Shark Advocates International - Smart

This week marks the launch of Shark Advocates International, a new, non-profit initiative dedicated to conserving some of the ocean’s most vulnerable, valuable, and neglected animals – the sharks.

Built on long-term experience and focused expertise, Shark Advocates International (SAI) is poised to be a leader in the battle to protect sharks from overfishing and finning (slicing off a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea).

“Sharks are among the oceans’ most vulnerable animals and, now -- more than ever -- they need our help,” said Shark Advocates International President, Sonja Fordham, who brings nearly 20 years of shark conservation experience to the new post. “After decades of steady progress, recent months have brought serious setbacks in international shark conservation. Starting immediately, Shark Advocates International will fight to reignite and accelerate progress toward effective shark safeguards.”

The decade from 1995 to 2005 saw the adoption of an United Nations International Plan of Action (IPOA) for Sharks, the first protections for sharks under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and the adoption of international finning bans covering most of the globe. Recently, however, progress on the international shark policy front has been disrupted. None of the eight shark species proposed for CITES listing gained such protections by the end of the March 2010 Conference of CITES Parties. Just months before, the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) failed to set catch limits on overfished mako sharks or to close loopholes in the ICCAT finning ban, as proposed by several countries. A new global shark agreement under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) offers hope, but has yet to be implemented.

Most sharks are exceptionally susceptible to overfishing due to slow growth, late maturity, and small numbers of young. Lack of shark fishing limits in the face of strong demand for shark fins, meat and liver oil has resulted in serious declines in shark populations around the world. Given that most sharks are top predators, shark depletion can negatively affect entire marine ecosystems.

SAI aims to collaborate with other interest groups, scientists, and governments, to secure international, as well as national and regional policy advances, including:


International fishing limits for sharks and rays

Full protection for particularly threatened species

Stronger finning bans at the US, EU, and international levels

Continued recovery for US Atlantic species, such as spiny dogfish and dusky sharks

EU fishing limits on oceanic shark species, such as makos and threshers

Management for developing fisheries for blue sharks, smooth dogfish, and cownose rays

Listings for commercially valuable sharks under CITES,

Regional shark conservation plans, as per CMS and the Shark IPOA

“Shark conservation is at a critical juncture and great advances are within our reach,” added Fordham. “While key shark protections have been denied, awareness of the shark’s plight has never been higher. Our team will mobilize diverse coalitions and brave tough policy arenas to defend sound policies and help secure a brighter future for these remarkable animals.”

Jeff Corwin Reports - Sharks in Oil Disaster

Some of the best coverage of the ongoing oil disaster in the Gulf can be found at Huff Post. I have been less than thrilled with the major media who, for the most part, have been treating this massive ecological disaster as a "one dimensional talking point memo" featuring vacuous reporters spitting out inane eco bytes.

Enter Jeff Corwin who went hands on for CBS in the Gulf recently to pose questions and cover ongoing research in the region with sharks. Jeff is one of the few reporters who brings home this unfolding disaster in terms that are understandable and immediate (see video).

On a personal note I came close to throwing a brick through the television this am watching a morning show anchor describe the "good news" that thousands of gallons of chemical dispersant was being dropped on the oil so it would sink to the bottom of the ocean rendering the oil "safe."

News Anchor Test

To put this into perspective. Take your morning coffee. Add a teaspoon of motor oil. Now add a half teaspoon of chemical dispersant. Let sit while these toxic chemicals bind with the motor oil and drop to the bottom of your coffee.

Now drink. No? Thought so.


Watch CBS News Videos Online

Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge - Research Tracking in Action

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge has revealed the science behind its new shark fishing tournament model with a tagged female and possibly gravid Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) reporting back to Mote Marine Labs this week.

"Bucky's Baby" is on a long distance swing outside the tournament area and providing real time data to waiting researchers who have launched an interactive website providing website viewers with:

- The option to subscribe to a daily project update by email (works great if you're interested in the day-by-day movements)

- Additional tournament info with links

- Specifics on Bucky's Baby and general information on bull sharks

- An option to "Adopt" Bucky's Baby to help fund the research

Shark conservation initiatives take many forms and are often lead by industry leaders willing to step out from traditional molds to create new conservation paradigms. The team behind the GHUSC are a unique group of thinkers and industry folks, from Mote Marine Labs, The Humane Society, to well known oceans advocate Guy Harvey who are trying to change the way we catch sharks, run tournaments, and ultimately treat the resource as a sustainable effort.

After three decades of protests and efforts to educate fishermen, shark kill tournaments are still the tournament of choice in the sport fishing industry. The GHUSC is one way forward to address sport caught shark take.

