Shark Tourism Under Siege - Hawaii

When chumming becomes illegal, shark tourism operators often find themselves in a tough battle for legitimacy:

KHON2 Hawaii

A debate that has churned in waters off Oahu's North Shore headed to court today.

Five men are charged with shark feeding.

Opponents of shark tour operations on Oahu's North Shore claim the practice endangers lives.

"We're all surfers, canoe paddlers, and it's a big public safety issue. And it's not because we're anti-business, if they want to conduct their business, then do it legally and stop feeding the sharks," Mahina Chillingworth of Hui O Hee Nalu.

"The shark tours pose no threat to humans, no threat to the sharks. What we have here is a form of eco-tourism which has really been a boon to the state," said attorney Tom Bush.

A handful of shark feeding opponents were at the Wahiawa courthouse to make sure their message was heard.

"We have thousands of signatures from people on the north shore community that oppose this shark feeding," said Chillingworth.

"There is absolutely not one shred of any evidence to show that these shark tours are not in any way , shape, or form endangering anyone," said Bush.

Complete Story.

New Shark-Free Marinas 1500 Marina Push

From the Shark-Free Marinas website this week:

After quite a bit of work from some very capable and knowledgeable people the new Shark-Free Marinas brochures are now available.

They feature artwork generously provided by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and scientific contributions from many of our advisors.

Click on the image for a larger view of the artwork and message. You may also use the link provided to download a PDF version on the bottom.

As you read this these brochures are speeding their way around the USA destined for 1500 marinas around the country. If you would like to recieve a package of 10 brochures please write to staff@sharkfreemarinas.com and tell us where you plan to hand them out. We suggest going into your local marina, dive shop, tackle store or classroom to talk about the need to protect our sharks.

A very special thanks to all who were involved especially those who let us use their names, message and artwork.

Download PDF version here.

Capt. Rob Kraut - Talking Sharks

A nice little pro-shark article this week by Florida's Capt. Rob Kraut.

I have been diving in South Florida for 7 years now and have never seen a Bull Shark or a Tiger Shark. I know they are out there but I and most of my dive buddies have never seen them.

Tiger Shark are very identifiable because they have faint stripes like a tiger. Bull Sharks have this huge chest cavity that make them look like Arnold Schwarzeneger if he were a shark.

Complete Article.

Undersea Voyager Project - Catalina Island

For the next 6 weeks the Undersea Voyager Project will be at depth in and around targets on Catalina Island. This is the second video in a series featuring the deepest and longest dive to date.

Submarine commander Scott Cassell will also be looking for unique shark species as well:

Gulf of the Farallones The Independent Review

The long awaited Official Independent Review of a 2009 badly hooked shark incident at the Farallones is out and now available to the public.

See review.

While this review goes a long way to addressing the health of a badly hooked shark during Dr. Domeiers tenure at the Farallones, it fails to address many of the root problems with this entire episode.

The stakes for this review are high as these sharks are a protected species, in a National Marine Sanctuary with a long history of pro-shark protectionism that has, over the years, enabled a series of deeply restrictive rules and regulations regarding commercial and public shark viewing at this site.

Questions regarding who was baiting white sharks at the time, who designed the hooks, shark hooking protocol, and many more are left unanswered in this review.

In fact the very nature of this "research" is in question as the research vessel, crew, and funding for this "research" came from Chris Fischer with Fischer Productions who was, at the time, shooting the entire effort for a multi-part National Geographic series called Shark Men.

Within the film and television community this production was considered one of the largest of it's kind. The stakes for National Geographic and for Fischer Productions were high. The series has gone on to be very successful commercially for Fischer Productions and National Geographic television.

The Farallones Manager Maria Brown and her staff knew this. What she signed off on was a hybrid operation comprised of members of Dr.Domeiers staff and that of a film and television production crew.

A crew that also touted a Hollywood actor as participant member (see link).

Never in the history of the sanctuary system, as far as we know, has such a crew been given the green light to bait (with whale meat) and hook a protected species within the boundaries of a National Marine Sanctuary, and no where in the recently released independent review is there mention of this.

So, what ultimately happened?

We might never know. The simple fact is the underpinnings of this review needs to address how the future of shark science is done within a National Marine Sanctuary. If commercial shark diving companies cannot bait, tow decoys, or even be within 164 feet of a white shark then the rules regarding hybrid film and television productions that are doing invasive shark research should be even more restrictive.

Or should they?

There's a white shark with 3/4 of a hook embedded in it's throat right now, a hook the size of a small dinner pan and to this day we have no idea who was on the other end of that baited line. Was that person a production member, or a scientist?

That this shark is still alive should come as some measure of relief to those who signed off on this project.

The fact that the recently released independent review makes no mention of this film and television production with its "trained staff" operating within a National Marine Sanctuary bodes badly for the future of the sanctuary program in general. It also speaks to the continued poor decision making of allowing Hollywood productions to conduct invasive shark research.

Winter migration and diving behaviour of porbeagle shark, Lamna nasus, in the Northeast Atlantic

"Winter migration and diving behaviour of porbeagle shark, Lamna nasus, in the Northeast Atlantic."

Abstract:

The porbeagle is one of the top marine predators in the North Atlantic. However, little is known about its biology, abundance, or spatial ecology there. Results are presented on the migration and behaviour of three porbeagles tagged with archival pop-up tags off Ireland between September 2008 and January 2009. One shark migrated >2400 km to the northwest of Morocco, residing around the Bay of Biscay for approximately 30 days. The other two remained more localized in off-shelf regions around the Celtic Sea/Bay of Biscay and off western Ireland. The sharks occupied a broad vertical depth range (0–700 m) and a relatively limited temperature range (∼9–17°C), with notable variations in diving behaviour between individual sharks. There were distinct day–night differences in depth distribution, each shark being positioned higher in the water column by night than by day. Night-time depth distribution also appeared to be driven by the lunar cycle during broad-scale migration through oceanic waters. Our results show that porbeagles occupy and traverse regions of high fishing activity where they are potentially vulnerable to population depletion. Such large-scale movement outside the ICES Area underlines the need for international coordination in their assessment and management.

Link to study.

