Great Victories for Sharks!!!

We are doing something right ladies and gentlemen!!!

According to the amazing Shark Research Institute, Chile has completely banned shark finning in their waters.
Honduras claimed over 90,000 miles as a shark sanctuary (meaning that no matter the circumstances, if sharks are in that region, killing them is ILLEGAL)!!
The Bahamas claimed over 240,000 miles as a shark sanctuary as well.
Finally, The Marshall Islands, Palau, and Guam claimed OVER 2 MILLION MILES as a shark sanctuary.

Here at home, Oregon, Washington, and California have outlawed the trade of shark fins!

These are obviously huge accomplishments for our notorious apex predator of the ocean. The stricter we are on shark finning the better our Earth's health and survival will be. We still have an enormous amount of work to do to reverse the devastating damage that humans have caused, half of the known 400 species of sharks are still ENDANGERED!!! But with continued awareness and research we can help sharks regain their numbers.

The Shark Research Institute is the leading organization in promoting sharks' interests, educating people about sharks, and giving them a voice, and I am proud to be a member. Their continuous research has helped several species of sharks gain numbers and their relentless stance in promoting shark conservation has (and will continue to) decrease the destruction of our apex predator of the ocean . I am honored to be a small part in this organization. If you would like to check them out, their website is www.sharks.org.

Tiger Sharks

Tiger sharks are most notoriously known as the "ocean's garbage-cans" for they eat anything and everything they can sink their teeth into. They actually have such unique and sharp teeth that they are able to cut through not only flesh, but also bones as well as turtle shells! Besides eating whatever they can find swimming in the ocean, tiger sharks mostly eat seals, sea turtles, sea birds, other sharks, dolphins, fish, and even sea snakes! Not picky at all :)

Tiger sharks are one of the biggest species of shark alive today. They can even rival the Great White Sharks with their size. Usually, they are at least 16 feet in length but females on average reach 18 feet long. On average, Tiger sharks weigh approximately 849-1,400 pounds!!!
Tiger sharks are usually found in tropical and temperate waters. They seem to favor the temperature of the Pacific Islands in particular.

Tiger sharks are extremely solitary creatures and ususally do their hunting at night. They are able to detect electric fields from any object in the ocean and can also detect minute vibrations in the water which allows the Tiger sharks to be extremely efficient at hunting their prey at night. Their heads are 'wedge-shaped' which them to turn abruptly to one side.

Tiger sharks possess EXCELLENT eye-sight and a highly acute sense of smell that allows them to react to very faint traces of blood and follow them to the source!! Due to the high risk of attacks, dolphins often avoid regions that are inhabited by Tiger sharks!!!

***Tiger sharks are ranked as one of the most dangerous species of shark. Although Tiger shark attacks on humans are HIGHLY RARE, they are responsible for a considerable percentage of fatal attacks on humans. ***** (In other words, if you happen to be swimming in the ocean and see one of these sharks it would be best to get the heck away from them as soon as possible).

Females mate approximately once every three years. The mating process is EXTREMELY PAINFUL for the female, for the male has to bite down on her back in order to hold on to her as they swim along. (This doesn't just occur for this species of shark). Females usually have enormous amounts of scars along their backs because of this.

The eggs hatch internally and are born fully developed. The young develop inside of the mother for 16 months! Obviously, this is an extremely long time and baby Tiger sharks have been known to eat their under-developed brothers and sisters INSIDE OF THE WOMB.

Currently, scientists do not know how long Tiger sharks can live, however there have been Tiger sharks recorded to be over 12 years old.

The most notable shark attack involving the Tiger shark occurred in October of 2003, when American surfer, Bethany Hamilton was surfing and was bit, causing her to lose her entire arm. Along with giving inspirational speeches she continues to surf today. It is believed (although not 100% confirmed) that she was attacked by a 19-foot-male Tiger shark.

****Tiger sharks are captured and killed for their fins, flesh, and liver. With this being a continuing trend, Tiger sharks will inevitably go from being a threatened species to an endangered one. The question is only a matter of how much time that will take.  

Mako Sharks

Mako Shark Facts:

There are actually two types of Mako Sharks: the Shortfin Mako Shark and the Longfin Mako Shark.