In tandem with other initiatives like the Shark Free Marinas these "out of the box ideas" to address shark conservation will effect real and lasting change. There are no silver bullets in the shark conservation world, just smart thinking, planning and execution.

Kudos to everyone involved.

Costa Rican Conservation Network - First Person Shark Fin Report

Allan Bolaños needs an award.

For the past few years the conservation world has been missing a key element in the shark fin story, first person and eye witness accounts of the ongoing shark slaughter.

We follow a number of blogs on the Internet and the Costa Rican Conservation Network is one of them.

Allan is a Pretoma marine researcher, after a week long odyssey with long liners in the region he comes back with this bloody, if not completely credible, first person report.

Not only is shark finning as bad as reported in the region but the "choicest fins" are in fact the most bizarre with the the caudal fin, or “timon” in Spanish being the most sought after fins on the Costa Rican market right now.

"In my last trip on the open ocean I observed that the shark finning problem is probably worse then ever”, he said. ”One species in particular, scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) are being targeted the most. You can’t sell its meat back in port, but its fins are well received.”

Allan's complete report is here.

Kudos to the entire team for this post. More about the CRCN here.

Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge - Industry Change

Bucky Dennis. This name was synonymous with an outpouring of anger last summer as professional angler Bucky Dennis hunted down and killed a 1060lb pregnant Great Hammerhead.

The second biggest of his fishing career.

Enter the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge and industry lead change to the perception of sport caught sharks and regional shark tournaments.

Shark conservation initiatives take many forms and are often lead by industry leaders willing to step out from traditional molds to create new conservation paradigms. The team behind the GHUSC are a unique group of thinkers and industry folks, from Mote Marine Labs, The Humane Society, to well known oceans advocate Guy Harvey who are trying to change the way we catch sharks, run tournaments, and ultimately treat the resource as a sustainable effort.

After three decades of protests and efforts to educate fishermen, shark kill tournaments are still the tournament of choice in the sport fishing industry.

Having Bucky Dennis become an early adopter and ambassador for this new kind of shark tournament is a good first start.

Controversial? You bet.

With recent dead sharks washing up again on beaches in Florida (great coverage) attributed by conservationists to "shark fishing from shore" the need for some sort of industry change is now. This effort is the first of what will inevitably be a series of efforts to change the sport caught shark model, evolving, and educating along the way.

As we have long said. Shark conservation begins with "One."

One person. One idea. One initiative at a time.

Full coverage.

Speaking of Aliwal Shoal - Research Paper

We spend a lot of time reading research papers on shark tourism and conservation. This week, in between dives for big critters off the coast of Nags Head, we read this paper on famed shark diving dive site, Aliwal Shoal.

Published in the African Journal of Marine Science in 2009 it is a fascinating read:

Abstract

Understanding socio-economic aspects of the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier diving industry, including information on participant expectations, experiences and expenditure, is necessary for the effective management of the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area on the east coast of South Africa. Between January and December 2007, a total of 2 133 tiger shark dives was conducted by 1 065 divers (95% CI = 946-1 198). Data were collected by means of the administration of a semi-structured survey questionnaire to 197 (18.6%) dive participants. Respondents indicated that the direct value of tiger shark diving to the Aliwal Shoal region was R12 405 274 (95% CI = R10 777 324-14 228 541). A total of 1 000 Monte Carlo simulations was used to estimate confidence intervals. On a ranking from one (poor) to five (excellent), the average participant response to overall quality of dive and standard of dive operator was 4.6 and 4.7 respectively. The majority of divers (98.0%) observed a tiger shark, at an average of four per dive. Although tiger sharks approached to an average distance of 1.6 m from divers, the majority (95.9%) felt safe and enjoyed the experience. The majority of interviewees (88.5%) supported the use of chumming for a closer 'tiger shark experience'.

To get a copy go here.

Oceana - End Run for Fisheries G-20

NGO Oceana is going for what amounts to an "end run" to limit fisheries in the G-20 nations.

As it turns out many of these unsustainable fisheries are made sustainable due to heavy fishing subsidies, money from governments that all but guarantee price stabilization and do not allow for markets to correct when fisheries become unsustainable.

Any movement on this front would benefit sharks and after the stunning losses at Doha we're supporting any continuing efforts to reign in unsustainable fisheries take.

Mission Blue features an all star cast of voices from the marine and conservation worlds demanding changes at the next G-20 summit meeting:

“Subsidies encourage unsustainable operations, accelerating the depletion and ultimate demise of fish and fishermen alike. No fish, no fishermen.” said Dr. Sylvia Earle. “A new commitment to fisheries would demonstrate that G-20 can contribute to solving environmental problems of global consequence while fulfilling its shared responsibility for the economy and well-being for people of the world."

