News
Thoughts on Shark Tagging… by Jeff Goodman
I recall from my first filming trip abroad over 45 years ago, people telling me that weather conditions were very unseasonal and how unusual it was that animal behaviour was becoming more uncharacteristic each season, as well as that species numbers were on the decline.
For the first few years of my travels I must confess not to taking much notice, but then as the years unfolded I began to realise this was a global trend that was not getting better.
Over the following years I met many scientists and biologists who were dedicated to their particular field of wildlife and environmental research but I was saddened to learn just how focussed they had to be on their own particular niche rather than having time to think of the bigger picture and the overall global problems and influences. This was because in order to secure future funding, they had to be able to produce a constant stream of worthwhile results. They had to justify their work and sadly there was no one I encountered who was responsible for coordinating all this individual information to try and assess global trends and issues.
Throughout my wildlife filming career I have seen copious quantities of information accumulated about individual species, all in order to better understand what is happening to our world by processing reams of carefully gathered data.
So what has this to do with shark tagging? Well, much of the research I have watched over the years has had to do with shark behaviour, feeding patterns, distribution, reproduction and, of course, mortality after being caught and released. The stress of fighting for life isn’t so prevalent with other species. A bird caught in a mist net or an elephant tranquilized, although distressing, doesn’t seem to compare with a long drawn out battle on the end of a fishing line, where the animal is fighting with all its strength and resolve until it has nothing more to give.
There is a plethora of opinion and data about shark mortality post catch and release which makes it difficult to discern reality from emotion.
Sharks have been pushed to the edge of extinction by over fishing, both commercial and sport.
In recent years, biologists have come to discover that catch and release is harmful to sharks. They have documented cases where sharks will swim away and die within a matter of minutes after fishermen release them. The life-and-death struggle to survive a battle with an angler far too often turns out lethal for the shark.
Sharks are crucial for the health of the ocean. As an apex predator, their continuing eradication threatens the health of the entire marine ecosystem. Although the figures may be small compared with long lining and other commercial fisheries, they are still significant. See www.leisurepro.com/blog/ocean-news/catch-release-harmful-sharks/
This post release mortality does vary between shark species with some being more resilient than others. Having been underwater, filming sharks on the hook fighting with every last ounce of their strength, I am personally amazed how any survive at all, especially when after this epic struggle they are hauled up onto a boat deck to have their photo taken.
I used to fish myself and seafood was always a good part of my diet, but as the years passed I began to witness stress and the frantic fight for life played out at the end of a fishing line. It is well accepted now that fish do feel pain. See www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/fish-feel-pain-180967764/. It is simply that we cannot hear any screams that make us impervious to their plight. See www.goodreads.com/book/show/7266864-do-fish-feel-pain
I have recently been passed a link to a Shark fishing competition to be held locally in Cornwall with the emphasis on tag and release. It led to me writing this article. Have we not gathered enough data now to be able to say ‘yes’, these animals are at the very edge of extiction and should be fully protected from all manner of sport and commercial fishery? Shall we continue to catalogue and study our wildlife right up to the point of its disappearance when we can say without any contradiction that our science knows exactly why this has happened.
I often stand on the cliff tops and look out at an empty ocean where only forty or so years ago I saw life in abundance. My children and grandchildren of course have no idea what I am talking about…
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
-
- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
-
- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
-
- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
-
- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
-
- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
-
Blogs3 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News2 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
News3 months agoTreasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving by Howard Rosenstein available now
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News4 weeks agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream