ContentsFeatures Regulars

Conservation

Get Involved

Latest

The Secret Shark Pits

Sharks of French Polynesia

Critical Habitat Under Threat

Sneaking into the intimacy of reef sharks

Really Short Snippets

Marine Cinema

Breaking news from the Marine World

Latest Marine Documentaries Reviewed

Our Choice Of ProductsEvaluating Telemetry

Sharks, Lies & MicroscopesSpotlight on the Ocean’s Myths

Spotlight

Inside Research

Species ID - Reef Sharks Exposed

Tiger Central - Playing with Tiger Sharks

Sharklife CampaignSlide Fishing - Anglers off the hook?

Be Drawn In

Empowerment

Readers Challenge

Volunteer and make a difference

Petitions, Campaigns and Causes

Make your Footprint Green

Un-Science MeClearing the Shroud of Sience

My LifeLawyer delves into Shark Research

Shark Netting

Photo by Fiona Ayerst Photo by Fiona Ayerst

Photo by Fiona Ayerst18

1818

On Australian Beaches

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4045

41

29

48

42

16

26

24

31

35

41

14

38

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 3

Turtle 911Healing Ambassadors for the Oceans

19

On the HorizonMarine Phenomena Catalogue

13

Picked from the currentExperts on the Oceans

25

Endangered AnimalsIndo Pacific Humpback Dolphin

22

The Big MeltInto the global warming debate

49

This Months Explorers This Months Explorers

Ryan Johnson

Ryan is a marine biologist

specializing in uncovering the

hidden lives of sharks. In recent

years he has worked as a

scientific host for National

Geographic exploring and

researching marine wonders

from around the world. In

Beyond Blue he puts to print the

inside story of these remarkable

adventures.

Natalie Harrison is an

undergraduate student at

Duke University, in North

Carolina in the US, studying

Marine Biology and Classics. A

former SAMPLA intern, she

first recognized her love for the

sea several years ago while

capturing, tagging, and

releasing juvenile sea turtles

for a population monitoring

project. She hopes to have an

exciting career discovering and

protecting the marine

environment and its

mysterious, but magnificent

creatures.

Intrigued by shark behaviour

from a young age, Johann

became a French engineer (MSc

Fishery Biology). He joined

APECS (French Shark

Conservation Association) and

investigated the basking

shark's behaviour. In January

2008 he started his PhD project,

focusing on the behavioural

ecology of reef sharks in

French Polynesia.

Mark brings a

multidisciplinary approach to

all his work and it is this

inclusive philosophy that has

pushed the science and

cinematography of the South

African Coast to new levels.

His approach is to amalgamate

his fieldwork with the relevant

scientists and integrate this

science into the filming and

photographic projects that his

company facilitates. The

current projects centre on the

shark fauna at Shark Park.

Fiona Ayerst is a freelance adventure sport and underwater photographer and journalist. Fiona is a prolific author, and has established an international reputation for her articles on ocean conservation in various publications. Fiona’s love for all things " water " show in her passion for this medium that she has the privilege to work in daily.

Courtney Graham is a law

student at the Brandeis School of

Law in Louisville, Kentucky

(USA). Her passion for scuba

diving and motivation for

getting stamps on her passport

has taken her on adventures

around the world. She is a self-

proclaimed adrenaline junkie

and is working towards a career

in shark and marine

conservation.

Courtney Graham Fiona AyerstMark AddisonJohann MourierNatalie Harrison

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 4

From the EditorFrom the Editor

Welcome to this first edition of our new magazine Beyond Blue. It has been such an exciting

project to work on. I love working with enthusiastic people who both know what they are

talking about and who care about the state of our oceans.

With people like that supporting it, this magazine will go from strength to

strength. I look forward to hearing what you- the reader- want to see here and what you

think about our first issue? (your letters to me, the editor can be sent to

)

Beyond Blue has been founded to be the voice of the oceans. It brings its readers a fresh

approach to scientific writing and current information on all topics relating to the sea. The

magazine intends to tackle difficult conservation issues with an in-depth investigatory

approach. Beyond Blue is fun and funky, fresh and invigorating. We have designed it to

awaken your interest and to educate you further on current topical issues regarding all

things “ oceanic”. The magazine is written by energetic, passionate and involved people

and is designed for you- the reader who wants to know what is happening in an up-to-date,

interesting and easy to read format. It is a magazine for people who want to be involved.

Beyond Blue will always endeavour to blend incredible imagery with cutting edge

reporting and style.

Each issue of Beyond Blue will continue to contain all the things that you love to read,

including features from our internationally roaming explorers who constantly have their

“antennae” up- watching and listening- waiting to bring you the latest in international

oceanic news.

I invite you to get your favourite beverage; sit in a comfy chair; sit back and enjoy! Savour

this – the first offering from the Beyond Blue team and that which the oceans have

decided to wash up for you in this - our inaugural issue!

Welcome to Beyond Blue.

fiona@beyondbluemag.com

Fiona Ayerst

Editor-in-Chief, Beyond Blue

September 2008

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

South African Marine Predator Lab

Fiona Ayerst

Production Manager

Design and Layout

Lezanne Brits

Eugene Kruger

Explorers

Contributors

Johann MourierNatalie HarrisonRyan JohnsonCourtney GrahamMark AddisonFiona Ayerst

Moynene BaumannLawrence BelliniLezanne BritsDiane van VuurenEnrico GennariToby KeswickSimone Lewis-KoskinenNeil CrooksCeleste Steyn

Photographers

Website

Fiona AyerstHughes VitryStefania MullerKimi Stewart

David Edwards

Opinions expressed within this magazinedo not reflect those of Beyond Blue orany project related to Beyond Blue.Every effort has been made to ensureaccuracy, Beyond Blue cannot be heldliable for inadvertent mistakes.

No part of this magazine may bereproduced without written consent ofthe publisher.

Disclaimer & Copyrights

Get in Touch with Beyond Blue

Website:

Email:

Tel: +27 (044) 690 5799

Facebook:

www.beyondbluemag.com

info@beyondbluemag.com

http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=653760842#/group.php?gid=28615938134

Acknowledgments

At a Glance

Map by David Edwards

Thanks to Spotbit.com for creating the

Beyond Blue E-book.

The vast emptiness of the pit, and his role in its

destruction, are clearly evident in the tear-

streaked green eyes of this passionate

Mauritian.

Sharkwater is probably one of the most

important documentaries ever made. It is

essentially JAWS, starring MAN as the

villainous predator.

With so many scientists admitting that little is

known about the marine environment

concerns are growing that many species could

soon become extinct before we really get to

understand them.

Global warming competes with cancer and

competes with AIDS for a finite amount of

money. Nobody ever won that fight by saying:

My issue isn't important.”

The hooks being used are barbed, chemically

sharpened, stainless steel and are generally

around a large size ten.

A large fracture, presumably from an

encounter with the propeller of a boat, split her

skull into separate pieces.

page 7 - Secret Shark Pits

page 29 - Cinema Marine

page 25 - Picked from the current

page 49 - The Big Melt

page 31 - Slide Fishing

page 19 - Turtle 911

Strolling down to the vessel that is to be our

research and production base for the next few months, a

thought occurs to me. This expedition may be a little

more demanding than the extended dive holiday that I

have been hoping for. A blue boat stands nearby, the

sister vessel of the one we will use. Its deck is crowded

with French speaking tourists, happily chatting away as

they head out for their day's diving. We are in Mauritius,

an isolated island located in the south western Indian

Ocean. I am the dedicated marine biologist on a National

Geographic expedition to discover and document the

wonders of the famed "Shark Pits of Mauritius". The other

expedition members consist of an assortment of scientists,

conservationists, divers and film crew. We are a holistic

bunch and in the two short months that we will be here

we aim to gain new insights into the mysteries of the

shark pits. Of equal importance, we also aspire to add to

the store of knowledge that may help in the conservation

and preservation of these sacred pits. However, the initial

calm of the Mauritius diving scene belies the challenges

that in a short time our crew will face. These are

challenges and demands that will make this expedition

the most intense and risky research adventure of my

career. This is the story of the Shark Pit Mystery.

History of the pits

In 1977, Hughes Vitry discovered an underwater cavern

formed from lava, now called the shark pit. This came

about as Hughes, while scuba diving, watched a shark

mysteriously 'disappear' into the reef wall. Keeping in

pursuit, Hughes stumbled into the “shark pit” and

witnessed a sight he would never forget. He found

approximately 50 sharks slowly circling each other in a

tiny confined pit of about 10m x 25m. The pit was teeming

with what seemed to be a relatively common predator,

the gray reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos). Some

scientists however, including Hughes, contend that this

was possibly a different species - the black tailed reef

shark (Carcharhinus wheeler). Within the shark pit there

were adults, juveniles, males and females. Hughes had

many questions in his mind- were they feeding, resting,

mating, birthing? What were they doing here? For the next 17

years, Hughes returned again and again to the pit as a

dive operator, endeavoring to discover the secrets of this

mysterious cavern. Then in 1994, a French film crew

approached Hughes to produce a documentary on the

shark pits. Hughes, unsuspecting the result that this

documentary would produce, agreed. As he had a

natural desire to spread word of his discovery, he

welcomed the opportunity. Today, he tells the story of

the disaster that followed the film's airing. Fishermen

started visiting the pit (whose location had

unfortunately been revealed by the documentary)

searching for a guaranteed shark capture. Dive

operators capitalized on the pit's fame and sent hordes

of their clients into the confined space. Within a year

the pit was empty. The sharks had either been fished

out or displaced. Today, some 12 years later the pit

remains empty, a hollow reminder of human greed; an

unwillingness to respect nature and also the

debilitating effects that TV programs can sometimes

have on the wildlife they film. The vast emptiness of

the pit and Hughes’ role in its destruction, are clearly

evident in the tear- filled green eyes of this passionate

Mauritian. Amazingly, Hughes has discovered some

new pits, but never again will he feel the responsibility

of such a remarkable place's destruction. Hughes has

vowed to keep it a secret, away from the eyes of

fisherman and tourists, until

such a time as the Mauritius government can guarantee

protection. Now, after months of negotiations, National

Geographic has made an agreement with Hughes to

allow a documentary and research study to be conducted

in the new pit, but the crew must swear absolute and

unconditional secrecy of its location. I am lucky enough

to be part of this secret and the expedition and adventure

that follows.

The Expedition

Exiting the harbour of Trou aux Biches, we head east as

well as a few other directions to confuse the fishermen

who have heard of our presence in the town. Moments

before their eyes had fervidly watched us loading our

vessel with research film and dive equipment. After a

time, and ensuring the absence of followers, we correct

our bearing, and Hughes gives us a run down on do's

and don'ts. Famed wildlife director, Joe Kennedy, and

above water cameraman Hansa Winshaw receive the

sternest warning from Hughes. No above water shots, as

that may give a hint of the pit's location. This is not

allowed. All shots entering

The Secret Shark PitsBy Ryan Johnson

Feature

Mauritius

Hughes V

itry

Spring 2008

Hughes V

itry

At the 'Basin's' surface an angry sea generates super-oxygenated water that may attract sharks to these resting areas.

gleaning clues for us as to what causes the unusual

aggregation.

The primary aim of the expedition is to discover why

these sharks aggregate in the pits. To answer this I intend

to place acoustic transmitters on the sharks, enabling

them to be tracked. The data will help break up the

components of their life history and thus allow us to

tease out the purpose of the pits. Attaching the

transmitters to the sharks, however, presents a dilemma.

After seeing how they responded to our initial presence,

I hold out little hope for spearing them with the

transmitters whilst on scuba. As I am a free diver, it is

clear to me that the Cathedral's depth of 26 metres allows

this as a possible alternative to scuba. The surface of the

Cathedral, however, reveals its inhospitality to humans,

with extraordinary currents being funneled through the

ceiling and out of the Cathedral's mouth. These

difficulties are apparent when I am preparing to dive. I

am thrown around the opening of the pit like a rag doll.

On my descent I encounter more problems as the sharks

remain timid and shoot away at the slightest wrong

move. After two hours, frustrated and unsuccessful, I

revert back to scuba, with a new plan. I will hide behind

a rock and be patient. Ultimately my patience pays off,

and using the modified spear gun, I manage to place the

five transmitters on five sharks.

Over the next two months we relaxed into a routine.

At 6am each morning we would pack up our gear and

travel to the pits. The pit that looks on that day to be

the most hospitable to us delicate humans, would then

be investigated.Bob would capture the images, I

would perform various scientific studies, Hughes

would explore, clicking away at every living animal

that managed to find its way in front of his lens, Joe

would direct from below and above water, and Hansa

would capture all the above water 'moments'.

and exiting the water must be recreated at random

locations around the archipelago.

In time, we reach the new pit area. The largest has been

named "the Cathedral" by Hughes. We are soon in the

water. It is a structure that immediately enchants me. It

seems to resemble the interior of one of the world's most

magnificent churches. I find it to be a serene, yet eerie

place. There are no God worshipers here. Instead the pit

is occupied by the gods of the sea; sharks. Silently, the

sharks patrol the Cathedral's floor. During this first dive

we realize what will be the major challenge faced on this

expedition: our entry to the pit causes the sharks to exit.

They are frightened by our bubbles, our size, and the

mere presence of something that is so novel to this

private refuge. It takes time for us to

realize that this aggregation is not a result of

chumming and baiting. The sharks are here because

they want to be, not because we have lured them here.

The attractive force that takes over sharks when

presented with food is absent, and we must learn to

interact with them in a new and ultimately more

respectful way. Back at the boat, we discuss the

problem, and suggest solutions. National Geographic's

underwater cameraman, Bob Cranston is armed with

his re-breather, a highly specialized system that

produces no bubbles, and enables a diver to stay

submerged for upwards of four hours. Whilst I, Joe,

and Hughes decompress and plan, Bob heads alone

into the pit. Without the presence of us bubble blowers,

we hope the sharks will relax and allow him to film

their natural behavior thereby

Beyond Blue 8

Hughes V

itry

Hughes V

itry

A group of new born Black tail sharks prepare to exit the basin en masse. The National Geographic expedition discovered a unique group foraging behaviour of these neonates

Our Discoveries

Utilization Of The Pits

On occasions, sharks were not observed in any of the pits. The time for

this was typically in the afternoon (after 2pm.). The highest abundance

of sharks was observed in the early mornings, and prior to midday. We

placed acoustic monitoring equipment in the basin to record

movements of tagged sharks in and out of the pits. Unfortunately a

cyclone hit us during the second part of the expedition and all the data

was destroyed. On two occasions, groups of juvenile sharks were

observed exiting the pits on their own volition to patrol the

neighboring reefs. This occurred in the late afternoon around 3-4pm.

We rarely observed sharks in the Cathedral after 2pm. From these

observations, I surmised that the main utilization period is between

~6am and ~1pm. .

Secret

Secret

It is hard for a scientist to come to any firm

conclusions in such a short research time frame. I

hope that the insights that I did gain assists

understanding of these pits, and highlight their

importance as a critical habitat of the Black Tail

sharks of Mauritius.

Hughes V

itry

Acknowledgements

This expedition was funded by the National

Geographic Channel, and the resulting

documentary 'Shark pit Mystery' produced by

“Off the fence” ( ) and

“Talking Pictures” ( ).

Hughes company Blue water diving center

(www.bluewaterdivingcenter.com) hosted the

expedition, and many thanks must go to his crew

for making the expedition so successful.

www.offthefence.com

www.talkingpics.co.za

Conclusions

It is clear that the shark pits represent a critical habitat

for sharks, the purpose of which is probably multi-

faceted. The physical environment offers super-

oxygenated water, some 3-4% higher in dissolved

oxygen than the surrounding environment and this

may aid in maximizing resting efficiency. As nocturnal

hunters, it is expected that such predators will search-

out in the most optimum environments for them to

spend their down time. In addition, the pits

geographical structures were conspicuously and

consistently similar to large basins or jugs with a few

distinct pathways in and out, but otherwise there was

limited access for any large animal. For juvenile and

neonate sharks (still vulnerable to predation) such

protection makes the pits perfect nursery grounds that

reduce the threat of predators surprising the sharks.