Shark-Free Marinas - Adding 13 Marinas

The Shark-Free Marinas Initiative has just added 13 more marinas this week - more good news for Florida sharks:

Loggerhead Club and Marinas, operated by Seven Kings Holdings group, have today made a corporate decision to join Shark-Free Marinas. This means that all 13 locations are now registered with SFMI.

There will shortly be an official press release regarding this decision but we would like to extend a peremptory congratulations for being the first corporately owned chain of marinas to join SFMI.

It's not surprising that Loggerhead signed on, after all they already participate in the Florida Clean Marinas program and regularly participate in environmental programs concerning Floridas waterways.

You can see the list of their marinas in our USA business listing here.

Tagging 3000 Sharks - AU Study

Outstanding news from Australia this week as one of the largest of its kind shark tagging projects gets the green light to go ahead:

Scientists from James Cook University will carry out the three-year project, the largest of its kind carried out in 20 years, to determine how to balance shark fishing with supporting stocks in northern waters.

JCU fisheries researcher Andrew Tobin said the project was a necessary step for the long-term sustainability of both the sharks and the fishery.

"Sharks are harvested because shark fillet, often sold as flake, is an important and valuable product within the domestic seafood trade," Dr Tobin said.

Complete Story.

Corkscrew Killers Wine Challenge - GEERG Weighs In

If you want to know about the mysterious world of the Greenland Shark look no further then the fine researchers over at GEERG.


The mission of GEERG is to study the Greenland shark and other northern shark species in their natural environment. The results of our work are made available to the scientific community and to the general public, in particular to divers, academic institutions, schools and museums. Sharks are crucial to the world ocean's equilibrium.

As the prime suspect in the evolving Corkscrew Killer mystery in the U.K, the Greenland Sharks reputation might be misinterpreted, says Jeffrey Gallant, who wrote an Op Ed on the mystery back in June.

The Op Ed is a great read from a front line research team but we're still not convinced the notorious Corkscrew Killer is in fact anything but a shark.

The offer of a fine bottle of California wine still stands for proof of man made object(s) causing corkscrewed seals deaths in the U.K and Canada.

Bahamas Shark Expedition - Good Idea

With the stunning news last month that shark finning was being "looked into" by a seafood export company based in the Bahamas, a counter series of conservation media hits by Wolfgang Leander and others have been highlighting Bahamas sharks as a sustainable resource trying to fend off further shark fin discussions in the region.

Now an expedition with Dr. Guy Harvey and Jim Abernathy is providing a much needed media lift to this discussion by documenting Bahamas sharks.

Good news indeed.

That Travel Chick Joins Shark Diver 2010 - Part Four

That Travel Chick aka Fort Lauderdale's Amanda joined us at Guadalupe Island in 2010 for the ultimate shark encounter. This is Part Four in her ongoing series diving with great whites and Shark Diver.

Her travel series is a must read for budding shark fans worldwide:

Day 2 Diving with Great Whites with a Full BREACH!

Another day starts before the break of dawn. It’s nice getting up and relaxing a bit before they drop the cages in the water. I opted to do shark watch again so that I get extra time in the cages. I went light for breakfast again which is fine. The everything bagels are sooooo good.

I decided that there is never enough suit juice because it’s still a bitch getting into the wetsuit. I spend so much energy trying to get my ass in it. Tomorrow I’m just pouring it all out on myself. Hahaha… I am in the cage by 745am. Not as early as I like but still. Brian was in before me and came out just as I was going in. Nothing happened but the mackerel were plentiful. As soon as the first shift came in the sharks started coming around. I think they may like us. I was in the cage for 2.5 hours straight. I am pretty sure I turned into a human popsicle. I had major camera malfunctions though. My HD camera ended up getting water in it. Stupid lock. They always fail. And the trigger button was getting stuck on my camera case. So I would have to turn it off and aim and then turn on to take a pic. Sucked but did the job till I got out. We got to see quite a few sea lions and sharks together. 3 and 3. That was quite intense to tell you the truth. I wasn’t sure if a sea lion was going to get picked off or not. Did see him hunt and catch a few mackerel which was quite amazing. We all came out of that cage and was like OMG.. that was amazing. I quickly went for the hot water to warm up a bit till the next shift. I wanted as much time in the morning as possible as its when the viz and sharks are plentiful.

So as we are getting ready for the next shift a few of us are watching the sea lions play and frolic in the water, I look to the back of the boat and no more than 5’ away from the cage does a friggin great white shark breach. FULL OUT OF THE WATER BREACH! It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life. This massive creature came up for no other reason than to show off for us. He came straight up, flattened out and dipped down his snout to do a semi-belly flop down. The few of us that saw us, were shouting, screaming, clapping and reliving the moment. Doug came up from the cage and was like OMG… did you see that. He actually got to see him rev up and gain speed to jump out. The rest were all busy looking the other direction at the sea lions. That moment right there was the icing on the cake. We have already exceeded all expectations of the trip by seeing more than the usual number of sharks and now we see a FULL ON BREACH. Yeah. Life is great right now. Of course the few of us are like ok well why don’t we just see a predation and add the cherry to the top. That would be quite amazing but the only killing we have seen are the seals getting mackerel or the damn seagulls getting our chum.

We go in for our last shift of the day and the water is getting a bit more murky and the waves are kicking us around a bit more but we still see a few sharks swimming around and now there are about 10 sea lions around us chasing after the mackerel and just playing and pissing of the sharks where they aren’t coming as close to us. However, one of the sea lions got so close to me that was able to reach out and touch him. That was pretty neat. I probably screwed up his feeding but I was happy.

Come out of the water and I am done for the day. Freezing my arse off and ready to bask in the sun. Which I did til the appetizers came out. It was pineapple, I had to move for that. I was chillin on the sun deck with my cell mates which seems to be a regular occurrence for the 3 of us to do. They are pretty awesome people. I am very happy that I get to share all these moments with them.

Appetizers are amazing. Dinner was the best I’ve had in a while. They grilled up some rib-eyes with a great marinade, cooked to my liking with asparagus and smashed potatoes. I couldn’t get enough but my stomach wouldn’t allow me to finish. Then they sang happy birthday to me and as a candle used a glow stick in my apple pie and ice cream. Best pre-birthday ever. Since we’ll be on the water tomorrow and probably barfing our brains out they figured they would celebrate tonight. I was very touched. This crew busts their ass and they are just great all around people.