• These sharks have sleek, skinny bodies, with large black eyes, a distinctly pointed nose, and long-pointed teeth.
•  Mako Sharks are in the 'vulnerable' conservation status!!
• On average these sharks are approximately 7-9 ft. long.
• Shortfin Mako Sharks are found in temperate (meaning neither too cold nor too warm waters) as well as tropical seas worldwide.
• Longfin Mako Sharks are found specifically in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters.
• Food preferences: Mako Sharks mainly feed on bony fish (i.e. tuna, swordfish...etc); however Makos have been known to eat other sharks, sea turtles, sea birds, and dolphins.
• Hunting Technique: Makos have a specific way of hunting: they approach their prey from underneath. This gives them the advantage in the sense that they can see what is above them and implement the 'SURPRISE ATTACK.' (This method is almost completely fool-proof).
• Makos are the fastest sharks in the seas; they can reach up to 31 mph and have been seen to have bursts of up to 46 mph!!
• Makos give birth to LIVE YOUNG, and have a gestation period of approximately 15-18 months (almost double a human's gestation period).
• Maximum age recorded: 29 years for males; 32 years for females.
• This species of shark do not do well in captivity, they usually do not last past 1 month, which explains why there are never any Mako Sharks at aquariums.
• The International Shark Attack File has reported that through the duration of 30 years (1980-2010) there have been 42 attacks on humans. 3 OF WHICH WERE FATAL.
• IN GENERAL, THIS SPECIES OF SHARK DO NOT ATTACK HUMANS. THE TIMES WHERE HUMANS WERE ATTACKED, IT WAS ALWAYS DUE TO MISTAKEN IDENTITY---THE SHARK CONFUSING THE HUMAN FOR WEAKENED OR HURT PREY.

New Mission

Over the next few months, I will be 'disecting' the hundreds of species of sharks, one-by-one and presenting information about each species. Their normal habitat, how they hunt, what they eat, how they reproduce, how many attacks on humans, how many of the attacks were fatal, any unique physical characteristics and much more. This is obviously a huge undertaking (there are over 440 species that have been discovered) but I feel that with more knowledge and FACTS that I present to the public, the better understanding people will have over the different types of sharks. Who knows, maybe my little blog will have an impact on how some people view sharks. :)

Thank you,
Marissa 

Update on my Farallon Islands Adventure!!

My adventure to the great Farallon Islands to see the Great White Sharks is still on, however in less than a year :) The weather is just too crazy right now, so thankfully, I am able to still go there, but I'm going in September of 2012!!!! That way it's not too late in the year and the weather will be less crazy :) Just wanted to update my viewers.
Below are some pictures of where I'm going to go in September!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEK!!!!! :)

Australia attacks

I just watched a video about a third man being killed by a shark attack in the past two months in Australia. Now, there is a massive hunt for this "man-killer" that boats are lining up trying to bait in the great white shark. First of all, it is so sad that three men died, however, it would be IMPOSSIBLE that there was just one shark responsible for all three deaths and even harder to prove which one did it. Furthermore, how in the world can someone positively "ID" the shark that is responsible for the attacks. It's not like these sharks have ID cards that they can flash to people on the boats.
It is false to think that once a shark has tasted human blood that it is thirsty for more. That may be true for other animals but it is CERTAINLY NOT TRUE for sharks. Sharks are notorious for attacking due to mistaken identity. Once the shark realizes that it's prey isn't a seal, fish, dolphin, etc...it USUALLY swims away. It has been proven that sharks DO NOT like the taste of human blood or flesh. We are too bony for them, which is why majority of the time, once the shark lets go it doesn't come back for more. The problem is considering these animals' massive size, one bite can be devastating to a human, which is why people often lose limbs or die.
I cannot even imagine what the families must be feeling and I give them my deepest sympathies, but I do not think the answer is to have a bunch of fisherman trying to kill all kinds of sea life when they have no idea which shark or sharks attacked those men. Isn't bad enough that we lost three men, why do we feel the need to justify their deaths with mindless and needless slaughter of (MOST LIKELY) innocent animals?
Mindless killing is definitely not the answer and most definitely will not "teach those sharks a lesson."

http://news.yahoo.com/aussie-coast-fears-rogue-shark-may-killed-3-122218160.html

The Real Deal

If you think that I am exaggerating or that I am wrong in the fact that shark finning is a SERIOUS, life-threatening problem to not only sharks, but humans as well take a look at these pictures and tell me what you think.

                                                   I THINK I'VE MADE MY POINT.

My Farallon Islands Adventure

Well to all my peeps, in less than a month I will be going on a "Great White Adventure" and visit the Farallon Islands. This is an unheard-of island that is near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco and it is notorious for having HUNDREDS of Great White Sharks visit there during the months of September-November. It is an alcove of huge, jagged rocks and the Great White Sharks (only species of shark known to go there) enjoy a vast amount of their favorite prey...seals. It is also said that this is where they mate, but no one has actually seen a Great White Shark mate before, so no one can say for sure. In the disclaimer that I had to sign for this trip, it mentioned that I need to be prepared to see Great Whites attacking and killing seals, and to realize that it is a violent, gruesome, bloody death. THAT's the only part that I am worried about on my three-day trip. I can't watch nature shows or Planet Earth documentarys because I will BURST INTO TEARS when I see an animal in pain and being eaten. So I think, if that happens in front of me, I'm gonna have to go to the other side of the boat :) I'll take lots of pictures and video. One question though that has been on my mind as November 4th comes closer, is do sharks make any kind of noise? Like when they burst out of the water with their enormous jaws open, is there a roar, or a growl, or any kind of noise that comes out???? What do you think?