The biological benefits to grouping during non-

feeding times include increased predator vigilance,

and aid in the facilitation of social interactions. The

presence of neonates, pregnant females, and also

ritualistic trailing behavior that I observed all indicate

that the pits may represent courting, copulation and

possibly birthing sites, in which con-specifics can

easily locate each other.

Shark Abundance

It was immediately apparent that the

original shark pit is not utilized by sharks

anymore. Historical video footage illustrates

that in its prime the pit hosted between 20-

30 circling adult and juvenile sharks! It was

a space of only 10 by 25 metres, and I

imagine that it would have been an

extraordinary site, and one I regret not

observing in person. The first of the new

pits, named- the Cathedral- appears to be

occupied by larger adult and sub-adult

sharks. Their presence is not totally

predictable, however, on most occasions I

observed between 4 – 10 sharks. The

presence of divers usually resulted in sharks

leaving through the escape passage. Usually

sharks would not remain long with divers

present (although we did get better at

blocking these exit pathways). The third,

newly discovered, pit, named- the basin -

was, without fail, the most occupied pit, and

the highlight of our expedition. The

majority of sharks were juveniles and

neonates, and often numbered between 30-

50 sharks. The presence of sub-adults were

frequent in lower numbers (2-5), whilst

adults were typically present when we first

entered into the pit, but left within minutes

of our arrival. Occasionally a pregnant

female, or adult, would re-enter but on

seeing us they would leave again. The

unwillingness of the adult sharks to be in

our presence illustrated to me, just how

vulnerable these pits are to human

disturbance. Even something as

inconsequential as diver presence affected

the pits and their inhabitants.

Environmental conditionsAs passive breathing sharks, grey reef sharks must

continually swim to respire. Short periods of

inactivity (e.g. during cleaning) can be

tolerated as sharks become increasingly hypoxic

(low oxygen levels in blood). During resting

phases, sharks will seek out physical environments

in which their bodies can be maintained with as

little effort as possible. The super concentration of

dissolved oxygen within the pits as compared to

surrounding waters, may offer the shark's greater

opportunity to rest. Measurements of dissolved

oxygen revealed 3-4% higher concentrations

within the pits as opposed to surrounding waters.

In addition, on numerous occasions we observed

sharks moving higher in the water column when

large waves pounded the pits and sent clouds of

aerated waters downwards.

What makes these pits extra important in terms of

critical environments is their vulnerability.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 10

Bedraggled, enthused and exhausted, we would

return to our base at dusk. In the evenings we would

enjoy a homemade meal (from our penny-aware, yet

always entertaining producer Garth Lucas), watch

the raw footage, discuss the day, plan for the next

day and stumble to bed. Spending upwards of 14

hours a day on and under the sea is strenuous to say

the least. Following this routine for two months was

devastating to the body. It was only the continuous

deluge of new discoveries that kept us going, and

the knowledge that we could bring these discoveries

to life through our documentary 'Shark Pit Mystery'.

Over time, we discovered a new pit, documented a

new co-operative hunting strategy being used by the

sharks, and ultimately shed light on some of the

mysteries of these shark pits. However, there remain

many mysteries surrounding this area.

MovementAt least two sharks were identified moving

between the Basin and the Cathedral. One shark

tagged in the Cathedral was observed a day later,

and a second shark identified by a distinct bulging

in its lower jaw was observed the same day. The

movement of these sharks suggests that despite a

separation of around 5km, the sharks do utilize

both areas. As of yet, we have not concluded the

reasons for this.

Other downtime maintenance type behaviours also

seem associated with the pits, such as parasite

cleaning from the cleaner wrasse which have set up

stations there. Although these behaviours are not as

spectacular as hunting sharks patrolling the reefs, the

resting, maintenance and predator protection for

neonates is just as essential in a shark's life history.

What makes these pits extra important in terms of

critical environments is their vulnerability. Mass

aggregation sites of marine species are frequently

exploited by unscrupulous fishers who recognize the

ease with which entire populations can be harvested

at little economic cost.

Secret

Secret

Secret

Dissoved Oxygen at Sugerloaf Island's Shark Pit

300 30 0 (Within) 30

Distance from Shark Pit (metres)

98

99

100

101

102

Dis

solv

ed

Oxgyen

(perc

ent)

Hughes V

itry

A pregnant female gives clues that the pits may act as nursery and possibly birthing grounds

Consequently, until such time that governments stand up

and can ensure protection (from legislative protection

to sufficient compliance), the location of such marine

phenomena should be kept hidden. For Hughes Vitry,

his stance of keeping the shark pits location secret

should be emulated for all newly discovered shark

aggregation sites. Keeping big business ignorant is at

present, one of the only options available for shark

conservationists to protect the few pockets where

sharks still thrive.

Group Hunting

Grey reef sharks have been known to form

aggregations at reef drop-offs during daytime. It

was commonly thought that in the evenings these

sharks disperse, to hunt the reef as solitary hunters.

Whilst the presence of solitary hunting adults

cannot be excluded, we made a novel discovery on

the two occasions when we followed and

documented the group patrolling behavior of the

neonate sharks. En masse the sharks exited the pits

(first aggregating at a exit point in the pit) in a

coordinated group of around 10 to patrol the

surrounding reef. The grouping behavior was

evident and persisted throughout the duration of

the time we could visually track the sharks.

Although no specific hunting behavior was

observed, all evidence pointed towards group

foraging.

Reproductive Behavior

The reproductive courting behavior of gray reef

sharks often consist of an estrus female emitting

a hormone, resulting in following behavior and

then copulation. Interestingly, we observed

this behaviour frequently in the Cathedral, but

failed to observe it in the Basin, where the newborn sharks

were most frequently observed. The presence of

over 50 newborn sharks indicate that the Basin is

a nursery site, and plays host to numerous litters

of gray reef sharks during the day (typical little

size – 4-6). Also, the presence of near parturition

pregnant females indicate that the Basin and

Cathedral are possibly birthing areas, or close by

to birthing areas.

Secret

Secret

Famed underwater cameraman

Bob Cranston armed with his high

definition camera, moments before

entering into the shark pit.

Hughes V

itry

Do you dream of witnessing some of the world's greatest marine spectacles?

We certainly do! From the wondrous sardine run of South Africa, to the great barrier reefs mass coral

spawning. Beyond blue will give you, our reader, the insight needed to take part in these rare

annual wonders of our oceans.

Coral Spawning Event

On the East coast of Australia, out on the Barrier

Reef an annual event occurs whereby the coral

release all their sperm and eggs at one time. This

mass spawning event increases the genetic

diversity among the corals and maximizes the

number of fertilized offspring that survive

predators, to settle safely. The sheer volume of the

coral spawn release has resulted in this magical

event being described as an “underwater

snowfall”. During this event other organisms also

spawn including reef fish, such as triggerfish,

surgeonfish and wrasse, whilst performing

spectacular hypnotic mating rituals in their

thousands. Invertebrates such as marine worms,

giant clams, sea cucumbers and blue

bioluminescent reef crustaceans can also be seen

spawning. This attracts larger predatory fish, such

as pelagic tuna and mackerel that feed on the lower

tropic levels. A spectacular opportunity to witness

reef reproduction and predation in beautiful barrier

reef surroundings.

Occurrence: October on the inshore reef.

November on the offshore reef following first full

moon.

Location: Cairns, Australia.

Tour Operator: Most dive centres around Cairns

on the Barrier Reef will give tours during this time

and can even predict when the events will occur.

Anchovy & Pilchard Bait Balls

Anchovies and pilchards ascend from the depths

to breed at the surface. This attracts a crescendo

of wildlife including the incredible diving gannets,

pelagic tunii predators, marlin, sharks such as

the Mako and Blue, Common and Bottlenose

dolphins and Bryde, Humpback and Killer whales.

These marine predators herd the vulnerable

fish into bait balls near the surface causing a

mass feeding frenzy and making the sea seemingly

boil with life. One of the largest gannet colonies

in the world occurs at White Island in the Bay of

Plenty. This is a volcanic island that

geothermically warms the sea, provides for this

rich marine life and insures spectacular aerial

diving displays by the gannets.

Occurrence: Summer months from around mid

November to May.

Location: Whakatane (Bay of Plenty), New

Zealand.

Tour operator: Whale Island Tours.