To get involved and to get informed please spend some time today to review the following press release.

Daniel Botelho Captures India

Underwater photographer and shark diver Daniel Botelho recently came back from India with a new set of images to behold.

We have been following Daniel for a while and are fans of his work, especially when it involves big charismatic terrestrials swimming in the ocean.

Last month Daniel unveiled his work in Mexico with sailfish. The sailfish site has been covered by a legion of underwater photographers his work is on par with some of the best out there.

Nice job Daniel on your latest adventures, here's his link.

TheLivingSea.com - Unique Images

Laz Ruda is one lucky photographer.

While on a recent dive trip off the coast of Florida he bumped into this critter on the bottom.

American alligators occasionally stray out into the ocean but unlike their salty cousins in Australia the ocean environment is unfortunately toxic to them.

Laz runs a terrific website called TheLivingSea.com where you can view more images and video of this rare encounter.

More media here.

Shark Revolution - Great Shark Idea

Hats off (once again) to the Da Shark over at Beqa in Fiji for introductions to the Shark Revolution website.

What is the Shark Revolution?

Shark Revolution is a communication project done by Nature online aisbl, an International non profit organization. The objective of this project is to re-establish the reality of our species and to propose a truce to regulate the relationship between our two communities.

We have decided to take the initiative so that you can see what our day to day life is like.

Our website will follow our adventure. We will produce a black and white photographic exhibition. An artistic book in black and white with the best photos of our encounters. We will produce books with children’s stories with the most representative elements of our life.

More here.

Gulf Oil Spill - Blowout Preventer and Swordfish

Plan A for BP and the Gulf oil spill was a multi ton blowout preventer. This high tech piece of equipment was meant to shut off oil from the well head some 5000 feet under the surface under a variety of circumstances.

That has failed.

Plan B is a massive clean up lasting for the next two decades.

Here's what a similar high tech piece of equipment looks like on the sea bed, and yes, that is a swordfish being rescued from the rig.

Amazing video:

India and Whale Sharks - Research

Good news from India and Veraval (Gujarat).

We have been following Indian efforts to protect and conserve whale shark populations off this coast for a while now.-

This week researchers re-acquired a previously identified whale shark releasing it from a net it was trapped in.

Efforts in Gujarat to bring tourism to the region with these gentle giants is a multi act affair with input from NGO's, private business, and the global whale shark database managed by ECOCEAN.

Complete story here.

Research in Action - Shark Data Atlantic

While browsing the web for hard data on shark stocks in the Atlantic we came across this paper from 2003.

Titled "Collapse and Conservation of Sharks in the Northwest Atlantic," and authored by Julia K. Baum, Ransom A. Myers, Daniel G. Kehler, Boris Worm, Shelton J. Harley,
Penny A. Doherty, this paper is a great read for those interested in shark population statistics and correlating fishing pressures over time.

Complete paper here.

Gulf Oil Spill - Bluefin Tuna Spawning

Gulf oil spill by the numbers:

210,000 - number of gallons flowing each day into the Gulf from a well head.

12 - number of days this wellhead has been gushing oil.

2,520,000 - number of gallons of oil spilled so far.

5000 - depth of wellhead (in feet).

70,000 - number of gallons of toxic oil dispersant being used to break up oil slicks each week.

80-90% - declines in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna stocks over the past decade to overfishing.

4-6 - months (April-June) that Atlantic Bluefin Tuna spawn in the Gulf region where the oil slick is currently present.

0-6 the depth (in feet) where spawning eggs and young survive.

Some of the best minds in conservation and fisheries are raising the alarm about Bluefin Tuna in the Gulf right now. Just one species being impacted by what will soon be the world's largest oil spill.

While the major media will focus on oil soaked birds it is important to know that the Gulf is essentially a giant nursery for a wide range of spawning aquatic animals that depend on the top trophic layer of the ocean for life.

The same layer now being contaminated by "oil and dispersant" and toxic soup growing in size every single day.

Americas Greatest Ecological Disaster - Oil Spill

What happened in Alaska in 1989 was once termed "Americas Greatest Ecological Disaster."

For Exxon the remote locale of Prince William Sound and low population base made this oil spill a "parachute journalism" affair.

For BP, 30-6000 barrels a day gushing into the Gulf, one of the most highly populated regions in the USA, media coverage will be nothing short of 24/7.

Add to the fact we are going into the summer season of re-run programming and what you have is the perfect media storm.

The Gulf is essentially a bowl, to get the best understanding of what is about to happen to the region over the summer pour 10 quarts of oil into your average Olympic swimming pool. At best it will be three months to drill a relief well in the region and even then there's no assurances that the oil will stop.

That's 2-6 million barrels of oil in the Gulf by the time the oil stops gushing in three months.

