NMFS Commercial Shark Cull Hawaii

Ocean Associates Inc. is seeking two candidates who will provide professional support services to the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center to conduct fieldwork in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

This year NMFS will be undertaking efforts to remove predatory Galapagos sharks at Hawaiian monk seal pupping sites at French Frigate Shoals. Assistants will capture sharks using a variety of techniques, mitigate monk seal mortality, collect biological samples and produce written documents in support of monk seal research efforts.

The contractor shall:

• Participate in planning shark fishing activities at French Frigate Shoals.
• Undergo training to become certified in NOAA Small Boat operations.
• Participate in monk seal field camp activities at French Frigate Shoals for all or
part of the period between June 10 and Aug 18. Duties include assist in field
camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp along with the
return, repair, and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp
• Monitor and document Galapagos shark activity near monk seal pupping sites
• Be responsible for targeted fishing and lethal removal of up to 20 Galapagos
sharks
• Ensure removal activities comply with Native Hawaiian cultural guidelines as
dictated by a Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner
• Independently conduct small boat operations in a shallow dynamic reef
environment
• Be responsible for ensuring all fishing and boating activities are conducted safely
and follow established standard operating procedures
• Be required to camp periodically on small remote islets
• Accomplish duties while striving to minimize the impact of presence and
activities on wildlife including seals, turtles, birds, as well as non-target sharks
and fish
• Assist the Hawaiian monk seal team with research efforts if required
• Will adhere to all rules, regulations and permit requirements applicable to this
project in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
• Document fishing activities and complete reports summarizing those activities

Place of Performance: The Contractor will work remotely at French Frigate Shoals, on
the NOAA Research Vessel Oscar Elton Sette and at NMFS Facilities in Honolulu.
Deployment in the NWHI will be from approximately 6/10/2010 – 8/23/2010

Period of Performance: 5/24/2010 – 8/30/2010

Minimum experience or background requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One to three (1-3) years of shark fishing or shark research experience with proven
ability to capture and handle large sharks utilizing hand lines, drum lines and long
line bottom sets.
• Prior experience shark fishing in Hawaiian waters with ability to identify nearshore
shark species. Experience working in sensitive wildlife areas.
• Ability to construct, deploy and maintain fishing gear.
• Good communication and team skills.
• Good data collection skills with ability to perform basic data entry.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work long hours in the sun.
• Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA
research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of
required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required
by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations.
• Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility that
includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed.
• Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field
medical training before being deployed to remote islands.

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please email your resume to
Jobs@OceanAssoc.com

Please use “5010 FFS shark” as the subject line.

Review of applications will begin May 6, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.

Gulf Oil Spill - Prime Time for Whale Sharks at Ground Zero

We spent some time with Dr. Eric Hoffmayer, shark biologist at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and Dr. Joe Griffitt, aquatic toxicologist to discuss the current oil situation in the Gulf of Mexico.

Dr. Hoffmayer has tracked close to 300 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the Gulf since 2002. He is the preeminent whale shark biologist of the region and has concerns for the seasonal migration of these animals, some of which have come from as far away as the Caribbean.

As many as one third of his tracked animals are estimated to be at "ground zero" the very place upwards to 70,000 barrels of oil are pouring into the Gulf and 500,000 gallons of COREXIT, a toxic dispersant, is being sprayed.

This map is an overlay of where the Gulf whale sharks most likely are and where the oil slick and dispersant is now.

"Most people have no idea we have whale sharks in the Gulf; it has been a terrific success story, we have just realized there are more animals out there then we originally thought, said Dr.Hoffmeyer, "Because the public is unaware of that, the issue of this oil spill and these animals is just not on the front burner. This is critical whale shark habitat."

"We're hoping that these whale sharks might sense the oil and move out of the area, we have seen other species of sharks closer to shore under a sheen of oil, but until we get out there and tag a few sharks we just do not know what's happening, or even if they are moving."

Dr.Hoffmeyer confirmed "This is the peak season for whale sharks in the Gulf: May through September."

Meanwhile, we asked Dr.Griffitt to comment on COREXIT a dispersant being widely used by BP and it's effects. "This stuff is designed to break up the oil into micro dropletts, the concern is where it goes from there through the water column. Smaller oil particles get taken up through the food chain very quickly. The fact is we're in uncharted territory, no one knows what these amounts of dispersed oil and COREXIT will do to bio accumulation."