The night of course ended out on the back decks with many laughs and stories and smoking. Followed by a B-movie night in the galley by Bruce Campbell. I watched some and it was hilarious. I gotta rent Army of Darkness now.

It’s been quite an amazing day. The best day of my life actually. I’ve seen everything I’ve ever wanted to and dreamed of since I was 7. I’m actually in tears just thinking about it because it’s just a feeling of accomplishment. I came on this trip hoping to find answers to something and I feel pretty damn complete in my life right now. Starting up a new business. Moving in a different direction. It’s all pretty damn scary but I know I can handle just about anything. I always have. It would be nice if it was handed to me but I probably wouldn’t appreciate as much. So I’ll work hard and accomplish my goal that I have set out and by this time next year I hope to be right here celebrating how far I have come. It’s in writing, I have to succeed.

Good night for now. Tomorrow is a brand new day of possibilities.

Sharks we saw Day 2:

1. Shredder
2. Ted
3. Arden grace
4. Cono
5. Russian
6. Chingey
7. Johnny
8. Rainbow
9. One not known as of yet

Shark Diver John D Iles - In The News

One of the unintended consequences of commercial shark diving done right, are the legions of pro-shark advocates that go out into the world to change hearts and minds about sharks...one media hit at a time.

One of these is newly minted Shark Diver John D Iles, who joined us in 2010 at Isla Guadalupe to meet the great white shark.

John got what he was looking for and became a true shark advocate, in a way that only those who have actually stared into the eyes of a great white can.

This week he appeared in the Star-Herald to talk about his first hand experiences with sharks, shark diving, and the need for conservation.

Here's an excerpt:

What upsets Iles more than “Jaws” is the Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” programming.

“Shark Week is more of an enemy to sharks than ‘Jaws,’” he said. “‘Jaws’ is a movie and a work of fiction. When a supposedly educational network airs ‘Victims’ and ‘Worst Bite,’ it’s making it seem like ‘Jaws’ is true after all.”

Editors Note: Thanks John for the media and thanks for standing up for the sharks, we could use about 100,000 more just like you.

Complete Story.

Shark Diving Azores...White Sharks?

If underwater photographer Jan Reyniers has his way the Azores will soon be known as a top notch destination for Blues and Makos.

Perhaps Great Whites in the mix as well, as rumors of these critters cruising the backside of the Azores have been drifting through the shark community for many years now.

Here's the website for your review.

It looks from all intents that they will be running a "sharks first" operation offshore in crystal clear waters.

Wishing them the best of luck in the new shark endeavor.

Image by Jan Reyniers

Andrew Fox - Shark Hero

Facebook was center stage last week for a story coming out of Australia and Rodney Foxes operation. A white shark named Strappy became entangled in a packing strap which was slowly cutting the shark in half.

In a first rate PSA by the Foxes they highlighted the need for cleaner oceans by featuring Strappy and the damage being done to him by one industrial packing strap. There was some talk of trying to cut the strap off this animal. No mean feat, as white sharks are notorious for not wanting to be touched.

This week The Dorsal Fin blog has the update on Strappy and a rescue operation that was successful. As it turns out Andrew Fox manged to release Strappy from his confinement and it is hoped that now this shark will live for many more years to come.

Kudos to the Fox operation for:

1. Providing an oceans PSA using Strappy as cause célèbre

2. Helping this animal at great personal risk

This is first rate work by a commercial shark diving operator who has lead the industry over the years.

Corkscrew Killers Wine Challenge - Slam Dunk?

There's a fine bottle of wine waiting at our offices for researchers in the U.K to provide "proof" that dead seals washing up along coastlines are not being killed by sharks.

Meanwhile a growing chorus in the media are agreeing with our take that these unfortunate seals are the product of natural predation.

More Corkscrew Killer media this week from Fife in the U.K:

AN East Neuk man thinks he may have solved the mystery as to why dozens of dead seals have been found washed up on the Fife coast.

Donald Low, the relief harbour master at Pittenweem, contacted the Mail to say he thinks there may be a vicious shark on the prowl after a number of the mammals were found with mysterious cuts.

'The Seal Ripper' focused on the unexplained deaths of seals, which were found with 'corkscrew like cuts' near a remote Atlantic island. Whilst filming the programme its makers discovered they were actually being killed by the Greenland Shark, which can grow to 24ft long.

Normally a native of Greenland and Iceland the sharks are thought to be moving into shallower waters in a desperate bid to find food.

Complete Post.

Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Media

Florida based Paxton Brothers put together a video montage featuring media highlights of the 2010 GHUSC.

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge was an unparalleled success, changing shark sport fishing paradigms one event at a time:

Undersea Voyager Project - Catalina Island

For the next 6 weeks the Undersea Voyager Project will be at depth in and around targets on Catalina Island. This is video from one of their first targets, a vintage CIA Lockout Chamber when, during the Cold War, listening stations to track Soviet era submarines were stationed all over the oceans.

Submarine commander Scott Cassell will also be looking for unique shark species as well:

Sea Shepherd - Watson "Fiddling Around" While Rome Burns

The revelation this week that Sea Shepherd actually lies, fabricates and manipulates media, and has a zero effective rate at saving wildlife should come as no surprise to the readers of this blog.

For the past two years, and much to the SSCS faithfuls consternation, we have been deconstructing the Sea Shepherd Media Myth in a series of ongoing posts. Detailing the millions of donor dollars lost or squandered by SSCS, the actual SSCS media distortions and fabrications, and calling into question SSCS claims of saved wildlife.

Sea Shepherd Post Gallery.

To be fair, we were once full fledged supporters of SSCS and Paul Watson's seemingly take no prisoners brand of Direct Action. All that ended with the "shot that never was," wherein Paul Watson fabricated, out of whole cloth, the myth that Japanese whalers shot him dramatically in the chest during season one of Whale Wars.

Call it what you will, this myth, lie, fabrication, staged media moment, was lapped up by a series of green blogs and Facebook groups as consummate fact, transforming a horrific lie into a myopic truth, which then perpetrated a nasty racist backlash directed at Japan and Japanese people from around the world.

Our support ended there as credibility with NGOs is something we hold sacrosanct.

To be effective you have to be a credible source.