We covered a similar spill last fall by the numbers. The final number of spilled barrels will never be known in the East Timor Sea but one thing is for certain, media coverage in the Gulf will be intense and unflinching.

America's finest conservation moment and ongoing challenge is about to happen.

Let's consider putting aside other conservation efforts and instead turn our focus on the Gulf.

Once in a great lifetime conservation is called upon to act as one, to respond as one, and to rise to great challenges that transcend local and regional efforts.

This is that moment, and this is that challenge. Where will you be?

Rep Jon Riki Karamatsu - Chief Waffler

What a difference a few days can make.

As it turns out Hawaii's historic vote on a complete ban on shark fins was unanimous and the critical vote of Rep.Jon Riki Karamatsu went for the bill instead of against it...

...and then in a stunning display of "flip-flopping wafflery" Riki Karamatsu turned against the bill he just voted for and tried to kill it.

For one brief moment we had thought that Riki Karamatsu had
demonstrated real conservation leadership in Hawaii.

We of the conservation world dared dream that Riki might be the kind of leader who would listen to all sides of an issue but when it comes to issues about the environment, animal cruelty, and unsustainable practices Mr.Karamatsu would understand and act.

Sadly he's just a hack politico who will waver and waffle when important bills are in play pandering to whoever and wherever he can to get a vote or two.

DO NOT VOTE for this man in is race for the Lieutenant Governors seat in Hawaii.When the chips are down, Karamatsu is a poor choice for the oceans, the environment and Hawaii.

Complete story here.

Hawaii - Shark Fin Bill 2169 Passed!

Congratulations to Shark Allies and the many hundreds of industry folks far and wide who wrote letters, made appearances, worked with the media, and pushed and pushed until Shark Fin Bill 2169 was made into law yesterday by an almost unanimous vote.

The one hold out?

Rep.Jon Riki Karamatsu who, in the end, sided with shark fin interests. Riki, baby, what are you thinking?

This bill now goes before the Governor of Hawaii for signing, and why would she not want to sign ground breaking legislation that will demonstrate to the world that Hawaii is an international leader when it comes to conservation and our oceans?

This bill is not to be underestimated in its impact globally. Well done to all who had a hand in its creation and shepherding through the tough legislative process.

More media Washington Post.

Shark Blogging - Making Complete Sense

1800 blog posts and two years later Underwater Thrills has commented and opened the conversation on pretty much everything in the shark world, both good and bad.

One of the things we noticed, along with other early bloggers, was the need for our industry to show leadership.

Leadership in the form of conservation initiatives, film productions featuring sharks, and operations that treated the host country, the sharks and our divers with the same respect our industry was asking from politicians and those who would oppose commercial shark diving.

Today I was sent a blog post that made complete sense, from an industry member we have featured in the past reacting to major media and images online that served to reinforce the notion that our industry was populated by high octane thrill seekers with little care for the resource or the animals.

This post is a 180 degree change from earlier media and needs to be read far and wide. The writer makes complete sense and by challenging the "status quo" of the industry or even proposing ideas and plans for the future that others might disagree with is showing that quality that is most needed, leadership.

Our industry can only hope to be all that it can with open discussion. Painful though it may be sometimes it is necessary to look at where we once were, and visions for the future. 2010 was a sea change of opinion, web changes, operator lead shark initiatives, and positive media for sharks lead by operations who reacted to or who were lead by change.

Kudos for the post. We may not see eye to eye on 99% but when we do, it's nice to know someone will step out and get recognized.

Oil Spill in the Gulf - NOAA Update Site

For those interested in the ongoing efforts to stop 42,000 gallons of oil a day leaking into the Gulf of Mexico NOAA has set up a strategic media site with regular updates.

Summary:

Natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) activities are now underway. The plan for attacking the spill has the following elements:

• Try to activate the blow-out preventer (BOP) using ROVs – could stop leaks in several days, if successful
  
• Use an undersea dome to contain leaking oil, rigged by ROVs – has not been tried this deep before
  
• Drill relief wells which could then be plugged - this process could take several months
  
• Aggressive skimming and dispersing of oil on the surface – ongoing
  
• Assessment and protection of coastal resources at risk - thousands of feet of oil containment and deflection boom are ready to deploy, experts are on-scene and en route

Read here.

BP reports profit surge, battles oil spill

(UK:BP. 610.00, -16.80, -2.68%) said its profit rose to $6.08 billion from $2.56 billion during the same period of 2009. Excluding the impact of energy prices on unsold inventories as well as $49 million of one-time items, and BP would have earned $5.65 billion, topping consensus estimates by about $900 million.

Revenue rose to $74.42 billion from $48.09 billion.