"No one is talking about pelagic species right now in the media," said Dr.Hoffmeyer "or what this shower of smaller oil particles and dispersant might be doing to the wildlife - it will have a tremendous impact."

Dr.Hoffmeyer plans to have his team attempt to tag and track whale sharks this season. "We are linked with people doing aerial surveys right now and they report whale shark activity to us."

Dr.Griffitt pointed out "These smaller globules of oil will spend a lot of time in the ocean and once it mixes with dispersant this combo can be more toxic than the original substances, more study is needed."

Dr.Hoffmeyer is currently seeking funding from all sources to get an expanded tagging and tracking program in place for 2010. Those seeking to help can contact him directly at:

Dr.Eric Hoffmayer PhD
Gulf Coast research Laboratory
228.872.4257
Eric.Hoffmayer@usm.edu

His website will be updating whale shark activity as it comes in and as the 2010 migratory paths are known. We will keep you updated.

White Sharks and Advertising - Wowza

Over at the Southern Fried Science blog David has an ongoing discussion about the new Nicorette commercial featuring a white shark attacking a smoker.

Here's some of Davids analysis:

"Perhaps I am overreacting to what was clearly supposed to be a joke and not a documentary about shark behavior. However, as I’ve stated many times, shark conservation requires that people care about sharks. As people realize that sharks are ecologically important and threatened, sharks will be better protected. Perpetuating false stereotypes about sharks as mindless killing machines who exist only to attack people who go in (or near) the water detracts from this goal."

We covered a similar video a few weeks back on MTV Europe.

Oilmegeddon - New Spill Estimates vs Admiral in Charge

NPR has announced the latest oil spill numbers at a stunning 70,000 barrels a day. That's almost one Exxon Valdez tanker spill every four days. Using the latest satellite imagery and input from scientists, NPR says this is a full blown disaster.

Then we have this guy, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen who says this spill is not a "monolithic spill," and after 23 days it has "the potential" to be catastrophic.

The burning question in the Gulf right now, what is the truth behind this oil spill?"

Deep Sea News - Homerun Video "Coffee Warning"

Thanks to Deep Sea News I sprayed coffee all over the place this morning with their latest/greatest video find. Asking the question on everyone's mind, "Can you really trust a Killer Whale?"

I always knew there was something not right about them.

Video Warning - Place all hot beverages at least 10 centimeters from facial areas and computer equipment:

Shark Fin Opponent Awarded - Speaks With Obama

Pretoma’s president and founder Randall Arauz of Costa Rica is the newest recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize.

Awarded to grassroots environmental efforts in six geographical areas around the world, "The Goldman" is one of the environmental movements top honors. Winners of this prize are often introduced to a wide variety of political and financial "movers and shakers."

In this case Randall Arauz met with and spoke about shark finning with President Obama.

Randall Arauz

“When I started Pretoma over 14 years ago, I had no idea WE were going to go so far! And I say “we”, because over the years a team of dedicated conservationists has performed the most diverse of tasks to fulfill our mission, which is to protect, and restore, endangered marine wildlife.

Sadly, shark finning is far from over. Global shark population declines are estimated at 90%, mostly due to shark finning. Governments are drafting “Shark Action Plans” in an effort to reverse the negative trend on shark populations. But NOTHING has been done YET, to actually curtail shark mortality.

More than 100 foreign longline shark finning vessels still operate illegally in private docks of Costa Rica. Recently, investigative journalists have exposed drug trafficking and indentured servitude alongside shark finning at these private docks, whose operators take advantage of lax customs enforcement."

Underwater Video Boot Camp: better videos and beautiful sharks

From the RTSea Blog today:

If you or any of your friends have been tinkering with underwater video - either as a hobby or with hopes of becoming a serious filmmaker, here's an opportunity to learn some skills while at the same time getting a chance to behold one of the most magnificent of ocean predators.

In association with Shark Diver, I will be holding an Underwater Video Boot Camp aboard the MV Horizon as we make our way to Isla Guadalupe, Baja to cage dive with great white sharks.

These amazing sharks migrate to Isla Guadalupe during the fall months and we will be there during the height of the season (Sept. 27th - Oct. 1st); so you can expect plenty of frisky male and large female sharks.