SSCS has sold (cheaply) every shred of dignity, credibility, and the public's trust to grease the wheels of a bloated media machine that has very little to do with wildlife conservation and everything to do with glitzy Hollywood parties, $60 vegan appetisers, and a somewhat dubious reality television show now into its third season.

There's no doubt that whaling needs to end.

Into that conversation stepped Sea Shepherd who have hijacked the global conservation movement and created a new toxic paradigm for what conservation is, bending the ideal of actual constructive work and metrics for success into a series of inane staged stunts. In the process they have created many "SSCS Lite" conservationists who believe that anything goes in the world of conservation. In this dark place metrics for actual success are a distant goal.

While Rome burns, Paul Watson and his entire media troupe fiddle around with faked press releases, staged media moments, and outright media lies. As if any of this will stop a harpoon with an explosive tip ripping though a whale, or the sharp tip of a Hakapik into a seal, or the rusty blade of knife through a sharks fin.

Demand more from your conservation org. After 25+ years Paul Watson has no conservation victories to his or his organizations credit, every single wildlife issue he has tackled is still ongoing, and your donations perpetrate more of the same in a rudderless and increasingly hysterical conservation organization that should depart the world scene - soon.

In 1978 a younger, slimmer, more idealistic Paul Watson blew the whistle on Greenpeace, much like Peter Bethune did this week with Sea Shepherd. In this video Watson details the stark reality behind Direct Action conservation campaigns with open ended commitments.

In this video Watson is also revealing Sea Shepherds unpleasant reality as it stands today when "the organization becomes more important then the issue."

That Travel Chick Joins Shark Diver 2010 - Part Three

That Travel Chick aka Fort Lauderdale's Amanda joined us at Guadalupe Island in 2010 for the ultimate shark encounter. This is Part Three in her ongoing series diving with great whites and Shark Diver.

Her travel series is a must read for budding shark fans worldwide:

Day 1 of great white shark diving in Guadalupe Islands

I wake up before the butt crack of dawn. We have arrived at Guadalupe islands at 330am. I am up at 5am. I get to watch them put the cages in, the sun come up sorta and have a light breakfast of a bagel. I am anxious to get in the water but first we have to get our safety study course as well as tell us who our cell mates are and what rotation we are on.

My cell mates are Souxie, my roommate, and Brian Taylor who is in the Air Force. He is an airplane maintenance guy who is stationed in Korea and hopes to move back to the states with the next shift. I’m excited to have these 2 with me. The first shark sighting was at 733am. It’s very exciting to hear the crew yelling ‘SHAAAAAAAARK”…. Everyone runs to one side of the boat and then to the other to see him pop out. Our shift finally starts at 10am where we are on first rotation.. woohoo. SCORE. It normally starts at 8am but we had to get the dos and don’t of the cage and such. I’m last in and get a run down of what to do. They first of all weigh you down with at least 40lbs of weight since you want to sink not float, wear a 7mm suit with hoodies and booties. Water is still freaking cold with it all on.

We get in and almost instantly see a shark. We saw up to 4 at one time. A sea lion was literally playing TAG with the shark. Quite amusing. I guess element of surprise gig is up and they aren’t a meal know. It was quite funny to see them both interacting with each other. Lots of tuna which just made me want sushi. We had the sharks swimming so close to the cage. I even had a chance to stare down Jacques right into the eye and see his blue outer ring. Great whites have blue eyes. I never knew that. Maybe we are related. Hehehehe… I can be an apex predator. Well ok maybe not. The first time seeing a Great white I thought I would feel a bit scared but instead I felt peacefulness and calm. No adrenaline pumping. It was just breath-taking. They move so gracefully through the water and are cruising. Nothing menacing about them. They didn’t come up close to the cage till next time when Dottie was around as she was all up in the cage’s space. Jacques also was quite comfortable being around the cage. I only felt a little uncomfortable with the regulator. Luckily Martin, the dive master, was there to instruct me and give me a refresher. I am so used to snorkeling now.

The hour just seemed to fly by. It was terrific that we got to go in the first shift. Getting out with the massive amounts of weights was tricky but doable. The time out of the water was mostly spent on the sun deck passed out till you hear “15 minutes to next rotation”. We instantly jump up and head on down to try and squeeze into our wetsuits. I tend to put on suit juice so I can slide ride in. Each time we were in, we saw no less than 2 sharks. As the day went on the viz went down and so did the quantity of time the sharks spent with us. The water was freezing to me but as soon as those sharks start coming by and you lock eyes with them, all that rocking and freezing water in my suit goes away. It truly is the most amazing feeling I’ve ever had with an animal. It’s everything I could have dreamed of and more.

We even had the opportunity to see a sea lion that would frolic and even swim up next to the shark. It seemed to be a pretty decent size which means that it’s older and knows what it can and can’t get away with. It was really quite amazing to see it interact and somewhat harass him.

At the end of the day Martin takes in all the photos and helps identify all those that we have seen. Turns out we have seen 12. All of which he could identify easily. 2 of which hasn’t been seen since 2007 and 2008. It’s nice to know that they come back. Though not once did any of the sharks of a transmitter from the show The Great White Expedition which as it turns out has been going on since 2002. I did not know that.

Sharks we saw day 1:

1. Biteface #19
2. Shredder #13
3. Dottie #87 (dorsal tag)
4. Johnny #65
5. Arden grace #106
6. Jacques #46 (2 tags)
7. Ted #105 (partial back tail taken off)
8. Diablo #99
9. Geoff #74
10. Mau #76
11. Horizon #86 (small triangle on dorsal)(last appearance ’08)
12. Rainbow #25 (last appearance ’07)

Southern Fried Science - Shark Finning vs Tourism

Another in an excellent series by the fine folks over at SFS last week:

Continuing the discussion about shark feeding dives started last week by Aleks Maljkovic, Eric Clua discusses the economics of this practice and concludes that a living shark can be worth much more than a dead shark.

Anti Shark Diving - A Chorus of Noise Bytes

"If you're going to keep rewarding animals in the Pavlovian sense, they're going to associate you with food - which you never taunt, bait or feed a wild animal. It's one of the basic tenets of ecotourism and yet cage-diving flouts this all the time."

A recent quote featured in S.A by a member of the small but vocal anti-shark diving community.