The stock is up about 2% this year, lagging rival Royal Dutch Shell.

Meanwhile in the Gulf of Mexico an oil spill disaster at a BP well continues to spill 45,000 gallons of oil a day into the ocean. US law requires oil companies to pay for oil spill clean ups.

We're not financial wizards at this shark blog but shorting BP stock at this point might seem like a sound financial strategy:

MTV and Sharks - Bumper?

Not sure where to go with this one. Nicely done as far as Euro spoofs go, but a white shark?

Alison Kock has a point - South Africa

When you start a major media piece about shark diving with the following observations, nothing good can follow:

GANSBAAI, South Africa — Jaw gaping with razor-sharp teeth bared, the great white shark launches after the tuna bait and smacks into the metal cage holding a row of wetsuit-clad tourists.

That's the beginning of an article this week about shark diving in South Africa. Fortunately shark researcher Alison Kock was there to make a point, a very good one:

"From a scientist's side, our main issue with the industry is irresponsible practices. We support the industry as long as it's respectful of the sharks, it treats them well, and people get an educational and informative trip."

The shark diving article is here, and is filled with the usual media hype and quotes.

Glad to see Alison bringing the conversation to a pro-shark, pro-industry level. Thanks.

Guadalupe Island - New Conservation Video

Only Oceans Aloft could bring you aerial shots of Isla Guadalupe like these and their latest conservation video covers shark conservation at Isla Guadalupe from both historical and political perspectives.

Featuring show host host Natasha Stenbock, CICIMAR's Dr Mauricio Hoyos, conservation NGO Wildcoast, and some great underwater footage shot with Horizon Charters and Shark Diver in 2009.

This conservation video tackles "Conservation Shark Diving" head on and the viewer comes away with a richer understanding of what Isla Guadalupe means to the many thousands of shark divers who have been coming to this unique and pristine island since 2002.

Great industry quotes from Horizon vessel Captain Spencer and dive operations manager Martin Graf as well. Shark finning video courtesy of Sharkwater Productions.

Oil Spill in the Gulf - Whale Shark Impact?

For the past two years we have been covering whale shark aggregations off the coast of Morgan City, Louisiana.

Upwards of 40-100 animals at a time have been sighted here year after year and have become both industry and major media news.

Scientist Eric Hoffmayer has been studying these groups as far out as 100 miles from shore and that's where this weeks news from the Gulf takes a decidedly nasty turn.

The Swiss-based Transocean Ltd's Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded and sunk last week leaving many in the region to worry about ongoing oil seeping from the wellhead at 5000 feet. The worst case scenario has happened and now experts agree close to 1000 barrels a day are leaking to the surface or close to 42,000 gallons of oil.

Oil clean up crews have dumped over a million gallons of chemical oil dispersant into the region and more is sure to come in an effort to break up the oil on the surface. As whale sharks feed on the surface this oil and chemical dispersant does not bode well for these peaceful giants of the Gulf.

More from RTSEa Blog.

California Shark Research - Nuclear Options

Question: How do you age validate sharks?

Unlike trees or even mammals sharks are cartilaginous, they do not have bones or tree rings to look over after they die.

Bones and tree rings can give you the age of your target research specimen pretty quickly. With most shark species that's a much harder proposition.

Enter some smart folks at the Pacific Shark Research Center in California who are doing age validation of sharks and rays using radiocarbon isotopes.

As it turns out above ground testing of nukes in the 50's and 60's dropped these isotopes (¹⁴C) all over the planet and for a time every living thing on the planet had higher levels in their bodies. By tracking these higher levels in cartilage researchers can get a pretty accurate look at the age of long lived sharks like the white shark.

For more information go here.

Palau Shark Sanctuary - Video Interview

We follow a number of blogs one of which is The Palau Shark Sanctuary Blog Shark Talk.

For those that do not know the inspiring story of Dermot Keane there's a new video interview out that makes for fascinating watching:

When Irishman Dermot Keane visited Palau for the first time, he wasn’t aware of the disruptive fishing techniques, or the shocking shark finning that was going on around the island. But once he did, he decided to do something about this.

Big time!

Oceanic Dreams - Watch This Video

Thanks to Oceanic Dreams for posting this conservation PSA.

Have we evolved in our stewardship of the oceans?

This PSA might suggest we have a long way to go just yet. Impressive media, and this is how you do conservation messaging. The subject matter is stark, ugly and frank.

As conservationists we have to look at these issues in the wider context, for the rest of the world policy making by politicians and viral media PSA's like this one are an absolutely effective means of changing hearts and minds.

Well done.

Hawaii - Shark Fin Bill 2169 Almost Law?

Hawaii's complete ban on shark fins and shark fishing could soon be be made into law after Tuesday's vote.