The Underwater Video Boot Camp is a comprehensive look at underwater documentary filmmaking, designed to not only help make your videos technically better but to also deliver powerful and dramatic messages to best suit your medium of interest: television, online, and more. In fact, much of what you'll learn is just as applicable above the waterline as below.

In addition, Boot Camp members will be eligible for a "mini-film festival" by submitting a 5-minute video of their trip. The videos will be judged by a panel of independent UW videographers and the winner will receive a FREE trip to Isla Guadalupe in 2011.

COREXIT 850,000 Gallons - Gulf Spill

BP has signed another deal for the oil dispersant COREXIT and 850,000 gallons to be sprayed into the Gulf to fight an ever expanding oil slick. 450,000 gallons have been sprayed thus far. Many environmental groups are unsure about these chemicals and their use.

Here are the EPA COREXIT handling instructions (click link for toxicity evaluation).

SPECIAL HANDLING AND WORKER PRECAUTIONS

Ventilation:
Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. Use with ventilation equal to unobstructed outdoors in moderate breeze.

Skin and eye contact; protective clothing; treatment in case of contact:
Avoid eye contact. In case of eye contact, immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Get prompt medical attention.

Avoid contact with skin and clothing. In case of skin contact, immediately flush with large amounts of water, and soap if available. Remove contaminated clothing, including shoes, after flushing has begun. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. For open systems where contact is likely, wear long sleeve shirt, chemical resistant gloves, and chemical protective goggles.

What is COREXIT and how does it work?

Oil spill worries shark research scientist

Nick Whitney admired the two juvenile female nurse sharks lolling around in a 40,000-gallon tank at Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Shark Research.

"Incredibly beautiful to look at," said the 32-year-old Bradenton, Fla., resident.

Yet there was concern in his voice.

A post-doctoral scientist and specialist in shark behavioral ecology, Whitney is worried about the ongoing oil spill off Louisiana.

If it ever gets pulled into the Gulf of Mexico's loop current, it would catastrophically affect the nurse shark population in the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas where Whitney and others have spent years of research.

"Mating season is coming up in a month, mid-June, early July," Whitney said. "If the Keys are hit by the oil spill at that time, it could be devastating - and not only to this coastline. These animals come into shallow waters to mate in large mating aggregations. It could destroy mating season for an entire year, which could be a huge hit to the population."

Read more here.

Oil Spill in the Gulf - 2010 Hurricane Oilmageddon?

Current estimates of actual oil in the Gulf range from 4-23-57 million gallons depending on who you listen to.

See NPR Gulf oil spill widget.

None of the major media outlets have broken the ongoing story of the 2010 Hurricane Season which officially kicks off June 1.

This image is Hurricane Katrina with the latest oil spill map from NOAA put together by RTSea Productions.

If Katrina landed this year its Category 3 sustained winds of 127 miles an hour it would plow right though the oil disaster area and BP's runaway wellhead off the Gulf coast.

Colorado State University predicts this to be an "above average season." Halting relief well drilling efforts and clean up will be these storms first impacts. Taking surface oil airborne and carrying it far in shore with 100-140 mile an hour winds will be these storms second and most devastating effect.

Hurricane Oilmageddon

The real eco disaster waiting to play out are raining oil micro dropletts coming ashore as far away as Texas, the southern states, and large parts of Mexico, as Gulf hurricanes suck up millions of gallons of surface moisture and spilled oil. These micro dropletts of oil will rain down on rivers, lakes, farm land, and cities covering the landscape.

"Oilmageddon," on a biblical scale.

Latest 2010 Hurricane Forecast Predictions

• Colorado State University issued its annual report on the year's hurricane forecast predictions.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/University forecasters William Gray and Phil Klotzbach each stated that El Nino conditions will likely dissipate by summer. In addition they believe that the warm tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures will not drop and will remain at the current temperatures. These temperatures have reportedly been much warmer than usual.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/Because of this phenomenon, Gray and Klotzbach indicate that the 2010 hurricane season will be above-average. Specifically, they said that the warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures will "[lead] to favorable conditions for hurricanes to develop and intensify."http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/

Oil Spill in the Gulf - Underwater Video

ABC News has coverage of the video that BP wanted hidden from the media claiming content rights. After White House intervention they released the following clip. The white plume is a frozen gas slush, followed quickly by oil. It was one these gas eruptions that caused the original drilling platform to explode in a fireball 21 days ago.