It we had a nickle for every time we read this exact quote, regurgitated by hysteria mongers, we might have retired by now.

Why is it that the anti-shark diving folks fail repeatedly to drum up industry facts when the facts about baiting and sharks are readily available from a number of fresh studies?

Anti-shark diving folks like a good controversy but do not care about facts. To them each surfer attacked, each swimmer nibbled, and each diver chased back into his boat is proof positive that our industry is the root cause.

No mention of the myriad of individual reasons that sharks behave like sharks, and that sharks are fish. Not terrestrial mammals. Which is another mistake the anti-shark diving folks always make. Equating terrestrial tourism with aquatic tourism with this, our favorite of all sub quotes:

"you never taunt, bait or feed a wild animal. It's one of the basic tenets of ecotourism."

Our global $400 million dollar industry is not perfect by any means and it still has some evolving to do, but there are industry leaders who are seeking solutions and moving our industry in directions never before imagined, until recently. New research data on chumming from around the world is showing that sharks are far more evolved then the CW of "pavlovian responses" and we are not training sharks to attack people.

Sadly those that hate our industry will continue to do so, seeking ways to prohibit what we do with sharks, without any attention to the many first rate conservation, research, long term monitoring, and site preservation efforts that shark tourism brings to the world.

We could go on, but our industry record stands, the data is all there, all you have to do is get away from the small minded media bytes, and look.

Micronesian Shark Foundation - Good Idea

The Micronesian Shark Foundation, a Palauan based non-government organization, was established to facilitate the study of sharks both in Palau and throughout Micronesia. The Foundation, with limited funds and resources, was formed through the hard work and dedication of its founders.

Support from the government of Palau, especially from Koror State who has taken the lead in conservation management and protection, has been received from the start. The study of the sharks in Palau was initiated by the Micronesian Shark Foundation which formed a partnership with AIMS (Australian Institute of Marine Science), SOSF (Save Our Seas Foundation) who contributed to the shark research and The National Geographic Society, which contributed its advanced Crittercam technology to the project, under the guidance of Greg Marshall, executive producer.

Fish ‘n Fins, the first dive shop in Palau, has been supporting the foundation by contributing boats and fuel, equipment, staff, office support and a base center for the foundation. Throughout its years in business, Fish ‘n Fins has been involved in many local community activities and has hosted various workshops for environmental purposes.

Website.

Fiji Shark Conservation - Nicely Done

Da Shark is rightly heralding this latest Fijian Pro Shark PSA/Conservation piece like a proud father. This is mighty fine stuff, highlighting a small island nations, and their first rate shark awareness and conservation efforts.

If only Hawaii was so evolved:

The Last Blue Wilderness / Save the Sharks from Emma Robens on Vimeo.

White Shark Diving Trip Report - SharkDiver.com

Another of our newly minted shark divers, Steve Vaughan, added pen to paper recounting his 2010 white shark adventures with Shark Diver and Horizon Charters.

It has been a most excellent shark diving season this year.

Diving with the Grey Ghost - Steven Vaughan Part One

After a 5 hour flight from the east coast, I had about 8-9 hours to kill until I could officially board the MV Horizon and began my white shark adventure. It was one of those times when you wish you could snap your fingers and be where you wanted to be. I was worried about what I was going to do for 8 or so hours after booking my flight. Fortunately for me I have a very dear friend (Kelly) that lives in the beautiful and great City of San Diego.

Kelly was kind enough to chauffeur me around San Diego and show me the sights. I tried to entice her to come with me on this adventure....the look I received told me that...in a nice way... it was not going to happen, but then she smiled at me and replied, thanks, but no thanks. I knew there was no need to ask again. We had a good time catching up. I took several great pictures with my new camera of the area, and to my disappointment, accidentally deleted all of them...somehow, while on the boat. I was not a happy camper.

Kelly took me to H & M Landing by 930, we said our goodbyes, and then I met Mark. He immediately grabbed my suitcase and we proceeded to the Horizon. After meeting him and other crew members, along with the other shark venturers, I knew I had made the right choice, this was going to be an awesome and unforgettable experience.

My anticipation grew as I stood there looking at the cages, knowing that sooner or later I would be inside of one of them, face to face, with a magnificent creature. I felt the adrenaline run the course of my veins, and again, another time I wanted to snap my fingers and we would be there. I realized again, that I could not rush time, and I would have to be patient. Mark took me to my cabin, I dropped my bags and went out on deck. I mingled around the boat, chatting with everyone and of course inspecting the boat. after all, we were going 150 miles out to sea, on an 80' boat. I could tell that I did not have to worry, it was beyond sea worthy and she had a great crew.

We all met one another, and went through a briefing, with the Captain and crew. I was so tired and could hardly stay awake. The briefing lasted for about 10 mins. I said goodnight to everyone, and crashed, with a little help from Tylenol pm. I found that the best way to help speed up time was to sleep.

I first noticed my bunk as being a little small, and cramped, but...that was not a concern. I slept like a baby every night, its the best sleep I've had in a long time, it was quite comfortable and cool with the air conditioning. Linens, blankets, and pillows are provided.

I awoke to the smell of breakfast, I wandered up to the galley, and was greeted with smiles and good mornings from Beth and Mark. These two made you feel at ease and were more than willing to fix you anything for breakfast, or any meal. The food was delicious! The food was delicious, did I mention that? I know, I think you get the point. If you get hungry on the Horizon, it is not the fault of Mark or Beth. It is your own.

I heard the clanging of the cages and some commotion on the deck, I grabbed a quick cup of coffee, and headed out to observe the operations. I had plenty of time because I was on Team B and there was an hour before my team would dive. As soon as I approached the stern of the boat, Aeriel yelled WHITE SHARK! What?! no way I thought. Sure enough, there it was. A great white shark. I was fascinated and awe struck, and I was still on the boat.

After numerous t.v. shows and movies, I had finally seen a white shark. Again, another thought is racing through my mind, where I want to snap my fingers and its our turn to get in the cage. I actually put my fingers together to make that sound, but caught myself. Nearly everyone was on deck leaning over the railing to see the shark. The other divers of Team A were hurrying to don their wetsuits now. Of course Jan, Aeriel, and I were jealous, along with the other members of Team B.