Whale Shark gathering and nursery

The planktonic rich water off the small East

African country of Djibouti attracts the arrival of

the largest migratory fish in the oceans, the

majestic whale shark. These warm waters act as

nursery grounds for the juvenile sharks, which

can be found here all year round. But it’s during the

winter months that the abundance of these ocean

wandering giants of all sizes are at their highest.

Manta rays, pilot whales, beaked whales, species

of shark including grey and nurse and many

species of dolphin are also common in these

waters. This results in an ideal and reliable

location to snorkel and dive with these incredible

and mysterious animals in their own

environment and beautiful surroundings.

Occurrence: October-December.

Location: Goubet al Kharab, Djibouti.

Tour operator:

http://www.undersea.com.au/information_coral_s

pawn_expedition.htm

www.whaleislandtours.com

www.regaldive.co.uk

Orca Feeding GroundOrcas, also known colloquially as killer whales, arrive annually in vast numbers in the deep N fjords. These predatory marine mammals feast on the herring schools that migrate into the deep sided scenic sea lake valley to spawn. The killer whales occur in pods of up to 50 individuals. They can be seen slicing through the water with their impressive dorsal fins. Visitors to the fjords may even be rewarded with the occasional breach (a jump out of the water by the huge orcas). Adventurous visitors can snorkel with these toothed whales and boat safaris are also on offer. In November-December the Nothern LIghts ( a.k.a Aurora Borealis ) light up the night skies of this Arctic Circle area, with a beautiful display of dazzling colours. This is one reason why it is best to visit this area during this time.Occurrence: November-December.Location: Tysfjord, North Norway. Tour operator: http://www.tysfjordturistsenter.no/safari/english/

Article by Lawrence Belleni

Squid Run (Chokka)A mass of boneless bodied iridescent animals known locally as “Chokka” (squid) make their annual breeding migration to the Eastern Cape of South Africa in vast numbers. In a space of only a few weeks, they lay and fertilise millions of their eggs on the sea bed. An armada of predators follows their movements in search for this easy meal. These include predatory fish, Octopus, Common dolphin, Indian ocean bottlenose dolphin, Cape fur seals and a range of sharks (Ragged tooth and occasion Great whites) and ray species. This breeding and feasting bonanza offers exciting and interesting dive opportunities to view both the “Chokka” and their foes!Occurrence: October-November.Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa.Tour operator: Port Elizabeth:

St. Francis: www.twooceansdiving.com

www.prodive.co.zawww.bluewilderness.co.za

Mass Green Turtle Breeding GroundBeyond the north east of mainland Australia, Raine Island acts as a green turtle sanctuary and attracts the largest breeding gathering of this species in the world. It is estimated that tens of thousands of these armoured marine reptiles make the journey thousands of kilometres back to this island to lay their eggs and breed. They bury their eggs on exactly the same beach that they themselves hatched on; in many cases over 50 years ago! The island itself is a bird colony for boobies, gulls, frigate birds and night herons, the latter being a major predator of turtle hatchlings. Following the breeding turtles are tiger sharks awaiting a weary victim for prey. This shark's bite is so powerful that it can demolish the protective shell of these turtles with relative ease. A fantastic environment to view reef fish, turtles (on land and in the sea), sea birds and possibly even one of the largest predatory sharks on earth.Occurrence: October-November.Location: Raine Island, Australia.Tour operators: Boat cruise:

Individual visit:

http://www.experience-australia.com/queensland_barrier_reef_turtle_tour.htm

http://www.tropicalaustralia.com.au/atdw/product/9008351

Science Reveals

Southern Oceans come energetically back to life when

light returns after six months of darkness: at that time of

the year, Antarctic waters are more productive than

those of the Tropics.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 13

Scientific writing is often confounding and can convey a sense of inferiority to the reader – at least, I sometimes find it so. Scientific journal articles are hamstrung by lack of available journal space, thus information needs to be condensed. Information is condensed via mediums like graphs, tables and 'jargon' as well as references to previous papers (allowing the author to avoid repeating explanations of techniques already used). This condensing process often means that scientific journal articles are not accessible to people outside of science and academia – hence the birth of this column.

Beyond Blue will endevour to explain scientific terminology which you find Beyond the Blue – i.e. out of your depth! No question is considered stupid, particularly as the answers may come from some one who has failed countless numbers of exams – including their driving test six times! Beyond Blue hopes to be able to make science more accessible by answering any questions you may have involving words or concepts in marine biology. By doing so, we hope to increase your understanding and knowledge of marine fauna. We think understanding and knowledge are important part of animal conservation – how can one care about something you don't understand? So please send us all your scientific queries so we can help you navigate through this potentially daunting arena.

This being the first issue of Beyond Blue, this time we

have chosen a quote from a scientific article that

introduces a broad ecological concept. What do I mean

by 'ecological'? Generally, ecology describes the

interaction between organisms – i.e. plants,

animals…anything living (even if they only have one

cell) and their environment (for the purpose of this

magazine, the world's seas and oceans). Thus seaweed

obtains nutrients from surrounding water, and, in turn,

seaweed may be grazed by an animal e.g. a marine

iguana (an aquatic lizard). Anyway, back to the quote:

“The discovery that top–down processes can have fundamentalstructural impacts on ecosystems highlights the need to understand the biology of apex predators…”

(Weng et al. 2007).

The key words in this quote are “top-down processes”.

At first glance, these processes could involve people

who drive convertibles and live in England. In fact, top-

down processes involve people, but are not limited to

those who live in England and drive convertibles. To

understand “top-down processes” one has to put them

into context, and to do this, we have to return to

ecology. Ecology describes interaction between

organisms and its environment, and within the

boundaries of ecology, an ecosystem describes a

specific group of organisms and their interaction with

their environment. Thus an ecosystem could be a rock-

pool, tidal flats systems or the Mariana trench at the

bottom of the Pacific Ocean! Within an ecosystem,

organism are categorised in accordance with how they

source their energy. Seaweed sources energy from the

sun (via photosynthesis) and would be referred to as a

'primary producer'. In turn a marine iguana, a

herbivore, eats seaweed and would be called a

secondary producer. A shark then might take a fancy

to marine iguana and eat that … and so on. Each of

these stages, x gaining energy from y, is called a

'trophic level' and combined structure is known as a

food pyramid or web. Using previous examples,

seaweed may be near the bottom of a pyramid and a

shark (hence 'apex predator') may be found near the

top. Finally, we have reached the point of defining

“top-down processes”! A top-down process describes

an ecosystem where the numbers of organisms at each

tropic level are determined by the tropic level above it.

Thus a shark may determine the number of marine

iguanas, and the marine iguanas determine the

quantity of seaweed and the combined interactions

make sure 'a balance' is maintained at all levels. How

do we come in? We may destroy all the sharks which

may cause a boom in the marine iguana population

putting pressure on seaweed quantities, and the

dearth of seaweed may force marine iguanas to

change their diet, migrate in search for food, or,

ultimately, starve. This is a simplified explanation of

'top-down processes' and, as a system, does not have

all the answers as how an ecosystem is maintained (for

example seaweed relies on the surrounding water for

essential nutrient uptake and restricting or changing

nutrient availability in the water may restrict seaweed

growth – a 'bottom-up' approach. However, the top-down process gives you food for thought, particularly when considering the power that can be exerted by humans in their 'top-down' capacity.

Sharks are categorized as “K selected” organisms. K selected organisms tend to be large and long lived, but are slow to reach reproductive maturity and produce few offspring. Sharks are vulnerable to over fishing, because catching the

large/sexually mature individuals leaves no 'breeding stock'

i.e. no more baby producing individuals. This compares

to 'r selected' species like pilchards that reach

sexual maturity quickly and 'mass produce' (they wont

miss a few individuals that have been taken out for your dinner).

Although not ultimately decided by scientists (rather,

the government) fish 'bag limits' are based on scientists'

knowledge of fish species reproductive cycles and

their recruitment rate. The maximum sustainable yield

or MSY (the maximum sustainable catch) is reached

when the harvesting rate touches the recruitment rate.