More in depth "Oilmageddon" coverage from Deep Sea News:

Mote Marine Labs - Press Release Sharks

Five teams won the right this weekend to compete in the final round of the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge - an innovative shark tournament uniting sport fishing, science, business and humane interests as never before.

The Challenge is a catch-and-release only competition off the Southwest Florida coast in which fishermen compete by catching sharks and scientists tag the sharks for conservation research purposes to learn more about the animals' travels in the wild. The Challenge is designed to be a "next generation" model for shark fishing competitions, supporting shark protection while providing the excitement that spectators and anglers have come to expect.

A select group of nine teams was chosen to fish in the qualifying round on May 1 and 2 out of Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda. The five high-scoring teams will fish the Grand Championship Finale on May 21-23 at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota.

The teams caught and released bull, lemon, blacktip, Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose and nurse sharks. With help from trained observers and guidance from Mote scientists, the teams fitted all qualifying sharks (five feet or longer) with conventional ID tags for research, including bull, lemon, blacktip and nurse sharks.

"I honestly feel we're making history here," 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. The directors said: "Our vision was to combine the goals of sport, science and conservation collaboratively and effectively. We've already achieved that in the qualifying round, and this is only the beginning."

The 8-foot, 2-inch female bull shark was fitted with a satellite-linked tracking tag by scientists from Mote's Center for Shark Research on the morning of Saturday, May 1. By the following Tuesday, May 4, the tag had sent a number of transmissions showing that the shark was about three to four miles offshore of where it was caught, tagged and released. Mote scientists will continue to track the shark's movements and a website displaying the tracks will be available for the public very soon.

"It's especially important that we satellite-tagged a mature female, because she may lead us to where she's mating or giving birth to pups," said Dr. Robert Hueter, Director of Mote's Center for Shark Research, who oversaw all scientific aspects of the tournament. "When it comes to mating grounds for bull sharks, we know zero."

Finding and protecting these mating grounds and "nurseries" where shark pups shelter and grow is important for conservation and management of shark populations. The tournament's scientific goals include satellite tagging a mature female great hammerhead shark - considered "endangered" by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

High winds and choppy seas may have lessened the chance for catching great hammerheads and other target species during the qualifying round. Also, unusually cold weather this year may have delayed movement of the sharks' prey fish into the area. Tournament organizers are optimistic that more chances for satellite tagging will arise during the Grand Championship.

Tough fishing conditions didn't dampen the anglers' spirits. "You guys really shined," said Co-director Moore during the awards reception Sunday evening. "We've got some real professionals here. I want to thank and acknowledge all the teams and observers. These guys are the stars of the show."
The public can watch the five remaining teams compete in the Grand Championship on May 21-23 at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Spectators onshore can enjoy an exciting and educational multimedia experience, including video feeds from the heart of the action. Learn more at the tournament website: http://ultimatesharkchallenge.squarespace.com/

Media: Low-res photos of catching, tagging and releasing of sharks are available, along with high-res photos of the tournament participants. Please contact Hayley Rutger, Mote Public Relations Specialist, 941-374-0081 or hrutger@mote.org.Media are welcome to attend the Grand Championship Finale at Mote, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, Fla. Please RSVP to Hayley.
---
About the tournament: The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge was developed in 2009 when Sean and Brooks Paxton approached Mote's Dr. Robert Hueter about the idea of an innovative catch-and-release shark tournament. Together with Capt. Robert Moore, the group then teamed up with renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey to present a model for responsible sport fishing that promotes shark protection. This "next generation" shark competition has been endorsed as a more humane alternative to traditional catch-and-kill tournaments by the Humane Society of the United States and is also supported by the Shark-Free Marinas Initiative and Fishpond USA.

The Global Shark Initiative - Passion on Steroids

If there was an award for shark passion it would go to the diverse team behind the Global Shark Initiative and the close to 12k shark fans who have rallied behind this cause.

From the outset this is smart and tactically correct shark conservation direction and with the amount of embedded conservation star power being allied here this group looks like it will make a huge difference in the near future.

Here's to conservation change.

Kudos to all involved.

Isla Guadalupe Underwater Video Boot Camp

2010 will feature some exciting developments at Isla Guadalupe.

One of which is filmmaker Richard Theiss's Underwater Video Boot Camp.

Divers and budding filmmakers joining him this season will learn the ins and outs of documentary film making, with each producing their own final 5 minute documentary.

These mini shark conservation productions will be judged by a panel of noted cinematographers with the winning entrants receiving a free expedition back to Isla Guadalupe with Shark Diver in 2011.

All entrants will be highlighted on a new You Tube channel as well.

Join us in 2010, and discover the wild world of white sharks and film making with RTSea and Shark Diver call today!

Oil, Disasters and Lawyers - Toxic Mix

Who bears the ultimate responsibility for America's Chernobyl off the Gulf coast?

If you asked an oil executive on Capitol Hill yesterday you got a Circular Firing Squad answer tailored by $800/hr corporate lawyers.

The blame game has begun, while an estimated 5-25,600 barrels a day explodes into the pristine waters of the Gulf.

For lawyers on both side of this on going eco disaster big oil equals big money.

BP's legal teams in the Gulf are already into questionable legal waiver practices making sub contractors working on oil clean up projects limit the amount of money they can accept to a one time payout of $5000.

"Pay all legitimate claims," is the current catch phrase for oil executives that leave them in a titanic grey area almost as big as the oil slick now covering the Gulf.

One thing is for sure, when the final bill does come for this mess, BP, Transocean and Hallibuton will be paying out on a three tiered system. House legal team first, opposing legal team second, and pennies on the dollar to whoever and whatever is left of the once magnificent Gulf.

White Shark Killed in Nets - Ensenada, Mexico

Peter Thomas has full coverage of the white shark recently released from Monterey Bay AQ only to be caught and killed off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico.

A blow to tagged shark research and a follow up to our own investigations of the Ensenada fish market where, over the past 5 years, we have been documenting the take of juvenile whites sold as swordfish here for 60-100 pesos a kilo.

Peter Thomas Blog:

A young great white shark that was released after 69 days of captivity at Monterey Bay Aquarium has died in a commercial fisherman's net off Ensenada, Mexico.

Scientists had tagged the female shark and were following its movements after its release last November. They became concerned recently when a tag attached to the shark's dorsal fin revealed movements over land.

Oscar Sosa-Nishizaki, a Mexican researcher, traced the movements to the home of a fisherman who acknowledged catching the shark in his gill-net.

Complete Story.

Donsol Shark Tourism - Too Much of a Good Thing?

One of the travel blogs we follow is Contemporary Nomad. A spicy mix of first person global trekking, cultures, and commentary. Recently Tony was in Donsol for his first whale shark encounter and poses the question, "Is this too much of a good thing?"

"One insane woman actually grabbed on to my swimsuit and apparently thought I would drag her along for a free ride. She probably got the idea from the remora fish which latch onto the sides of the whale sharks. Without getting graphic, let’s just say she won’t ever do that again."

His first person report is interesting and a great read.

Sharks Finned in Florida - Images

Tarpoon Dive Centers posted grizzly images of finned sharks in Florida's waters this week.

These images were picked up by Scotty Grey from Blue Iguana Charters and a host of shark conservation groups.

Scotty's response to these images was typical of those who have seen them.

We contacted Jake Shekels manager of Tarpoon Dive Centers and he said this was not the first time he had encountered finned sharks at his dive site:

"These Photos were taken last weekend while diving on a reef off Key Biscayne. Unbelievable this is happening so close to home. In April of last year we saw two hammerheads and perhaps a tiger shark, this was a nurse shark around the same area and depth and I am beginning to wondering if this is a coincidence?"

Typically shark finning is done by one or two persons who run small to medium shark fin operations in Florida. Some are busted, some are not. These are lucrative operations (see link).

With conservation leadership from Tarpoon Dive Centers and help from others in the conservation community perhaps these sharks will not have been finned in vain.

See post "When One Dead Shark."

Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge - Tagged Shark Moving Fast

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge represents a radical change in shark tournament modelling.

Combining shark research and best shark fishing practices the ultimate goal for this tournament is to promote "change from within" the sport caught shark fishing industry.