However, please do not worry about who gets the better dive. That day, Team B had the better dives. on our second day, Team A had better dives as well. So, all of you will get the better dive at some point.

Finally, our hour came, Jan and Aeriel insisted that I go first, I tried to get Aeriel to go first, but again they insisted, So I went without hesitation. Martin was there to assist us, and he is simply, "the man". He is loaded with information and knowledge about the sharks and the operations on board the Horizon. He is a very interesting man. We all knew we could rely on and trust him, he would not let anything happen to you.

Part Two - The Sharks

Bruised and Beaten at Isla Guadalupe 2010

The 2010 white shark diving season at Isla Guadalupe has been one of the most productive on record with most of our trips seeing high double digit numbers for identified sharks at our cages.

During each season we see a wide variety of white sharks in various health conditions. In 2004 a shark we called Dead Man Walking appeared at our cages for the first and only time.

His condition was horrible, covered in parasites, emaciated, and sadly, not long for this world. He never came back.

This is the nature of commercial shark diving, we are here to witness these animals. The 2010 shark population has been robust and, for the most part, healthy. Except this guy - image by Amanda S.

Two weeks ago this unidentified critter arrived at our cages looking pretty tattered. Massive old and fresh bite scars are all over the animal and dorsal fin that was chopped and flopped were the hallmarks of this white shark.

Newly minted Shark Diver, Amanda S, got some good ident images we will be sending on. Not all is lost though, as we discovered with Lucy. Her tail is absolutely shredded and when she arrived at our cages a few years ago with the fresh bite that had removed 20% of her tail we wondered if she could make the long migration to and from the island.

She has, three times now, and successfully predated on a seal as well. What we think we know about the robust nature of these amazing animals, we do not, as critters like Lucy, and this new shark (still looking for a name) show us how nature survives even in the worst of conditions.

That Travel Chick Joins Shark Diver 2010 - Part Two

That Travel Chick aka Fort Lauderdale's Amanda joined us at Guadalupe Island in 2010 for the ultimate shark encounter. This is Part Two in her ongoing series diving with great whites and Shark Diver.

Her travel series is a must read for budding shark fans worldwide:

Guadalupe Islands bound!

We don’t actually leave the dock till well past midnight but it doesn’t really matter since we don’t get to Ensenada Mexico til 830am the next morning to go by customs and such and pick up an observer to make sure we don’t do anything illegal. Hehehehe.. The sleeping on the boat with the rocking was quite calming. I did have a few beers before hand so I was up a few times which isn’t easy when sleeping quarters are downstairs and bathrooms are up and down the back fo the boat. My bunkmate/roommate for the stay is Souxie, a Canadian from Alberta. Such a sweetheart and she was on this trip a year ago so that gives me more confidence as I picked the right vessel to hit my top bucket list item on.

I slept till about 6am. I had gone without sleep for 24+ hours so that still wasn’t enough. Once we left Ensenada though is when the waters started to get rough. I actually had a very large breakfast. Potatoes, pancakes and bacon. Probably not the best Idea I had but I didn’t realize I would get so sea sick. I was better when I was laying down so I skipped lunch and dinner since I didn’t want to bring it up again and slept from 3pm till 5am the next day. Waking up long enough to pee and back to sleep. Boat was rocking sooo much that I nearly rolled off and had to position my feet in the right areas. It was surprisingly comfy though. I did however get to see Blue Whales as we were about an hour or so out of Ensenada. They are pretty common to see there so it was a real treat. Ive never seen Blue Whales just Humpbacks and an Orca.

One of the funniest introductions was with Sue, when the boat rocked and she went flying right into me. I was up against the guard rail. I said “ gee.. buy me a drink first at least” and told her to sign my bruise since it was inevitable. It was a good laugh. She was a good sport. She has such a great laugh too.

Next - Day One White Sharks

Can tourism save sharks or can sharks save tourism?

From the Dive Hub Blog this morning some smart industry analysis:

A recent study on the economic potential of shark tourism in Spain has found that this type of tourism supports hundreds of jobs and generates more than €17 million to the Canary Islands economy each year.

The study was carried out by researchers at the University of La Laguna and the New Economics Foundation. It suggests that there is potential for developing ecotourism around the species of sharks and rays found throughout Spanish waters but highlights the urgent need to protect these species. The findings suggest that the wonderful marine wildlife that exists close to the UK’s coastal communities could provide great benefits for local tourism and increased protection of the marine environment. The UK has 21 types of sharks and 16 of skates and rays in its waters, including the Basking Shark which is the world’s second largest fish and already supports wildlife tourism activity in the UK.

The research found that sharks and rays offer economic benefits through diving tourism and that approximately one-third of Canary Islands diving activity is linked to these species.

“Studies such as ours reveal that sharks offer economic benefits beyond food; left alive, many species can provide a source of long-term income and employment through diving tourism,” said Aniol Esteban, Head of Environmental Economics for the New Economics Foundation. “When all tourist expenditures are taken into account, we estimate that €17.7 million (£14.5 million) of the €97.2 million that divers bring to the Canary Islands can be specifically attributed to the presence of sharks and rays.’ These are significant amounts of money.

There are several other examples of shark dive tourism creating economic benefits, as well as conservation and marine habitat proetction. The Shark Reef marine reserve in Fiji is an example of this, as is the whaleshark watching industry at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Many divers will visit specific areas just to catch a glimpse of a particular shark. From hammerheads and great whites to basking sharks and threshers, sharks have a powerful pull for dive tourism.

Complete Post.

Gulf of the Farallones - Hooking Sharks Round Two?

Research teams are back at it with a new draft proposal to bait, hook, and tag more sharks at the Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary.

The draft proposal is here.

Public comment can be emailed to sanctuary staff member Carliane.Johnson@noaa.gov until October 12, 2010.

Last years effort was well documented when a breeding aged white shark was foul hooked, and the hook had to be cut free with a pair of industrial bolt cutters.

The hook was embedded so deeply that cutters had to be pushed through the sharks gills.

Only a small percent of the hook was recovered and the rest was left inside the animal.

Apparently, and much to the research teams relief, the animal lived. It still has a man made hook embedded deep in its throat prompting Maria Brown, Farallones Sanctuary Manager, to give the following assessment of this kind of research:

"I equated it to, it felt like what it's like when I go to the dentist; when you go in, you get a cavity filled, it's something that maybe you don't want to go do, but you do it, it's quick, it's over, it's done."