The MSY concept does not take everything into account

so it should be treated with caution. For example, the

MSY does not consider population demographics (e.g.

size/age – making it disastrous for sharks). Calculation

of estimated population size is easier for localized

populations of a 'known' area and calculations for

migratory fish are more difficult. Inaccuracy of fishing

data depends on the fish species and where it occurs

(the ocean is an uncompromising place) together with a

mixture of economics, and the scruples of those

supplying it – how cynical are you! In any event,

governments send out scientists on their own ships as

well as placing observers on industry ships to verify

industry catch figures.

The smallest animal unit is a species (e.g. Homo-sapiens

or not so - sapiens as the case may be). A species'

conservation status is managed world-wide by the

International Union for the Conservation of Nature and

Natural Resources (IUCN).There are a number of

institutions, such as the Zoological Society of London

that contribute information on a species conservation

status. A species' conservation status is published on the

IUCN red data list and defines how vulnerable a species

Question 1: Why do many marine scientists say that sharks are more vulnerable to over fishing than normal fish?

Question 2: How do scientists work out fish-catching

limits? Isn't the data given to them by fisheries totally

inaccurate in the first place?

Question 3: How do scientists work out what animals

are endangered, vulnerable, threatened and

all those other classifications that are

used? What do all these mean?

Toby Keswick

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Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 14

Quote:

Question 5: I heard that scientists wanted to throw iron

into the sea to stop global warming! What

is all this about?

One of the main perpetrators in global warming is the

production of carbon dioxide (C0 ). C0 is one of the 2 2

main ingredients in energy production (and thus

growth) in plants (via photosynthesis). Under certain

conditions, algal blooms (large amounts of algae)

occur in the ocean, and these photosynthesize. These

blooms are promoted when increased amounts of

nutrients (e.g. nitrates) occur. In some areas, iron is

the limiting nutrient. The idea of sowing the sea with

iron is to create large algal blooms that will

photosynthesize 'en masse' and remove the C0 , 2

thereby reducing global warning. However, for the

idea to work part of the C0 -laden algae needs to be 2

removed from the atmospheric carbon cycle – i.e. it

has to sink and be incorporated in sediments on the

sea floor. The jury is still out…

Question 4: I hear that sharks always have to keep

swimming to breathe, but at aquariums

I have seen little sharks sitting at the

bottom without swimming.

is to extinction. IUCN Species Survival Commissions

(SSC) is a specialist group (offices world wide) that is

responsible for establishing the conservation status of

individual species (their findings are peer reviewed –

subject to scrutiny by other scientists). There are seven

conservation classifications for species from least

concern (LC) to extinct (EX) as well as not evaluated

(NE) or data deficient (DD). There are set criteria that

warrant placement of a species into a specific category.

For example, critically endangered (CR) implies a high

risk of extinction in the wild. There are numerous sets

of criteria categorizing an animal as CR, e.g. potential

loss of habitat and CR status may be based on the

number of sightings of individuals or approved

estimates of populations. More information can be

found on the website:

All sharks need to ensure water flows over their gills

for them to obtain oxygen (and survive). Different

groups of sharks have evolved with different

methods of achieving this. The family called

Lamnidae, which include the white shark, are active

swimming sharks and thus achieve water-flow over

their gills through forward motion (they do not lie on

the bottom). Thus species in Lamnidae have to move

forward to breathe. Bottom dwelling sharks (e.g. the

wobbegongs) can pump water through their gills

using muscles and valves while resting motionless on

the bottom.

www.iucnredlist.org

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Send your questions to:

toby@beyondbluemag.com

Ask your question...

Science Reveals

Many fish can change sex during the course of their lives. Others,

especially rare deep-sea fish, have male and female sex organs.

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Beyond Blue 00

This feature explores ocean myths and scientific mistruths created as a result of mankind’s fascinating association with the sea.

What on Earth would possess a man to believe a Manatee was a Mermaid?

Otherwise put, what is it about the oceans that would lead to such a widespread belief?

Since the birth of mankind, the ocean has played a major role in human society. The mystery and allure of the oceans may partially be as a result of our lack of knowledge and our innate desire to understand and to learn more. Over the ages this may have combined with the bravery of early explorers to inspire the culture and legends of many races worldwide.

The following centuries of exploration and trade pioneered a culture of sailors and ultimately the beginning of our relationship with the ocean - from 1420 (Prince Henry of Portugal) when the first navigation school was founded, to the birth of modern oceanography (Matthew Fontaine Maury) 1806-1873.

Initially, sailors were regarded as adventurous and brave explorers. Sailing was associated with the promise of new and exotic finds, hence strengthening the mystery and awe of the seas.

Many of our myths and legends of today have elements of the ocean within them. This demonstrates the perception of the ocean as an 'alien planet' on Earth. We all know of the

Myths become legends, legends become

folklore and finally folklore becomes adapted to modern misconceptions

Modern technology and research has shown that the unicorn horn is in fact a tooth

perhaps uniquely human trait towards exploration and discovery, and how the mystique of the oceans has provided us with many of the oldest myths of our time.Myths become legends, legends become folklore and finally folklore becomes adapted to modern misconceptions, or indeed mistruths, relating to the oceans.

Here is where I come in, to provide some of my thoughts and findings in an attempt to bust these ocean myths especially insofar as they are mistruths!

Ocean myths can be found in two forms. There are those spawned of legends, for example- sailors claiming attacks from sea monsters that rose from the ocean depths bent on carnage or destruction. The truth of the matter is that too often these men suffered from a plethora of diseases including malnutrition, scurvy, dysentery, malaria and typhus, many of which had associated fevers. Coupled with the fact that in general sailors were prone to the odd drink or two (or more!) of rum and other strong spirits, is it any wonder that the minds of these men were susceptible to believe what many of us would now consider folly!

Secondly, as humans have developed, and our knowledge has expanded, the gap between the scientific community and that of the general public has allowed misconceptions to grow. For example, jellyfish are considered by many to be primitive and insignificant, but the truth is in fact far different (more on this in later editions). Some of us think that sharks drown when they stop swimming. It is myths and legends such as these that we hope to make right in this magazine over the months and years to come.

Let me start with one of our oldest and best known myths - that of the unicorn and the narwhal. Throughout history, the narwhal (Monodonm onoceros) or sea unicorn has been revered as a mythical and powerful animal. The belief was that the spiralling tooth was actually the tusk of a unicorn (a horse-like animal living on land). It was spuriously believed that this animal’s tusk could detect and prevent poisonings.

th thAs a result, during the 15 and 16 century the tusk of a unicorn (narwhal tooth) was worth approximately 10 times its weight in gold and it was often used in trade or to settle

thdebts. So prized it was that in the 16 century Queen Elizabeth I was said to have paid £10,000 for one tusk; the equivalent cost of a castle in those days!

The origin of this myth stems from Scandinavian merchants who deliberately created and maintained the belief that the tusks belonged to unicorns - for financial gain. Since

thmedieval times through to the 17 century, this myth was reinforced by the Vikings invading Europe, adorning their belongings with spectacular spiralled horns. The Vikings guarded this secret from the Europeans for almost 300 years.

By Sian Foch-Gatrell

A more recent proposition is that the tooth may be used as an acoustic organ or as a sound probe due to the vibrations exerted during communication. This coupled with the positing of the tusk (diverging horizontally and vertically from the midline) to allow increased drag and therefore increased vibrations. There have been isolated accounts of this theory but only recently has there been an attempt to scientifically test these theories.

Using CAT (Computerised Axial Tomographic) scans, scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute can check the helix of the tusk for nerve connections between the tusk and the brain. Due to the unusual helix of the tusk and the crystal dentine formed during its development, it has been proposed that this may contribute to this Piezo effect

(essentially an electric potential produced by pressure upon certain crystals allowing the narwhal to use electromagnetic fields to track its prey). It is understandable that ancient mariners and the public were confused and gullible when it came to the unicorn's horn! Even modern day scientists are battling to understand what use the tooth actually has.Because the physical expression of this tusk is so unusual, it contradicts what we would assume to be predictable patterns of development. The strange shape of the tooth lending to our confusion, coupled with our limited knowledge of the narwhals evolutionary history means that we, as scientists, will have to persevere if we are to unravel the truth behind the narwhal tusk. However, it is clear to see that this myth is completed busted! The tusk of the narwhal was never an agent to detect poison and this was clearly a play on human fallacy.