Possible Shark Health Benefits!!!!???!!!!

I read something very interesting today. Turns out that there are many possible health benefits to many parts of a shark.
Research is showing that a shark's liver oil can be used in balms as a means of moisturizer and to prevent chapping. Scientists are also determining that it is possible that the liver oil may help heal canker sores.
Presently, in Europe, shark liver oil is being widely used in addition to traditional cancer treatments. It has been a debate as to whether or not certain parts of a shark can cure cancer and some countries are firm believers that a shark's liver oil is a definite component to defeating CANCER. Also interesting, research is showing that shark liver oil may also protect against as well as speed the healing of colds, the flu, and various minor skin infections!!!
Who knows, with more research, scientists may be able to help heal and slow down certain ailments and diseases that humans are infected with from time to time. The only way we will know though is by KEEPING SHARKS ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!

You have a better chance of......

Did you know you have a better chance of getting struck by lightening than getting attacked by a shark??


You have a better chance of getting stung by a bee or a wasp than getting attacked by a shark.


You have a better chance of getting attacked by a dog, a lion, a tiger, or a bear than getting attacked by a shark..


You have a better chance of getting in a car accident than getting attacked by a shark.

INTERESTING FACT: falling coconuts kill 150 people worldwide each year, which is 15 TIMES GREATER than fatalities attributed to shark attacks. Looks like we need to be more scared of falling coconuts rather than sharks :)

Shark Soft Spots

There are two places that if you see a shark and it gets too close for comfort you can hit and they will go away and leave you alone. GUESS which ones!!!!!!!!

Why Sharks are the Apex Predators of the Ocean.

It goes without saying that sharks are dangerous, scary, intimidating, intriguing, mysterious, amazing, and captivating animals. But when you really look at a shark, their physical characteristics, the way they move, eat, and hunt, you can see why they are all of those previously mentioned adjectives and more.
Let's take sharks' skin first. It is covered with thousands of dermal dentricles which are like tiny little pointed knifes that are in one direction. Not only does this increase their speed and fluidity while swimming it also makes them dangerous to touch. If touched in the opposite direction of these dentricles, a person or animal can get cut and start bleeding. (Best to make sure that if you touch a shark you move your hand in the direction of left to right to avoid getting hurt).
Second, have you ever noticed how all sharks (no matter what species) have a distinct horizontal division of color on their bodies. The top half, where a shark's dorsal fins are located is usually a gray, blue, dark blue or black color. The bottom half of a shark, which is where a shark's pectoral fins are located is usually white or cream colored. This is why: when you look up at a shark, (i.e. you're below a shark looking up at it), the sun and the clouds camouflage the shark's light underbelly. When looking down on a shark (i.e. you're above a shark looking down), a shark dark skin is camouflaged with the dark ocean. This genius skin-coloring allows a shark to swim in the ocean undetected and to make it harder for prey to distinguish them.
Next, let's take sharks' eyes. Sharks have excellent night vision and they never have to blink because the surrounding seawater clears their eyes from any harmful bacteria. But what is most intriguing, is that when a shark attacks it's prey a protective cover immediately covers their eyes so that if their prey thrashes around and it hits one of the sharks' eyes, a shark won't get hurt or go blind. This protective cover is called a nictitating membrane, and seeing as most sharks use a "thrashing around" method to kill their prey, sharks probably get hit in the eyes quite often. Just another example of what amazing creatures sharks are.
Next, let's take a sharks' mouth. Sharks have more than one layer of teeth, usually they have three. The first row is what you would see immediately because it is the one that is up front. The other two rows are hidden towards the back of a shark's jaw; and they push forward when the front-row-teeth fall out. Think of it as an insurance policy. Sharks lose their teeth constantly; seeing as they don't have hands, shark's teeth are their main means of killing and cutting into their prey. Over time, their teeth lose their sharpness and also become loose due to them having to hold down their prey to feed. So nature built a survival mechanism of keeping extra rows of freshly-sharpened, strong teeth in storge, so that when a shark does lose some of them, they're immediately replaced.
It is amazing how every part of a shark was created for them to survive in a variety of situations and circumstances. They are so adequately equipped with whatever they need that it is hard not to admit that they are amazing creatures that should be respected. Their efficiency and precision explains why sharks outlasted the dinosaurs and why they are the rulers of the seas.
Here are pictures that show (a) shark's skin up close, the dentricles, (b) shark's eye being covered by the nictitating membrane, (c) shark's coloring, and (d) the three rows of teeth.