A vote that has the potential to open a deep fissure in the worldwide trade and sales of shark fin and a vote that will set a unique precedent.

Under the new Bill 2169 shark fins could not be harvested, sold or owned.

The bill is heading for final votes in the Hawaii Legislature. The bills main stumbling block, a conference committee, agreed on the measure Tuesday, sending it to the House and Senate for approval.

Shark conservationists maintain the ban is key to shutting down the overfishing of sharks for their fins is causing an imbalance in the oceans. Currently the price of shark fin is hovering at 1980's gold price levels and is used primarily for soup.

As Stefani Brendl from Shark Allies put it when the final vote was read:

"It's Alive! Getting it out of conference was by far one of the most difficult and critical steps in this process. Many people would have bet that it won't happen. There was doubt and criticism until the very last moment. But here it is! The impossible became possible! This is really a historic moment!!!"

Pete Thomas Outdoors - Brazil Shark Fin Bust

If you have not yet become a fan of the Pete Thomas Outdoors blog you should do so soon.

Investigative journalism is what this blog is all about. And it's no surprise because Pete is a reporter with a free reign to cover just about anything. Fortunately one of the things he cares about are our oceans, and more specifically sharks.

Pete covered a recent shark fin bust from Brazil that no one is talking about yet. One ton of fins destined for Japan with a $29,000 fine.

"The owner of the export company in Brazil was fined $29,700 and crews of the fishing boats also are expected to be penalized for illegally slaughtering sharks."

Good to have Pete on our side.

Complete story.

Fly Fishing's Mount Everest - Hydrocynus goliath

Angler biologist Jeremy Wade has a hit show on Discovery Networks travelling around the world to catch and release some of the planets more extreme underwater critters.

It's a great job if you can get it.

The critter he is holding is fly fishing's Mount Everest, it is Hydrocynus goliath and to date few have actually caught one and lived to tell the tale.

For obvious reasons this critter is hard to catch (namely teeth) and the fact you'll find it in the Congo River Basin an area not known for friendly gastronomic flora, insects, rival militaristic rebel groups or even ease of travel.

Still, as far as freshwater predators go, this one is at the top of the list. Nice catch, great show.

Still interested?

As rare as "Unobtanium" - Shark attack Guadalupe?

What are the chances that you will have your vessel attacked at Isla Guadalupe by a white shark?

If you are running commercial operations at this pristine and unique island the chances are close to 0% percent. In fact in the many years we have been to this site it has never happened. These animals are curious, but just not that aggressive towards small floating vessels.

If you are running research operations at this pristine and unique island the chances are, once again, close to 0%.

If you are Discovery Networks and stuntman Charles Ingram who are only at this dive site for 72 hours to film a white shark special, the chances that a white shark will attack your floating dinghy with your show host inside are closer to 100%.

Is this real television, stunt work, staged animal filming, or just plain "good luck" for the production company?

"Trieste" by any other name

While the rest of the planet went about its daily business last week a small but dedicated group of explorers joined together in celebration in Washington.

There were gathered to celebrate mans first descent to 35,800 feet and Don Walsh who is the only surviving member of that stunning dive. A groundbreaking exploration he accomplished with dive partner Jacques Piccard...50 years ago.

Luminaries from James Cameron to Sylvia Earl were on hand to congratulate the man, the submarine, and the achievement. They were also on hand to ruminate about the possibilities of going back.

50 years ago deep water technology did not include composite materials, lightweight carbon, and newer composite viewing windows.

As the Washington Post wrote last week, Don Walshes descent almost ended before it began:

At 31,000 feet, they echo-sounded for the bottom. There was no return. At 32,400 feet, a thick window cracked with a bang. Farther down they went. Into the bleak hadal zone, named for Hades, the ancient Greek underworld. Finally, at 35,800 feet, then-Navy Lt. Don Walsh, 28, phoned the surface: "This is Trieste. We are on the bottom of Challenger Deep. . . . Over."



Complete story and video.

Rep Jon Riki Karamatsu - Conservationist!

NOT!

What a difference a few days can make. As it turns out Hawaii's historic vote on a complete ban on shark fins was unanimous and the critical vote of Rep.Jon Riki Karamatsu went for the bill instead of against it...

...and then in a stunning display of flip-floppery Riki Karamatsu turned against the bill he just voted for and tried to kill it.


For one brief moment we had thought that Riki Karamatsu had demonstrated real conservation leadership in Hawaii. We dreamed that Riki might be the kind of leader who would listen to all sides of an issue but when it comes to issues about the environment, animal cruelty, and unsustainable practices Mr.Karamatsu understands and acts.