Modern technology and research has shown us that the unicorn horn is in fact a tooth, and the tooth is an elongated extension of the left upper incisor found usually in the male narwhal. This tooth can grow up to 3 metres (9ft) long. However, the purpose of the tusk may remain an undiscovered secret. Many

A more recent proposition is that the tooth may be used as an acoustic organ or as a sound probe due to the

vibrations exerted during communication

scientists have speculated over the use of the tooth. It is thought that it is a weapon of aggression among males, spurred on by Darwinian sexual selection due to the fact that it is such an obvious sexually dimorphic characteristic. Alternatively, it may be a secondary sexual characteristic brought on by female narwhals preferring the males with the largest tool! There have also been suggestions of the tusk being used for hunting, or as an appendage used in male dominance hierarchies; or bizarrely as a breathing apparatus, a thermal regulator or a swimming rudder! Some of these theories seem to belong more in those “dark ages”?

As a species we used to be governed by the notion that anything new or anything powerful was something to be feared or revered. Just look at some aspects of religion for an example. This is just another example of how a society has used fear to control another in an act of dominance – normal to our evolutionary history. I think that the tusk of the narwhal is sexual selection spiraling out of control – if you will pardon the pun! We have all seen how strong sexual selection can be – you only have to look at birds of paradise for the most obvious example; here we have the male brightly coloured and highly adorned to the point of a physical disadvantage, where the female remain dowdy and inconspicuous. Perhaps all we need to realise here is the strength of a woman's wants over a male's response and you get a 9 foot long tusk!!

Throughout history, the narwhal (Monodonm onoceros) or sea unicorn

has been revered as a mythical and powerful animal.

I think that the tusk of the

narwhal is sexual selection

spiralling out of control – if

you will pardon the pun!

Science Reveals

Habitats studied by marine

biology include everything

from

the tiny layers of surface

water in which organisms

and abiotic items may be

trapped in surface tension

between the ocean and

atmosphere, to the depths of

the abyssal trenches,

sometimes 10,000 meters or

more beneath the surface of

the ocean.

As a species we used to be governed by the notion that anything new or anything

powerful was something to be feared or revered.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 17

1500-500 BC

2000-1300 BC

3200 BC onward

3200 BC onward

4000 BC - AD

Phoenicians

Minoans

Mesopotamians

Egyptians

Polynesians

At first glance, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and

Rehabilitation Center may not fit anyone's expectations

of what a wildlife hospital should look like. An

unassuming garage that might hold two cars, one quick

step inside reveals tanks of various sizes holding

upwards of twenty sea turtles. One of two such facilities

on the east coast of the United States, injured and sick

turtles found in the waters of North Carolina are brought

here, where the director, Jean Beasley leads an all-

volunteer staff in the recovery effort. That effort begins

early each morning with feeding, followed by tank

cleaning and wound dressing for each patient. The first

injured turtle was brought to her in 1995, though she had

no formal experience with wildlife rehabilitation or

medicine (Beasley is a retired schoolteacher) and no

facilities for the turtle. Because she was known

throughout the community, however, for her work in

overseeing the nests on Topsail Island, Beasley

considered the local turtle expert. What started out as a

shaded tank on a dock in her backyard in 1995

developed into the 900 square foot facility, built in 1997,

that is currently capable of housing over 20 turtles. The

facility's first official patients, Huffy, Karen, and Corey,

all juvenile loggerheads, came from Sea World in

Orlando, Florida to continue their recovery and to be

released back into the waters of North Carolina in which

they were first found in their injured states. Patients

since have been generally brought to the facility upon

first discovery.

Although Animal Planet awarded her its Hero of the

Year award in 2007 for her work with the Sea Turtle

Hospital and her devotion to sea turtle conservation,

Beasley shows no signs of stopping. In between

managing the rehabilitation and nesting program, she

has been busy overseeing the construction of a new

20,000 square foot facility. This new area much more

space, larger tanks, and better medical facilities,

including places for surgery, X-ray radiographs, to

return each animal to full health so that they can be

released into the wild. (The IUCN's red list classifies six

of the world's seven species of sea turtles as either

endangered or critically endangered.) Since the hospital's

inception, nearly 200 fully recovered turtles have been

An unassuming garage that might hold two cars, one quick step inside reveals

tanks of various sizes holding upwards of twenty

sea turtles.

Feature

Turtle 911Healing Ambassadors

for the OceansBy Natalie Harrison

AmericaNorth Carolina

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Spring 2008

released, some have returned to the local beaches to nest,

and only one has returned as a patient. The only turtle in

the hospital that can't be returned to the wild is Lennie, a

Kemp's Ridley turtle that was admitted in 2006 with

blunt force trauma to the head. His emaciated condition

upon arrival indicated early on to Beasley and the team

that he may not be able to see, and and quarantine for

new admissions. There is also increased capacity for

visitors with special educational emphasis on different

aspects of conservation as Beasley has come to see how

important this is to her centre and the turtles' continued

existence. Some of the turtles come in with natural

injuries, such as shark bites. Other turtles come as “cold

stuns,” meaning that the turtle unable to handle sudden

seasonal drops in temperature because of its reptilian

metabolism. Unfortunately, far more turtles are here

because of anthropogenic causes, such as boat strikes,

entanglement in fishing gear, and plastic ingestion. Most

of these injuries affect their ability to swim, dive, and

feed properly, which means that many of the turtles

arrive at the facility emaciated and with lowered

immune systems. In recent years there has been a rise in

the numbers of interned turtles with diseases that aren't

yet fully understood. It may be that humans are at least

partially to blame; pollution and altered foraging or

migratory behaviors may increase stress and

consequently weaken the turtles' immunity, making

them more susceptible to these new illnesses.

Fibropapillomatosis, a herpes virus that causes the

abnormal growth of tumor-like tissues throughout the

plates were removed;

other than a large scar

in her head, today

Snow is ahealthy turtle

awaiting clearance for

release. Another

success story is Corn

Cake, a female

loggerhead who was

brought to the hospital

in 1997 when she

expelled an oviduct

after depositing her

eggs. Although this

condition is not

uncommon in reptiles,

she was brought in for

immediate treatment,

which ultimately

resulted in

ahemiovariosalpingect

omy, the sea turtle

equivalent of a partial

hysterectomy. Believed

to be the only partial

hysterectomy ever

performed

body, and “Barnacle-Bill” syndrome, where barnacles

grow uncontrollably over the body of the turtles, are

two such diseases. These diseases can slow turtles

down and increase drag,

causing swimming to be more energetically

expensive for the turtles. The tumors and

barnacles can also grow over sensitive areas such

as the eyes, mouth, and nose, making it much

harder for turtles to find food. Because of the

endangered status of most of the world's sea

turtles, the ultimate goal of the hospital is

therefore unable to find food. It was eventually

determined that Lennie is in fact blind in both

eyes, and so is the only

permanent resident of the

hospital. Despite his

disability, Lennie appears to

have adapted and doesn't

rely on hand feeding. After

the team at the hospital

gradually moved away from

hand-feeding to alerting him

to the presence of food

through smell, they found

that he learned to find food

in his tank by quickly

swimming around his tank,

causing his food to gather in

the vortex at the center of the

tank. While this adaptation

works well for him within

the confines of his tank, his

blindness would mean

almost certain death for him

in the wild. As the only

permanent resident of the

Sea Turtle Hospital, Lennie

often accompanies Beasley

when she travels throughout

the local community to

schools and to fundraisers to

educate adults and students

about sea turtles and to raise

awareness about conservation. It's one thing to

lecture about sea turtles and conservation, but it's

quite another thing when a living, breathing

animal is present for people to see. Some amazing

rehabilitation techniques and procedures have

been developed at the Sea Turtle Hospital. A large female

loggerhead named Snow was brought in last September,

and was originally believed to be dead. A large fracture,

presumably from an encounter with the propeller of a

boat, split her skull into separate pieces. When she was

able to chew her food, one could see part of her skull

moving in a different direction than the other part. Her

brain was exposed to the open air, which would be an

automatic death sentence for most mammals. Dr. Craig

Harms, a veterinarian at the North Carolina State

University College of Veterinary Medicine and who

oversees the veterinary care of the turtles at the

KBSTRRC, fixed surgical steel plates to cover the wound

and hold her skull in place. In March of 2008, these

A large female loggerhead named Snow was

brought in last September, and was originally believed to be

dead. A large fracture, presumably from an encounter with

the propeller of a boat, split her skull into separate

pieces.

on a sea turtle, she quickly recovered in a few months

and was able to be released that same year. She

continued to amaze all involved when she was found

two years later, laying a nest on the same beach on which

she was first discovered. One of the biggest criticisms

levied against such institutions and those who work for

them is that they are fighting natural selection and they

should just “let nature take its course.” Beasley argues

“what is happening to these

Brownie, a juvenile Kemp’s Ridley turtle with a

carapace wound and a hook lodged in the esophagus.