Please read that statement again. It was for the record to ABC News in regards to a throat hooked protected species in a National Marine Sanctuary. The 2009 permit was issued for a research/television show called Shark Men.

A team of expert anglers, a renowned shark scientist and a Hollywood heartthrob join forces to unmask the mysteries of the world's largest predatory fish. Their bold expedition includes a unique vessel with an unprecedented way to lift Great Whites out of the water for examination.

The ensuing foul hooked shark media calamity was a black eye for both the Farallones, the entire NOAA sanctuary system, and invasive shark tagging programs. Our views on the matter were for the record and we were one of the few commercial shark diving operators to take a public stance against this kind of research. For reasons that remain obvious to this day.

No one can guarantee a hooked white shark will not suffer grievous damage with this kind of work.

In the end this brand of invasive research/television programming will have to be decided by interested parties, use groups, other researchers, and the general public.

Should be an interesting few months.

Age and growth of the great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran, in the north-western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

The great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran, is a cosmopolitan species that is caught in a variety of fisheries throughout much of its range. The apparent decline of great hammerhead shark populations has reinforced the need for accurate biological data to enhance fishery management plans. To this end, age and growth estimates for the great hammerhead were determined from sharks (n = 216) ranging in size from 54- to 315-cm fork length (FL), captured in the Gulf of Mexico and north-western Atlantic Ocean. Growth curves were fitted using multiple models and evaluated using Akaike’s information criterion. The von Bertalanffy growth model was the best fitting model, with resulting growth parameters of L_∞ = 264.2-cm FL, k = 0.16 year^–1, t₀ = –1.99 year for males, and L_∞ = 307.8-cm FL, k = 0.11 year^–1, t₀ = –2.86 year for females. Annual band pair deposition was confirmed through marginal-increment analysis and a concurrent bomb radiocarbon validation study.

Great hammerheads have one of the oldest reported ages for any elasmobranch (44 years) but grow at relatively similar rates (on the basis of von Bertalanffy k value) to other large hammerhead species from this region. The present study is the first to provide vertebral ages for great hammerheads.

Study Link.

BBC tackles shark finning in Mozambique

In the Indian Ocean, as elsewhere in the world, shark fishing has been increasing at an alarming rate with tens of millions being caught each year worldwide. Visiting a small community in Mozambique, where shark fishing has only recently become an established practice, Philippe Cousteau Jr and his team discover what is driving the trade:

Shark Research and Conservation Intern Bahamas

Position Summary: The Cape Eleuthera Institute is accepting applications for Research Internships within the Shark Research and Conservation Program. Successful applicants will gain a wealth of hands on field-based experience in addition to a solid theoretical foundation from the scientific literature, through readings and group discussions.

Primary Responsibilities: Field work will primarily focus on conducting scientific longline surveys around South Eleuthera. Candidates will learn how to deploy and retrieve lines, and handle and tag sharks in a manor that will ensure the safety of the sharks and the crew. Non-field based duties will include the maintenance of field equipment and data entry. On occasions Research Interns will also have the opportunity to assist in the field or lab with other Cape Eleuthera Institute research initiatives, such as the flats ecology, aquaponics, sustainable offshore aquaculture and permaculture programs.

The normal working week is five and a half days, however all research is weather dependent and Research Interns should expect their work schedule to be flexible. On occasions, Research Interns will be required to work weekends.

AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS
Spring January 5 - June 17,2011
Summer Session 1 June 13 - July 25, 2011


Qualifications: Applicants must be a minimum of eighteen years of age and should have completed, be planning to complete, or in the process of completing an undergraduate degree in a biology related field. Candidates with previous research experience and an active interest in marine research will be given priority.

Skills: This position requires long hours of physical work in a variety of sea and weather conditions. As such applicants must be in good physical condition, and feel comfortable working on boats for extended periods. Boat driving experience would be a benefit, but not essential. Applicant should be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.

For the right candidate there is the opportunity to gather data for an undergraduate thesis. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis following discussion with home institutions and supervisors.

Cost: $500 month which covers room and board at CEI. Email contact below to find out additional information on scholarship opportunities.

THE THRESHER SHARK RESEARCH and CONSERVATION PROJECT

VOLUNTEER DIVERS and RESEARCH ASSISTANTS


Dive and shark enthusiasts are requested to assist the 'Thresher Shark Research and Conservation Project’ (TSRCP) in conducting fieldwork in the Philippines from January – September 2011. This is an unique opportunity for individuals with a keen interest in diving with sharks to gain hands on experience in shark survey methodology, behaviour, biology, ecology and conservation. Volunteers will be based on Malapascua Island (Cebu) and shuttled to Monad Shoal aboard a dedicated research vessel. Ops will run from 05:00 to 20:00 five days a week and include SCUBA survey, underwater video observation, tagging (pending funding) and photographic ID databasing. Evenings will be spent in academics, training, reviewing video observations, analysing data and preparing for the next day’s ops.

All volunteers will receive comprehensive hands on training in shark research methodology, marine wildlife photography, marine videography and analytical approaches to understanding shark behaviour. Volunteers will also receive academics in shark biology, ecology, conservation and ethology (behaviour) and will apply learned concepts to the analysis of real data that they acquire on a daily basis. Members will benefit from a close working relationship with a specialist.


For expedition dates and details please visit The Thresher Shark Research and Conservation Project at:

www.threshersharkproject.org

Best Wishes

Helen King

Who are The Black Fish?

When it comes to Direct Action, I tend to like mine with a healthy dose of kick ass.

If you're going to pull out the stops on what should be the last resort for conservation initiatives, ensure the action is short, sweet, and delivers the goods in one round.

Not episode by useless episode, and never into a third season on a major broadcast network.

For your consideration this week, Taiji Japan.

According to media reports The Black Fish Group, perhaps tired of standing around, got into the action with some Direct Action and swam out to release a few dolphins.

That's why I want to know who these folks are - The Black Fish.

"Divers from the European conservation organisation The Black Fish have last night cut the nets of six holding pens in Taiji, Japan, that were holding dolphins caught during a dolphin drive hunt a few days earlier. During this hunt a number of dolphins were selected for the international dolphinarium trade and transferred to these holding pens. In rough weather conditions the divers swam out and cut the nets of six of these holding pens, allowing a number of dolphins to swim back out to sea. No arrests were made."

By the way if you want to make a donation do so here.

Chances are you will see more of this single punch style Direct Action from these guys as time moves on. If you're going to be credible source in the Direct Action arena...you actually have to save a few critters from time to time not sit by and "document" a slaughter that already has worldwide attention.

Asking for donations for said "documentation" is a height of disrespect for animals that need intervention, not more media sound bytes.

Palau - Still Shark Finning?

View from the Blue Blog reviewed Palau this month and commercial shark diving with a disturbing postscript:

For all its wonders Palau still sits on a knife edge. Like many of us they have been struggling lately and they hope that shark tourism will be a route out of recession. They certainly need to be supported for their stance. Well run shark eco-tourism can be positive for all parties. The tourists, the local economy and of course the sharks all benefit. If however Palau don't see a marked improvement in their economy rest assured that the fishing fleets of the world are ready and waiting in the wings. It would take maybe as little as a couple of years to turn Palau into 'just another dive location', rather than the incredibly special oasis that I witnessed during my time there.

Update

Disappointingly I've been hearing strong rumours that shark fishing/finning continues in Palau waters with the fishing fleets using a 'mothership' set up outside of Palau's territorial waters to stop them having to land the sharks and fins in Palau. Like I said these are just rumours that I'm hearing, but it shows just how hard it is to police marine areas even when protection is in place!

Studying tourism's bite on sharks

Very interesting article this week on a new shark chumming study being done in Australia.

Kudos to the Rodney Fox operation for being involved in this study which will inevitably benefit the entire industry worldwide.

Great industry quotes by Andrew as well.

Image Andrew Fox:

SCIENTISTS are circling cage-diving operators as they try to find out how regular visits from tourists are affecting the behaviour of great white sharks.

Shark ecologist Dr Charlie Huveneers, from the South Australian Research and Development Institute and Flinders University, is leading the study.

The study aims to ensure cage-diving is safe for both the tourists and the sharks because great whites are a protected species threatened with extinction.

He said both of the existing tour operators used berley - a mixture of tuna blood, mince and offcuts - and baits to attract sharks without feeding them.

Preliminary research, in Australia and overseas, suggests sharks lose interest over time.

"The shark seems to come close to the boat for the first three or four days," he said. "After that they don't seem to be attracted by the berley as much."

Complete Story.

Mexico Premier - SharkDiver.com Trip Report 2010

If you're looking for information on travel and adventure in Mexico look no further then the good folks over at Mexico Premier Online.

This week they printed a 2010 Isla Guadalupe trip report penned by newly minted Shark Diver, Drew Grgich.

Our 2010 shark diving season has been one of the best on record. Many thanks to the shark divers from around the planet (as far away as Hong Kong) who joined us this season to experience Carcharodon carcharias at the greatest site on the planet.

We have exactly two spaces left on the 2010 season. These are deep discount spaces on an expedition we just added to the line up October 9-14 departing from San Diego, Ca.

Join us.

Whale Sharks Killed, Displaced by Gulf Oil?

When the BP Gulf Oil Spill began, soon to become Americas biggest oil disaster, this blog quickly focused attention on a small research team out of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory who had been studying Whale sharks in the region for the past several years.

Their research site turned out to be an oily ground zero.

Our coverage, with the help of several other blue bloggers, lead to timely mainstream media pieces that picked up this unfolding eco disaster and followed it to its frustrating conclusion.

Or was it?

National Geographic has a first rate follow up about the effects millions of gallons of spilled oil has had on these gentle giants in the region and is a must read:

Though much of the Gulf oil has disappeared from the surface, the spill isn't going away—and scientists are still trying to uncover the extent of its invisible effects on Gulf wildlife.

(Read about the Gulf oil spill in the October issue of National Geographic magazine.)

For instance, certain toxic ingredients of oil—and even the chemical dispersants used during the cleanup—could potentially cause long-term problems for whale sharks and many other species. Those may include compromised endocrine or immune response systems, scientists note. (See related blog: "Gulf Seafood With a Side of Oil Dispersant?")

Whale sharks filter a lot of water through their mouths and gills—almost 160,000 gallons (605,000 liters) of water an hour—as they feed on tiny plankton and fish.

Complete Story.

Shark Free Marinas - Jillian Morris

As a marine biologist, diver and videographer I have the good fortune of routinely travelling to the most wondrous locations. When I stop to think about where my favorite places are, I realize that many of them – the best places on the planet – are right here in the Bahamas.

These islands offer beauty and adventure – including a diverse range of shark encounter opportunities, such as the world famous Tiger Beach – which is a Mecca for shark enthusiasts. People travel from around the globe to catch a glimpse of the big beauties that inhabit the waters at Tiger Beach.

Film crews, television hosts and scientists alike revere this site as the ideal location to film, observe and conduct research. I have been blessed to spend quite a lot of time at this special place and I must confess that each time I visit it is completely different. Tiger Beach is really an irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind natural resource. Tiger sharks and lemon sharks are the primary species, but great hammerheads, Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks are also known to make appearances. Part of the excitement lies in never knowing what you might find when you slip beneath the surface!

As Jacques Cousteau astutely once said “people protect what they love,” and so I got involved with the Shark Free Marina Initiative because I love sharks. This campaign was designed to reduce the worldwide shark mortality rate by working with cooperating marinas. In the Shark Free Marina Initiative making the commitment means that no caught shark can be landed within the marina for any reason. There is no processing of meat, removal of the jaws of stringing up of the animals for photographs. Fishing for sharks within the participating marina is also prohibited. (This encourages fisherman to catch and release if they do insist on catching sharks at all.)

The program also works to teach proper techniques for catch and release, in order to increase the chance of survival for a caught shark. And while they have been historically, albeit incorrectly, perceived as monsters, sharks are extremely sensitive to being caught on a line. Just because they are released and not killed at the time of that release, does not guarantee they will survive at all. The Shark Free Marina Initiative also encourages fisherman to tag the animals with simple dart tags, as a means of increasing data collection.

Complete Post.