Sadly he's just a hack politico who will waver and waffle when important bills are in play pandering to whoever he can to get a vote or two.


DO NOT VOTE for this man and is race for the Lieutenant Governors seat in Hawaii.When the chips are down, Karamatsu is a poor choice for the oceans, the environment and Hawaii.

Complete story here.

Oceans Documentary - Filming Whites Guadalupe

Catch, Release, Conserve: The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge

Sport fishing, science, business and humane interests are coming together for the first time in support of a new kind of catch-and-release fishing tournament for sharks that demonstrates that a fishing competition really can support shark protection while providing the excitement that spectators and anglers have come to expect.

The new Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge series is a catch-and-release only competition off the Southwest Florida coast, beginning with a qualifying round April 30 - May 2 at Burnt Store Marina in Lee County and concluding with a Grand Championship Finale May 21-23 at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota. During the tournament, fishermen will compete by catching sharks and scientists will tag the sharks for conservation research purposes to learn more about the animals' travels in the wild. Spectators will be able to watch the action live via video from the boats.

"For the first time, what we call a ‘love 'em and leave 'em' shark tournament will be transformed into a true spectator sport," said Sean Paxton. He and his brother, Brooks, known as the Shark Brothers, are creators and directors of the event. Along with Co-Director and Associate Producer Capt. Robert Moore, they said: "Our shared vision for this tournament is to effectively combine the goals of sport, science and conservation. By leveraging modern broadcast technology, we'll also be providing spectators onshore with an exciting and educational multimedia experience."

The Humane Society of the United States views the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge tournament design as a significantly more humane alternative to traditional catch-and-kill shark tournaments. "We know shark species are in decline and that we need to better understand their life histories in the wild," said John Grandy, Ph.D., senior vice president of HSUS. "We think this tournament format will help support necessary protection for sharks that would have died in a traditional kill tournament."

The tournament was developed in 2009 when the Paxtons approached Robert Hueter, Ph.D., director of Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Shark Research, about the idea of an innovative catch-and-release shark tournament. Hueter had run a successful all-release, research-oriented shark tournament from 1989 to 1998 along the southwest Florida coast. Together with Capt. Moore, the group then teamed up with renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist and conservationist Guy Harvey, Ph.D., to present a model for responsible sport fishing that promotes shark protection.

Harvey, a longtime marine conservationist and founder of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, said the tournament will increase global awareness of the important role that sharks play in the world's oceans and our ecosystem. "The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament Series will be a uniquely exciting event for participants, spectators and everyone who cares about the future of our oceans," he said.

Hueter and staff from Mote's Center for Shark Research will oversee the scientific aspects of the tournament, including tagging operations. Anglers will attach identification tags to as many sharks as possible and scientists will outfit a number of sharks with satellite-linked transmitters that will track shark movements after release. Hammerhead and bull sharks will be the focus of the satellite tagging efforts, but other species may be tagged as well. The satellite tags are designed to transmit location and other information about the shark's travels when the animal's dorsal fin breaks the surface of the water.

Once the satellite tags are deployed, the public will be able to follow these sharks' travels on the Internet for as long as one year or more.

"This project will provide a breakthrough in collaborative research involving the marine science and recreational fishing communities," Hueter said. "The fishermen deserve great credit for embracing this new approach. By working together to develop a 21st-century, conservation-oriented alternative to the more traditional kill tournament, the Mote Center for Shark Research and tournament organizers hope to provide a national model for the responsible use of marine resources."

Supporting tournament organizers in this collaborative effort are Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah; Luke Tipple, director of the Shark-Free Marinas Initiative; and John Land Le Coq, co-founder of Fishpond USA, a prominent outdoor and fishing equipment retailer. All involved share a view that this event should become the "next generation" model for shark fishing competitions.

"Shark-Free Marinas has been involved with the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge since its inception and is in full support of its methodology," Tipple said. "Sharks need protection and we need to manage the ways we utilize their stocks. In the past, some shark fishing tournaments have killed reproductively capable sharks, which are a dwindling resource. This catch-and-release format offers the best of both worlds, allowing the sport of shark fishing to directly contribute to our scientific understanding of their population status and functional life history."

Le Coq and Fishpond are also concerned about the status of sharks. "Fishpond must lead by example to influence the destructive perceptions of the magnificent sharks that roam our oceans in peril, and to help end the kill-oriented tournaments that have traditionally existed in ports around our country," Le Coq stated.

Sharks will be caught using heavy conventional tackle, to reduce time between hook-up and release of sharks, and the fishermen will use inline, non-stainless steel circle hooks that minimize injury to the sharks. Sharks will be measured in the water and then outfitted with either conventional ID or satellite tracking tags. Tail snares and other special equipment will be used for angler and animal safety, as well as for humane handling and release of the sharks.