Jean Beasley, left and several interns and volunteers tend to

the daily dressing and cleaning of wounds of injured turtles.

3D Reconstruction of injury to Snow, female

loggerhead admitted in September 2007.

Snow with surgical steel plates and wires

to hold her head and jaw in place.Snow in March 2008, Free of all plates. Fio

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Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 20

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animals is not natural. We are [the source of the

problem] through our irresponsible discarding of toxins

and trash, our fishing practices, [and] development.” Dr.

Harms adds that there are other benefits to these

institutions. Though himself a former skeptic of wildlife

rehabilitation who once thought that resources could be

better spent elsewhere, he has come to believe

differently. Harms feels that rehabilitation facilities have

important “sentinel work… to see what's going on in the

world,” and can be among the first to be aware of new

problems, such as diseases, in wild populations.

Furthermore, these centers can be useful in developing

techniques for scientific research, which has been helpful

in the conservation of these endangered animals.

Through some of his research conducted at the hospital,

Dr. Harms has pioneered the practice of anaesthetizing

sea turtles in the field. This is no small feat when one

considers that as reptiles, sea turtles have far slower

metabolisms and therefore process sedation drugs more

slowly than do mammals and birds with their faster

metabolisms. This research has lead to further research

on turtle sensory biology, which has important

conservation implications. Understanding just what a

turtle sees and hears may be useful in solving their run-

ins with various fisheries and help lead to better fishing

practices that aren't harmful to turtles. Research

conducted in wildlife rehabilitation centers is even

applicable to human medicine and rehabilitation. The

development of a prosthetic tail for Winter, a dolphin in

Florida who lost her tail to a crab trap several years ago,

has been used to help refine the prosthetic limbs of

amputees, especially for US veterans of Iraq and

Afghanistan. Finally, centers such as these have

important educational roles and this also serves to raise

awareness of conservation issues. It's because of this

educational aspect that the Sea Turtle Hospital opens its

doors five days a week on summer afternoons, allowing

locals and tourists alike a rare chance to see live turtles.

When they first began visiting hours, Beasley had no

idea that the demand would be as high as it was, and

continues to be. On a “good day,” they can get as many

as 500 or 600 visitors in the two hours that the hospital is

open to the public, though there is no formal advertising,

only “word-of-mouth” publicity. The continually high

demand for visitor hours would suggest that the

community itself is curious and concerned about the fate

of these animals.Beasley calls the “conservation

education with the sea turtles as the messengers”

the biggest success of the hospital. Recognizing the

challenges of conservation, she claims that

conservationists need to accept certain realities in life.

“Conservationists would like to see storms tear down

all the houses on an island [so that it can return to a

'natural' state], but that would destroy turtle nests too.

And developers would be one of the first [groups]

back on the island…We [as conservationists] need to

be grounded in reality… So we do what we can. We

give up some things to get some things… The

challenge is [to] educat[e] about responsible use of the

beach.” This need for education is one of the main

reasons that the new facility will have a definite

conservation education focus. If these charismatic

animals can help increase awareness about the plight

of both sea turtles and the oceans at large, perhaps

they can spark a change in our attitudes and

behaviours, which is what it so desperately needed.

Understanding just

what a turtle sees and hears

may be useful in solving

their run-ins

with various fisheries and

help lead to

better fishing practices

that aren't

harmful to turtles.

The steps needed to protect sea turtles from these kinds of injuries, like reducing marine debris and pollution or decreasing incidental catch of fisheries, are the same steps needed to protect many of the endangered marine species of the world. Turtles, like other threatened or endangered marine species all have important roles within their respective ecosystems; without these species, these marine ecosystems will fail to function in the way that they have evolved over millennia. As so many human cultures throughout the world depend on healthy populations of marine species (including, but not limited to sea turtles) and on stable ecosystems for economic, cultural, technological, and aesthetic (to name only a few) purposes, we too will be affected by the loss of turtles and other threatened marine species. There is ultimately hope for the turtles and for the oceans, as long as children and adults alike find inspiration in animals like Snow, Lennie ,and Corn Cake and the obstacles they have overcome. To paraphrase that popular TV show, Heroes, “Save the turtles, save the world.” Or at least – save the world's oceans.

Science Reveals

Zooplankton can be as small as 0.02 micrometers

or as big as 2 meters.

Understanding just what a turtle sees and hears may be useful in

solving their run-ins with variousfisheries and help lead to better

fishing practices that aren't harmful to turtles.

Fio

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http://www.seaturtlehospital.org

• Recycle or reduce the use of plastic bags. Sea

turtles and other animals mistake them for their

favorite food, jellyfish, but the bags can get tangled

in their intestinal track, causing internal damage and

even potentially death. • If you find a turtle nest,

leave it be. If there is a nesting monitoring program

in your area, notify them about the new nest. • If you

live on a beach where turtles nest, try to keep your

lights off during summer months when turtles are

nesting and hatchlings emerge, or orient your

outdoor lights downward, away from the beach.

Adult turtles may choose not to nest on a brightly lit

beach, and hatchlings orient to the brightest lights on

their horizon. This means they end up in parking lots

or in front lawns, rather than in the sea! • If you go

to the beach, clean up your furniture at night. Sea

turtles can become trapped by or disoriented in them

when they crawl onto the beach to nest. • Support

local and government initiatives to prevent the

development of walls and jetties on beaches. While

these may protect the structures behind them, they

ultimately lead to the complete erosion of the beach,

preventing not only turtles from using the beach, but

people too! • Use and support the use of cages on

boat propellers. They reduce the incidence of

propeller strikes on sea turtles, as well as many other

marine animals. • Support fisheries with eco-friendly

practices. For example, US shrimp fishers are

required by law to use special devices that allow

turtles and other large animals to escape their nets.

Swordfish longlines have some of the highest

bycatch rates of Leatherback sea turtles, the world's

oldest and largest sea turtle, but longlines in the

same area set for tuna have much smaller bycatch

rates.

(for more information on eco-friendly fishing, go to

Monterey Bay aquarium's "Seafood Watch"

http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/SeafoodWatch.asp

See where you can help....

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 21

EndangeredAnimals

Fears Grow Over the Survival of a Newly Discovered Population of Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Eastern Taiwan Strait

As a marine biologist, I share the growing concerns of

many people about the future of our seas and the

creatures that inhabit them. With so many scientists

admitting that little is known about the marine

environment, concerns are growing that many species

could soon become extinct before we really get to

understand them. Indeed, it is often quoted that more is

known about the surface of the moon than the deep

oceans. With so many marine habitats, especially those

in coastal areas, being “consumed” by humans it is no

surprise that many magnificent animals are on the verge

of being wiped out. This is of special concern when new

species, or even populations, are discovered and it

becomes immediately apparent that they are already in

trouble. This is certainly the case for the Indo-Pacific

humpback dolphin, a species first described by Osbeck

in 1765. As recently as 2002, a previously unreported

population was discovered living in the Taiwan Strait

(Wang et al., 2007).

And so my interest in potentially endangered species

led me to research the social, physiological

and behavioural elements of S. chinensis and hope to

learn how these animals can be saved from extinction.

With many marine organisms, habitat is the restricting

factor when gathering information on breeding, social

behaviour, and feeding; this is certainly the case for

the Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin. Research on other

populations of this species was limited and as a result

they were listed on the IUCN Red list as data deficient

(DD) in 1994. This demonstrated just how little was

really known about population structure, behaviour

and numbers of these dolphins surviving in the wild.

