Bravo Mauricio - Isla Guadalupe Great

 

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Bull Sharks Killed in Playa del Carmen? Yup, We Know.

Image: proyectotiburon.blogspot.com

When you start blogging about the global commercial shark diving industry in 2008 you cover a lot of topics ranging from sharks, to conservation, to operations.

And after four years of blogging, 3800 posts, and over 1.5 million blog page views, we're running out of things to write about.

Well, let's qualify that to suggest we're starting to blog about the same issues over, and over, and over.

How many times can you talk about the shark nets in S.A?

Case in point, the ongoing shark slaughter (yes it is a slaughter) in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

We have been on this one since late 2009 and early 2010. It wasn't just us. Da Shark in Fiji has devoted many pages of good thoughts on the matter. He's the thing, there are good solutions being put forward by seasoned industry individuals in shark blogs and elsewhere.

Every commercial shark site is unique. Each site has its own mix of government regulation, or non regulation, dive site competition, outside pressures and in far too many cases - unwanted shark harvest.

While these mitigating factors may seem insurmountable they are all governed by basic conservation tenants and a plethora of tried and true conservation ideas and in place programs that work.

Getting back to Da Shark, once again he has proposed a number of these good ideas but will they be adopted? Probably not, and if anyone cares to note we're going into the third and fourth year of slaughter in Playa with no end in sight.

Yes, a number of good people have stepped up to help raise awareness and that is a good first start, but like all awareness programs the rubber meets the road when the slaughter ends or at least is curbed.

So for those wondering why we have been unusually quiet on the blog front? It's been covered.

It's up to the global shark diving industry now to innovate past what we have been talking about for many years. Up to individuals to create new tourism and conservation paradigms for sharks. It's not rocket science, it just takes time and energy and some thought. We're at the point now when it comes to shark conservation and commercial shark diving that many regional problems are in fact global problems being prosecuted elsewhere.

We'll stay active on the blog front, but just don't expect us to jump in on seemingly endless problems when real solutions, out of the box ideas, and innovation is as easy to access these days as a click of the mouse.

The commercial shark diving industry was born from the dive industry. It's time for those who dive with sharks to leave behind the stagnation and non innovative culture of diving and create something completely new and vibrant.

We know there are people out there ready to make this move. Make 2013 your year and maybe save some sharks along the way.

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Sorry Everyone - No Shark Diver Sale

 

So now to addressing a "rumor" swirling around the Internet and the industry that Shark Diver has been sold. Rumors in the shark diving industry are as commonplace as those annoying little balls that get on cheap fleece sweaters.

To those in the industry who trade in rumors exclusively, we know this news might be of particular interest to you, and thanks for the the continued interest in our little company for the past 12 years.

Seriously guys don't you have better things to do but follow our lead?

In all seriousness the company has not sold. A cartel of high powered investors has not offered us $2 million, and no, we are not going away anytime soon. 

The reason? Probabaly because our divers love us:

 2012 Isla Guadalupe Trip Reports

We offer great shark tours with great staff and at the end of the day Shark Diver is a great brand. It was built on a strong foundation and made better year after year with the help of some seriously smart and talented people. When you work with the best the end product is pretty darn good.

That's tourism 101.

See you all for season 13 and another year of incredible shark encounters. 

Maybe we can come up with a better rumor next year?

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Sharky Boo Boo? WARNING Do Not Drink Hot Liquids While Reading!

We saying we're wiser now, o.k?

We might actually be considered Grey Beards in the shark diving/conservation space after 12 years.

That's a long time in any industry. 

We have been watching with some amusement the antics of an entirely new crop of Shark Kids on the block because you would have to have been living under a rock not to notice the plethora of in-your-face shark shenanigans going on across the world.

These exploits with sharks run the gamut from Speedo wearing daredevils attaching themselves to monster white sharks, to half witted warrior class shark saviors traveling the world to post lip stick written signs at the sites of dead sharks decrying the global harvest.

"Save the Sharks!"

"Buy our T-Shirt!"

"Watch our Show!"

For the most part all of these exploits, stunts, and media moments have been carefully staged under the heading of Shark Conservation. To us older folks who have been around a while, this hyper race to "get noticed," smacks more and more of PT Barnum Hucksterism then actual shark saving.

And so it was with great satisfaction we noticed another Grey Beard in Fiji highlighting the same thing in this weeks blog post - Sharky Boo Boo.

Now a note of caution here. If you have just started in the shark world none of this post will make any sense to you, as this is the world you know filled with wacky folks doing wacky things with sharks. Perhaps to get a series on Discovery Networks, who knows.

If you happen to have been around a while, own your own shark diving company, done a few doco's, then this post should be read without a hot beverage nearby as we have discovered the hard way that posts like these and hot beverages do not mix. 

Thanks Da Shark, welcome back from the DEMA Shark Circus.

Remember a decade ago when there were only two shark booths?

My how time marches on.