BAN SHARK FINNING

FINNING----the inhumane, cruel, horrific process of cutting sharks' fins off and then leaving the shark to die (whether by throwing it overboard, back into the ocean or on the shore). The shark either bleeds to death, suffocates and drowns (a shark has to constantly move in order to breathe), or gets eaten alive by other sharks.

Every year over 10 million sharks succumb to this awful death, all for a bowl of shark-fin soup. Hong Kong and China are notorious for this type of murder. Believe it or not, sharks feel pain. And whether or not you fear them, hate them, don't want to have anything to do with them, sharks DO NOT deserve this type of treatment. Thankfully, there are many campaigns against shark finning, and as more and more people discover this heinous practice, the more people are wanting to do something about it.

When sharks become extinct, the world will never be the same.

Hear me out. You have your normal food chain. Plankton, krill, and shrimp represent the bottom of the food pyramid. Then you have fish (all kinds). You then have seals, dolphins, whales (the non-baleen breeds). And finally at the top you have sharks.

                                                                      SHARKS
                                                     SEALS/DOLPHINS/WHALES
                                                              FISH (ALL BREEDS)
                                                     PLANKTON/KRILL/SHRIMP


It is common knowledge that when one of these kinks in a chain breaks off and becomes literally, extinct, the whole chain crumbles into oblivion. It is estimated that WE kill over 100 MILLION sharks a YEAR!!!! And just ask me how many people are killed by sharks a year...go ahead...I dare you to ask me.
Going back to the food chain, if sharks are destroyed, which at the rate people are going, it is very likely, seals, dolphins, and whales will over-populate, causing fish to become scarce. Considering the fact that fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry, I'm thinking that fish becoming scarce in all parts of the world would put our economy in an even deeper hole than it already is in. And certain countries, whose primary staple is seafood would suffer greatly.
Think about this: our world is 70% covered in water. 70%!!!! So if we disrupt the ocean's amazingly balanced food chain, we destroy our oceans...in other words, 70% of EARTH. When that happens, the remaining  30% won't last long.
To me, it seems that the act of killing a shark is equivalent to spilling hundreds of gallons of oil in the ocean. Both will cause horrific and irreparable consequences, and if we do not educate ourselves and become aware of the consequences of our actions, there is a very strong possibility that we will destroy our beloved world.

Celebrities help raise shark awareness!!!!

I was browsing the internet when I came across this article.
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/06/24/leonardo-dicaprio-save-the-sharks/

Turns out stars like LEONARDO DICAPRIO, MEGAN FOX, AND SCARLETT JOHANSSON care about sharks and saving our planet. It's nice to know that people who have so much money are putting some of it to good use.

What NOT to do in the ocean!!!

Okay people, here we go. Here are some rules that may seem obvious but surprisingly, many people make these mistakes and that's when they get attacked.
(Of course, there are times when a random incident will occur and a person who does "everything right" will get attacked, but the more you know about the environment you're in, the less you have to worry about and leave to chance and luck).
RULES OF THUMB:
1) Never go into the ocean with an open wound or if you are bleeding. Sharks can smell blood up to a mile away!
2) Do not wear any jewelry whatsoever. Even earrings, rings...etc. The jewelry will ultimately catch the rays of the sun which will create a glare that the scales of fish create when they swim. So by wearing jewelry, you're putting a bright red blanket in front of an angry bull so-to-speak.
3) Never swim around people who are fishing.Usually, there is chum in the water (a mixture of fish oil and blood) and whenever that is in the water, sharks will be on the prowl. Don't get in the way of their food.
4) Never swim alone. Obviously, if a shark is going to attack it won't really matter if there are two or three people together, however, another person can help save your life. It doesn't even have to do with sharks, at the very least, if you start to have a leg cramp another person near you can be a lifesaver.
5) It would be wise to stay OUT of the water at dawn and dusk. These are two times during the day when it is known that the majority of all shark species feed. My advice with this...just stay out of the water around these times.
6) Finally, do NOT get into the water when you are drinking and especially if you are intoxicated. Just mixing water with alcohol can be dangerous, and then when you add sharks into the mix, it's just not a wise idea.
***It is very important to remember that sharks can be scary and dangerous, but they need and should be respected. The ocean is THEIR home as well as all the other ocean creatures. So everytime we enjoy the ocean, we are visitors visiting a foreign place. Keep that in mind the next time you go out into the ocean. :)

Intro

First off, let me say, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to view (even if you just scan) my blog. I greatly appreciate it. Sharks are my most favorite animal in the world, and I spend whatever free time I have researching them and studying them. I try to read as much and watch as much as I possibly can about them and I think they are the most misunderstood and amazing creatures that we need to respect. I'm not saying they are cute cuddly creatures, however, they are NOT mindless-human-eating machines.
This blog will talk about types of sharks, what NOT to do when you go into the ocean, misconceptions vs. truths about sharks, and information about sharks.
Hope you enjoy!!!!!!
        Marissa