A recently tagged female bull shark (perhaps gravid) is now making tournament shark fishing history in Florida waters as she reports her position to Mote Marine Labs and waiting researchers.


Background

On the first day of the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge (May 1, 2010), a large bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) was caught by tournament competitor Bucky Dennis. This adult female was possibly pregnant and an ideal candidate for satellite tagging by Mote Marine Lab's research team. The tag was attached to the shark's first dorsal fin such that it would be able to transmit whenever the shark was at the surface of the water. These transmissions provide precise location and movement information that will contribute to our understanding of the habitat preferences of this important marine predator.


For more information and to view her daily track go here.

Getting Your Squid On - Ambush or Active?

The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is the stuff of legends and popular myth. It is also one of our favourite deep sea critters.

Often depicted as active hunters of the deep researchers are scaling back this view, proposing that Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni is more of a passive hunter. Similar perhaps to Magnapinna and a video that made the Blue Blogger rounds in 2007/8.

The BBC had great coverage of this ongoing discussion as does RTSea Blog.

Taking into account the depth at which these critters reside and water temperatures, researchers now think the colossal squids hunting technique is like a many branched upside down tree with prey items blundering into spiked tipped arms, only to be pulled into a two foot beak and ripped to pieces...very slowly of course.

Here's a video of Magnapinna. Watching this critter in action you'll get the idea. Ironically this video comes from a Shell Oil deepwater exploration ROV:

Beqa Adventure Divers - Fiji Politiks

One of the best shark diving operations on the planet as far as operational safety, conservation initiatives, and frank industry leadership is in the middle of a "minor bump in the road," typically known as small island politics.

Da Shark posted some details yesterday and we're sure more are to come:

Yesterday evening, after the weekend closure of the courts, Government ministries and law firms, our land lord Lagoon Resort was seized and shut down.

It's obviously about money and has nothing whatsoever to do with us - but as a consequence, we were caught in the crossfire and denied access to our premises, and 20 pre-booked tourists were turned away and could not join today's Shark dive.

It looks like they will be back operating today, and if we know Da Shark he'll find a way to not only own the failing resort in question but in five years will have built a carbon neutral and expanded global shark research station to boot.

Opportunities often come when the storm clouds have lifted.

Here's to fresh breezes in Fiji, let us know how we can help Mike.

Gulf BP Oil Spill - Sky Truth 26,500 Barrels a Day

Depending on who you listen to the BP Gulf oil spill is 2-5000 barrels a day.

That's a hefty number.

Then there's Sky Truth. If you have never heard of them here's their link.

They estimate the Gulf spill at a mind boggling 26,500 barrels a day using satellite imaging of the region and some of the best minds in the minerals business.

See LA Times article.

This would make the current oil disaster in the Gulf larger than the Exxon Valdez spill of the late 90's.

Last night BP dropped the first of three 100 ton proposed containment domes to try and cap the leaks. We wish them the best of speed and good luck.

Shark Free Marinas - Miami Keystone Point

Keystone Point Marina in Miami now a Shark-Free Marina

Keystone Point Marina invites you to be part of their boating family:

We invite you to come by and meet our friendly, knowledgeable staff. The marina office is open from 8am-5pm daily. Keystone Point Marina has been making boating simple and convenient for 50 years.

We also understand shark conservation and want to be part of the conservation solution for Florida with the Shark Free Marinas Initiative.

Keystone Point Marina is open from 8am to 5pm daily with 24 hour access to your boat.

They offer:

• Fuel Dock
• 89 & 93 Octane Gasoline
• High Sulfur Diesel
• Free Pump Out Station
• Fiberglass floating docks
• Wooden finger piers
• Service racks
• Water & Electric
• Marine Supplies: basic items
• Brand Name Oil
• Ice 10lb bag & 25 lb Block
• Frozen Bait
• Live bait upon request
• Clean Restrooms
• Fish Cleaning Station
• Weigh in Fish Scale
• Dock Carts
• Factory Mechanics
• Towing Service
• Fishing Charters

Support their business by dropping by their facility at 1950 N.E. 135th Street, North Miami, Florida 33181 and be sure to visit their website at www.keystonepointmarina.com

Are you a marina owner/manager?

Follow their example and register your facility with Shark-Free Marinas today.

Want to get involved with SFMI? Visit our Regional Ambassadors page for more info.

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.


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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.