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Research Associate Position - Shark Research and Conservation Program

Research Associate Position - Shark Research and Conservation Program

Position Description
The Shark Research and Conservation Program (SRCP) based at the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI), is seeking a Research Associate to assist with gener

al program management, including assisting with and/or overseeing all field research, education and outreach initiatives conducted by the program. The SRCP, founded in 2006, is based at the Cape Eleuthera Institute research facility situated on Cape Eleuthera, Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Over recent years the program has expanded its portfolio of elasmobranch related projects to include every major marine ecosystem in the greater Caribbean region and incorporates a diverse range of research techniques to approach predominantly applied conservation science questions.

This position would suite a recently graduated masters or PhD student wishing to expand their field experience and skill set. The ideal candidate is well-organized, attentive to detail, a self-starter who takes initiative, demonstrates stewardship, works well in adverse field conditions, has a passion for environmental conservation and a love of teaching students of all ages. They must be willing to stretch beyond a traditional job description as they live and work closely with the local community and The Island School (www.islandschool.org) and Deep Creek Middle School (www.dcmsbahamas.org). Research Associates work in a team environment with other research staff at CEI and will report to the SRCP Program Manager. Qualified Bahamians are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications & Skills
MSc in Biological Science or related field preferred, or BSc with 3 years relevant research experience
Extensive experience with elasmobranch field techniques including capture based surveys and safe handling practices
Experience with grant writing and fund raising
Experience in experimental design, and biological statistics
Strong writing and presentation skills supported by a good record of peer reviewed publications and conference proceedings
Prior teaching experience
Excellent computer skills which include experience in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and statistical packages
Experience handling and operating small boats
Data collection, organization and management experience
Must tolerate a seasonal (very) hot climate, bugs, long field days and isolated but tight-knit community

Responsibilities
Research
Assist with and/or manage a variety of SRCP research projects
Manage a variety of databases pertaining to several long term SRCP projects
Assist with development of new projects
Assist with the development peer reviewed publications
Oversee the maintenance of all SRCP research equipment
Hire, coordinate, train, and mentor SRCP research interns and volunteers
Provide logistical support for visiting scientists
Teaching
Develop and deliver two (2) elasmobranch related semester-long Island School research projects each year
Participate in Island School semester preparation, orientation and debrief
Develop and document lesson plans and syllabi
Deliver lectures and field based classes
Grade and provide feedback for core research assignments
Meet with parents during parent-teacher conferences held once a semester
Mentor and guide the student’s final project (Scientific Poster & Presentation) for the end of semester research symposium
Produce end of semester student reports
Outreach
Work with the Educational Programs team to present SRCP research efforts to visiting groups and the local community
Deliver up to two (2), week long, “Shark Week” programs each summer which are designed to give high-school students hands on research experience
Represent CEI at local and international events/conferences
Generate project updates and manage SRCP related content on the CEI webpage
Liaise with the communications department to create popular media (articles, blogs, press releases)
Compensation & Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience
Room, board and medical insurance
4 weeks of paid vacation per year
Eligibility to enrol in retirement package after two years of service
Professional development opportunities
The opportunity to be part of a fast growing, young, vibrant research and education organisation that provides multiple opportunities for networking, and interaction with other NGOs, regional government organizations and academic institutions
Schedule

This is a full-time position requiring a minimum one year commitment with the potential for extension depending on circumstance. CEI operates year round and working hours vary depending on project needs but are typically Monday-Friday (7:00 am – 4.30 pm), however, evening and weekend work will be required on occasions. Special events in the CEI/Island School calendar will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff have to be on site for extended periods.

Application
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample that addresses the following question: How can applied research initiatives enhance education and outreach efforts? Submit all of these materials in PDF format detailing your interest and experience. Please send all applications to: 6b6e+ac33@app.catchthebest.com (http://islandschool.catchthebest.com/apply/6b6e/ac33). We are collecting applications until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is February 1sh, 2013. We are a Bahamian equal opportunity employer.

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Remember those tongue eating fish parasites?

 In the hands of director Barry Levinson, you'll never eat crabs again.

NSFL - Not safe for lunch, or breakfast, or even dinner...ditto snack time.




About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

PEW Hiring for Global Shark Conservation

Manager, Global Shark Conservation

 Responsibilities:

• Manage campaign consultants and their activities, in support of the development and implementation of shark sanctuaries and other national level shark conservation measures in target regions of the world, such as in Latin America or the Pacific.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with decision makers, government officials and national and international institutions, as well as relevant NGOs in the field.
• Assist in the development and success of a clear and focused strategy to meet identified campaign goals at the global, regional and national level.
• Represent the Pew Environment Group and the campaign at meetings and events where shark conservation policies will be discussed.
• Assist in monitoring, analyzing and influencing emerging shark policy proposals at regional fisheries management organizations (International Convention on the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and other intergovernmental bodies such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
• Develop and coordinate the production and dissemination of scientific and policy documents, and outreach materials for campaign shark conservation efforts. 

Apply here, good hunting.

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.