Qualifying Round

* When: April 30 - May 2
* Where: Burnt Store Marina, 3192 Matecumbe Key Rd., Punta Gorda, Fla.

Grand Championship Finale

* When: May 21 - 23
* Where: Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Fla.

Shark conservation facts:

* Many shark species are imperiled worldwide. According to the World Conservation Union, about one-fifth of the 547 species of sharks and rays evaluated are considered threatened with extinction.

* Threshers, tigers, makos and blue sharks are all targeted in shark tournaments, along with hammerhead and bull sharks.

* There is still insufficient information available to evaluate the conservation status of about 100 shark species, many of which are also caught in tournaments.

* Anglers can be important collaborators in shark conservation efforts. Mote scientists have tagged more than 20,000 sharks over the past 20 years along Florida's Gulf Coast, with most tag returns by sport fishermen. Tagging allows Mote scientists to study shark abundance, movements and population dynamics, providing data for better management of shark populations.


Media Contacts

Tournament Directors: 941-416-1788 / 5073, Directors@TheUltimateSharkChallenge.com
Mote Marine Laboratory: Hayley Rutger, 941-374-0081, hrutger@mote.org
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation: 1-800-288-1227, info@guyharveyoceanfoundation.org
HSUS: Liz Bergstrom, 301-258-1455, ebergstrom@humanesociety.org

About Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation

Founded by marine biologist and artist Guy Harvey, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is an organization of philanthropists, conservationists, scientists and educators focused on developing sensible strategies for promoting the conservation of our oceans and nurturing the next generation of marine scientists and guardians of our seas.

About Mote Marine Laboratory

Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent nonprofit marine research organization. Mote is dedicated to advancing the science of the sea through the study of marine and estuarine ecosystems, through our public Mote Aquarium and through an education division that provides unique programs for all ages. Throughout 2010, Mote is celebrating its 55th Anniversary with special events highlighting its groundbreaking ocean research and outreach. Learn more at www.mote.org/55.

About The HSUS

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty - On the Web at humanesociety.org.

About Shark-Free Marinas

The Shark-Free Marina Initiative supports shark conservation at sport fishing and resort marinas by prohibiting the landing of any shark at the participating marina. Registered marinas will encourage sport shark-fishermen to exercise catch-and-release techniques. The acceptance of catch-and-release fishing techniques represents an incremental step in protecting valuable marine resources as well as providing valuable data for research organizations. SFMI also works with the community through it's Regional Ambassador program. For more information visit www.sharkfreemarinas.com.

Oceans Documentary - Stunning Images

To fully grasp the power of this image you need to click on it to get it to full size.

Now breathe.

Captured from Disney's latest documentary and the follow up to "Earth."

Oceans will be the "must see" documentary event of the summer featuring absolutely unparalleled footage of the undersea world.

Oceans opens April 22nd in the USA and just in time for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

Website here.

Shark Repelling Bracelet - For what species?

According to Repel Sharks, LLC and Bob Millings this anklet will repel sharks. The theory being that if you wear this item a potential shark bite might be averted.

It is well known that magnets repel some species of sharks but as far as we know none of these studies have been done on much larger charismatic in shore species like Tigers and Hammerheads.

Back in 2007 and again in 2008 we field tested shark repelling magnets in a non scientific study at Isla Guadalupe, Mexico with white sharks.

The results were less then satisfactory, in fact the sharks took no notice of the magnets and proceeded to devour presented hang baits.

So much for the concept and white sharks at least.

Companies that promote shark repelling devices should be bound by industry set testing with multiple species prior to making claims about repelling sharks.

Magnets are no replacement for site knowledge, local conditions, and decisions to remove yourself from the water when sharks are present.

Hawaii - Karyn Herrmann Shark Conservation

Another in a long string of well thought and researched articles about Hawaii's current conservation track record and the the problems with politicians who only see $$$ when it comes to the environment.

Case in point Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
who is currently attempting to kill new legislation that would ban shark finning, transshipment, and sales in Hawaii.

Karyn Herrmann:

Currently about 175 countries have signed an environmental treaty to halt shark finning. Will Hawaii really allow an entire marine species to be wiped out forever just to satisfy the palate of a so called "cultural tradition" or the mana of a mythological "deity"?

The only explanation that can be drawn from these most recent events in the Hawaii Senate is that the hidden, money-driven, black market of the Honolulu distributors has paid off both the advocates and the opponents of the bill. Clearly, shark finning is a multimillion-, possibly billion-dollar business in Hawaii, legal or not. When you have so many vocal entities opposing a ban that is supported globally, one must question if the entire process within the Hawaii Senate is riddled with corruption.