos.

Shark cage diving with Calypso Star Charters

2009-12-19T02:40:00.000-08:00

Calypso Star Charters offer one day shark cage diving tours at Pt Lincoln for $495 pp. A new spectator fare is $395 pp, incl. lunch. Divers generally get 45 mins in the cage. Spectators get to see all of the action from the decks of the boat. Visit http://www.sharkcagediving.com.au/ for more details.

More sharks getting caught in Qld nets

2009-12-19T02:27:00.000-08:00

Qld Fisheries Minister, Tim Mulherin, says that recent rain & warm weather in Queensland resulted in an increase in shark movement. This resulted in more sharks getting caught in nets & other equipment. As many as 46 sharks are being caught in nets off of the Qld coast per month. A total of 505 sharks had been caught up to 20th Nov in 2009, incl. a 4.1m long tiger shark. It had become snared on a drumline off of Townsville. I presume that all 505 sharks died when they became trapped.

Divers can report what sharks they've seen

2009-12-19T02:19:00.000-08:00

David "Why sharks matter" Shiffman says that there are 2 easy ways that SCUBA divers can help sharks. They can fill out a scientific survey about what sharks they've seen at their dive locations. This information is tremendously helpful to shark scientists around the world. For more information and a link to the survey, please click here: http://southernfriedscience.com/2009/12/09/a-great-way-for-scuba-divers-to-help-sharks/ . And if you are looking for the perfect gift for a shark lover, visit the American Elasmobranch Society student store at http://southernfriedscience.com/2009/09/13/buy-cool-shark-stuff-and-help-students/. All proceeds from sales benefit student travel to scientific conferences.

Shark nets pushing sea lions to the brink of extinction

2009-12-16T23:25:00.000-08:00

The Advertiser on 3rd December had a little piece about shark nets pushing sea lions to the brink of extinction. The short article read “Nets intended for sharks trap & kill about 300 sea lions in SA every year and the species appears headed for extinction. Just 14,000 Australian sea lions remain & 85% live in SA. On the West Coast, breeding has started at 3 colonies, but the pups face a series of threats. Fishing nets, lines & lobster pots top the list in a recent report by SARDI to the federal Government. The Wilderness Society is campaigning against nets used to trap sharks by their gills. Marine campaigner Shen Dycer said sea lion feeding grounds & areas fished by gillnets “almost completely overlap in SA”.”

GREY NURSE SHARKS STILL IN DANGER OF BECOMING EXTINCT

2009-12-16T02:44:00.001-08:00

A study commissioned by the Federal Government shows that grey nurse sharks are still in severe danger of becoming extinct. The study found just over 1,000 of the sharks along the east coast of Australia. 5,000 are needed to sustain the population. Accidental hooking is one of the main threats to the survival of the species. Nicky Hammond, the marine program manager for the National Parks Association of NSW, says that we need to get sanctuaries in place before the shark goes extinct.

Many sharks are facing extinction

2009-11-18T23:10:00.000-08:00

According to the web page found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8367045.stm, scientists say that the flapper skate, Dipturus intermedia, could become the first marine fish driven to extinction by commercial fishing. According to the web page found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8117378.stm, many sharks are facing extinction. According to an assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), many species of open ocean shark are under serious threat. The Red list gives the status of 64 types of shark and ray, over 30% of which are threatened with extinction. IUCN's Shark Specialist Group says that overfishing is a main cause.

Photos of brown-banded bamboo sharks

2009-10-16T02:20:00.000-07:00

3 photos of brown-banded bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium punctatum) by Brian Mayes can be seen via flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmayes/sets/72157619145239269.

Sharks caught by UK vessels must now be landed with the fin attached.

2009-10-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

According to the web page found at http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=10-2009&day=14&id=34183&l=e&country=0&special=&ndb=1&df=0, "Sharks caught by UK vessels must now be landed with the fin attached. Shark finning regulations will be strengthened by new permit controls, announced UK Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies.
Special fishing permits allowing the removal of shark fins at sea for English, Welsh and Northern Irish registered fishing vessels will no longer be given. Scotland also plans to stop issuing these permits to its boats. Mr Irranca-Davies believes the initiative will set an example for the globe.

