954-766-2794
Guy Harvey Leads Isla
Mujeres Expedition To Deploy Satellite SPOT Tags to Study Mako Shark Migrations
DAVIE, FL— APRIL 9,
2013— The tagging and tracking of shortfin mako sharks in late March off
the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico is expected to provide scientists with
remarkable and previously unknown details about the timing and long-distance
migratory movements of this vulnerable species in the Atlantic Ocean.
An expedition headed by the Guy Harvey Research Institute
(GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University, tagged mako sharks with the satellite
reporting SPOT tags. Unlike the more commonly used pop-up satellite PAT tags,
SPOT tags should provide multiple and more accurate daily detections, providing
scientists with a high resolution view of the migration patterns of this
animal.
For a visual snapshot of the expedition, go to https://vimeo.com/63367194
Given the high fishing pressure on makos for their fins and
meat, this species is showing declining population trends in parts of its
range, which has resulted in the species being listed as “Vulnerable” on the
IUCN Red List of threatened species.
Last year a shortfin mako shark dubbed “Carol” in New
Zealand was tagged with a SPOT tag and is showing an amazing journey that has covered
nearly 9,500 miles over ten months, averaging 60 miles per day during some
parts of her migration. GHRI
collaborated with the New Zealand National Institute of Water an Atmospheric
Research (NIWA) on the tagging of “Carol” and three other mako sharks off New
Zealand.
Internationally known marine artist, scientist and
conservationist, Dr. Guy Harvey, who returned to Isla Mujeres for the second
consecutive year, described the most recent expedition in his online blog,
which can be found at http://www.GuyHarvey.com/guys-journal.
Shark biologist Dr. Brad Wetherbee with GHRI and the
University of Rhode Island, angler and WTVJ NBC 6 weather anchor Jennifer
Reeves and Emmy Award winning producer/cameraman George Schellenger accompanied
Dr. Harvey. The team worked with Captain Anthony Mendillo of Keen M International.
Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Director of the GHRI at Nova Southeastern,
said the newly tagged shark, named “Jen” for Jennifer Reeves (who caught the
shark), can soon be followed on a new website combining all tracking projects
into one integrated portal.
“The public interest
in GHRI’s shark movement research has been amazingly strong,” said Dr. Shivji,
who reported that the New Zealand online mako satellite-tracking site has
received nearly 73,000 unique visitors over the last seven months, equating to an
average of over 10,000 unique visitors per month.
“We hope to replicate the tremendous success of our New
Zealand research in the Atlantic,” said Dr. Harvey. ”Now we have a new group of
Atlantic makos to follow which should reveal much new information on their
seasonal movements in our part of the world, including the route that they take
and distances traveled.”
About the Guy Harvey Research Institute at
NSU:
Established
in 1999, the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at NSU is collaboration
between the renowned marine artist, scientist and explorer, Dr. Guy Harvey, and
Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center. The mission of the GHRI is
to provide the scientific information necessary to understand, conserve, and
effectively manage the world's marine fishes and their ecosystems. The GHRI is
one of only a handful of private organizations dedicated exclusively to the
science-based conservation of marine fish populations and biodiversity. The
research, education and outreach activities of the GHRI are supported by the
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, AFTCO Inc., extramural research grants,
philanthropic donations by private businesses and individuals, and NSU. http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/index.html
About Guy Harvey
Ocean Foundation:
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is a leader in international efforts to
protect our oceans and marine environments. The GHOF advocates for sustainable
fishing practices, funds inspired scientific research and supports innovative
educational programs. Our principle objective is to help ensure that future
generations will enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced ocean ecosystem
where fish and other marine wildlife flourish. GHOF has led or assisted include
the establishment of a shark sanctuary in Bahamian federal waters, the addition
of five species of sharks to Florida’s protected list and the enactment of the
U.S. Billfish Conservation Act. In the fall of 2012, the GHOF led a petition drive
in support of the National Conservation Law in the Cayman Islands. The GHOF
also assisted the launch of the first catch-and-release fishing tournament in
Venezuela.
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.