Shark displays at SA Whale Centre

2009-10-14T03:12:00.000-07:00

As reported previously, some of Rodney Fox's shark museum displays are now located within the SA Whale Centre at Victor Harbor. Here is a photo of myself studying a white pointer from the safety of a cage.

Why Sharks Matter

2009-10-14T02:34:00.000-07:00

To learn more about sharks, please add David WhySharksMatter Shiffman as your facebook friend. You can also follow David Shiffman on Twitter @WhySharksMatter.

Help protect Florida's lemon sharks!

2009-10-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

Florida's lemon sharks needs your help! These animals aggregate off of the coast of Jupiter, Florida each year to mate. Since they are slow growing and take a long time to reproduce, lemon sharks are particularly vulnerable to overfishing- they need protection now! Please take a minute to sign this petition to protect them: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/4/urgent-help-needed-to-protect-lemon-sharks

Florida's lemon sharks needs your help!

2009-10-14T02:30:00.000-07:00

Lemon sharks aggregate off the East Coast of Florida every winter. They are an enormously popular attraction for scuba divers, giving a welcome boost to Florida's struggling recreational diving industry. But commercial fishermen are gearing up to target lemon sharks now. The primary purpose for this harvest is for their fins, which is a cruel and wasteful use for this animal. We need your support to stop the slaughter!Research with satellite tags shows that the lemon sharks' winter aggregation is composed of individuals from up and down the Eastern Seaboard and the Bahamas. These large gatherings occur in a relatively small area off Palm Beach, close to shore and within a highly predictable time frame. This makes them easy targets, and scientists studying Florida's Lemon Shark Aggregation fear that commercial fishers can wipe out the lemon sharks in just one or two seasons.Till now the commercial lemon shark fishery has been tiny -- less then 15,000 lbs annually nationwide. The Sandbar Shark, which is now protected, has had a commercial annual quota of 2 million pounds. Because of the new protections for Sandbar Sharks and other fish, commercial fishers have clearly stated their intention to re-direct fishing effort to lemon and other large sharks.Large coastal sharks, including lemon sharks, hammerheads, bull sharks and tiger sharks, have already suffered massive declines of over 90% in the past 30 years, and are badly in need of protection.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seriously considering adding Lemon Sharks to the Prohibited Species List and your support is absolutely critical!!If you value sharks and want to help save these beautiful and ecologically important animals, please sign this petition (at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/4/urgent-help-needed-to-protect-lemon-sharks)

Megalodon's teeth

2009-09-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

Megalodon's teeth were up to 17cm long. Like most sharks, Megalodon's teeth were probably located in rows which rotated into use as they were needed. Most sharks have about 5 rows of teeth at any time. The front set does most of the work. The first two rows are used for obtaining prey, the other rows rotate into place as they are needed. As teeth are lost, broken, or worn down, they are replaced by new teeth. Megalodon may have had hundreds of teeth at one time. They did not chew their food like we do, but gulped it down whole in very large chunks.
The jaws were big enough for the Megalodon shark to be able to swallow a whole Rhinoceros! (Source: "W H AL E E C H O E S - From South African Shores", Official Newsletter of the Whale Mark Organisation, September 2009)

Megalodon shark

2009-09-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

Megalodon was an ancient shark that may have been 12 m or more long. Some scientists estimate (from many fossilized teeth and a few fossilized vertebrae that have been found) that it could have been 15.5 to 31 m long! This is at least 2-3 times longer than the Great White Shark. The giant fossilized teeth are the size of a person's hand! Since Megalodon's teeth are very similar to those of the Great White Shark (but bigger and thicker), it is thought that Megalodon may have looked like a huge, streamlined version of the Great White Shark. 'Megalodon' is Greek for 'big teeth'.
(Source: "W H A L E E C H O E S - From South African Shores", Official Newsletter of the Whale Mark Organisation, September 2009)

SHARK HAVEN IN PALAU

2009-09-27T04:57:00.001-07:00

According to the web page found at http://www.divemagazine.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=5365&v=1 , “Palau creates shark haven, by Simon RogersonThe Pacific nation of Palau is to create the world's first shark sanctuary, banning all fishing of sharks and stingrays in its territorial waters. Shark conservationists are hoping the move will create a domino effect, leading other nations to create similar sanctuaries. The country's leader, President Johnson Toribiong, announced Palau's environmental plans when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York today, bringing the shark-finning issue to the attention of the political elite.