One thing that became increasingly clear was that

the eastern Taiwan Strait population of S. Chinensis was

in danger of becoming extinct. The need to conserve

this population has been so great that an international

committee of 17 specialist researchers and scientists,

from various countries, have gathered to provide advice

on how best to save this population from extinction. The

group will provide expert advice and guidance on

ecologically related topics in a bid to prevent this

population going extinct. With a population size

estimated at less than 100 individuals, there isn't much

time to act. It is felt that unless drastic measures are

taken to preserve these individuals, continued

With so many scientists admitting that little

is known about the marine environment

concerns are growing that many species

could soon become extinct before we really

get to understand them.

habitat destruction and fatalities through

anthropogenic activity could mean imminent

extinction for S. Chinensis. Only intervention by local

and national governments and industries can help to

save the dwindling numbers of individuals in the

eastern Taiwan Strait. However, support is not always

forthcoming. Developers at the

, Taiwan have denied that S.

chinensis exists in the area surrounding the factories.

Such denials and lack of support will certainly

speed up the extinction of this vulnerable species.

According to Garbett and Garbett (1997) reports have

long been made of S. chinensis following trawlers and

feeding opportunistically off discarded fish in the

region of Tin Can Bay, Queensland, Australia.

Then, in 1974, a young female named Scar began

frequenting the bay. In 1992 she arrived with a

newborn calf called Junior and started to accept food

at a boat ramp in the bay, being hand fed fish by local

residents. An industry suddenly grew up around this

individual with sales of fish for feeding being offered.

Adverts in local papers advertising the presence of

Scar drove the industry to grow further with coach

parties arriving and even helicopter tours being

offered. One report states that a male Rottweiler dog

was frequently seen swimming with the dolphins in

Tin Can Bay until it disappeared one day in 1996.

Growing concerns over food quality and other

regulations prompted a study by Garbett and Garbett

(1997) to be carried on the effects these interactions

were having on Scar and Junior. In-depth research has

now taken place on other populations of S. chinensis,

including those in Algoa Bay, South Africa

(Karczmarski et al., 2006). Since these increased

research efforts, S. chinensis has recently been re-listed

Formosa Plastics

Group in Mailiao

as endangered (EN) and is now considered a threatened

species. Any potential observer should be aware that

this species is often confused with the bottlenose dolphin

Tursiops truncates, but differences in the shape of the

dorsal fin and head, as well as colour, can be used to

distinguish between the two species. So how can you

spot the difference between the two species and be sure

the dolphin you are observing is in fact S. chinensis? As

the name suggests, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin,

is widely distributed across the Pacific and Indian

Oceans. Sightings have been confirmed from South

Africa, the Middle East, India, Thailand, Indonesia and

Australia in the Indian Ocean and Indonesia, Borneo,

China and Australia in the Pacific (Jefferson &

Karczmarski, 2001). This species is found to inhabit a

range of environments, from warm temperate and

tropical coastal habitats to rivers, estuarine systems and

especially mangroves. Often inhabiting shallow waters

of less than 20 meters and temperatures between 15-36

°C, S. chinensis feeds on a range of prey including, near

shore and estuarine reef fish, molluscs and crustaceans.

Members of this species often hunt in small groups and

employ echolocation to track and capture prey.

One report states that a male

Rottweiler dog was frequently seen

swimming with the dolphins

in Tin Can Bay

Eastern Taiwan

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 22

Image courtesy of Peter Garbett

By Neil Crooks

Courtesy of www.fishntales.com

EndangeredAnimals

Fears Grow Over the Survival of a Newly Discovered Population of Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Eastern Taiwan Strait

Sousa chinensis belongs to the family Delphinidae,

which includes dolphins, killer whales and pilot

whales. Again, the clue is in the name, as the Indo-

Pacific humpback dolphin usually has a humped back,

indicative of the genus Sousa (humpback dolphins).

The dorsal fin is often found sitting atop a hump, or

ridge. In some populations, however, this has been

found to be absent or highly reduced. While fully

grown males and females reach lengths of 3.2 m and

2.5 m respectively, calves are believed to be

approximately 1m in length at birth. The maximum

recorded adult weight for an Indo-Pacific humpback

dolphin is 284 kg, whilst newborns weigh

approximately 25 kg. The colour of individuals varies

depending on population, region and age. In most

areas, newborn calves are light coloured, but develop a

Threats: Often living close to highly populated and heavily polluted industrialised regions

makes Sousa chinensis highly vulnerable. This combined with accidental mortalities, such as bycatch and entanglement in fishing gear and anti-shark nets has placed these dolphins as

endangered. Those living in mangrove areas are under threat from loss of habitat

www.taiwansousa.blogspot.com/

ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/t0725e/t0725e21.pdf

www.marinebio.org/species.asp?id=408

http://www.fishntales.com

http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/20424/all

http://www.whales.org.au/published/garbett/index.html

Jefferson, T.A & Karczmarski, L. (2001) Sousa Chinensis. Mammalian Species. 655:1-9

KARCZMARSKI, L, COCKCROFT, V.G, & MCLACHLAN, A. (2006) Habitat use and preferences of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. Marine Mammal Science. 16(1):65-79

WANG, J.Y., YANG, S.C., HUNG, S.K. & Jefferson, T.A. (2007) Distribution, abundance and conservation status of the eastern Taiwan Strait population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis. Mammalia. 157-165

Garbett, P. & Garbett, D. (1997) Some Aspects of Interaction Between Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Humans at Tin Can Bay,Queensland, Australia. Australian Whale Conservation Society - Abstract

dark grey dorsal surface and light grey ventral surface

as they mature. Individuals off the coast of China show

the reverse of this, with dark calves that lighten as they

mature, with mature adults having a pinkish tinge with

white spots or blotches. Populations off northern

Australia and Malaysia were found to produce white

calves that do not change colour as they age. Breeding

occurs throughout the year, with most calves being born

during the summer months of December to February. As

with most dolphins, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin

is gregarious. They usually form pods of 10 or less

individuals, although pods containing up to 30

individuals have been reported. They are not renowned

for their out-of-water acrobatics and unlike their camera

loving cousins they do not often ride the bow waves of

boats.

Geologically, an

ocean is an area

of oceanic crust

covered by water.

Oceanic crust is

the thin layer of

solidified

volcanic basalt

that covers the

Earth’s mantle

where there

are no continents.

From this

perspective, there

are three oceans:

the World Ocean,

the Caspian, and

the Black Seas.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 23

Courtesy of www.fishntales.com

Eco-tourism, in the form of shark diving

on Aliwal Shoal, Kwa-Zulu Natal ( “the

shoal” ), has become a popular activity

amongst recreational divers. The shark

diving industry utilizes the southern

portion of the shoal to attract sharks to a

bait stem in order for clients to have a

prolonged and interactive dive with these

normally shy and timid creatures. Shark

dives are on offer year round with outings

varying in length depending on the arrival

times of the sharks. Some of the shark

diving operators, Blue Wilderness being

one of these, have kept records and

documented the comings and goings of

the tiger sharks that frequent the dives. By

going through the photographic database

and daily records it has been possible to

get an insight into the social structure,

seasonal patterns and individual

personalities of the sharks. Numerous

tiger sharks have been

observed at baiting events with each shark

noted and documented. Some tiger

sharks are only observed on one occasion

whilst others are repeat visitors. There have

been 231 tiger sharks observations in 72

diving days thus far in 2008. These figures

represent a minimum of 30 individual

tiger sharks. It is not uncommon to have

multiple tiger sharks and up to 40 blacktip

sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus)

present at one time. This can become

problematic for data collection, but

methods are being developed to

accurately collect data in these conditions.

On three occasions 10 tiger sharks were

seen on a single dive, on two of these

dives 2 zambezi sharks (Carcharhinus

leucus) and 30 – 40 black tips sharks

were also present. There are a number of

individuals that are repeat visitors on

our dives. These sharks have been

catalogued and named. The most

documented of these sharks is a large

(3.8m pre-caudal length) female named

Karen. She has been documented on

eight occasions, the last of which was on

the 19th of May 2008. On this day she

was observed to have fresh lacerations to

her dorsal fin, which could only have

been inflicted by another shark. Three

other tiger sharks (Snowflake, Paddletail

and Sparky) have been observed

periodically over the last six months.

Another tiger shark, Matilda proved to thbe a prominent character until the 10 of

May but has not been observed

since. It has been noted among dive

operators that tiger sharks prefer waters

of 23C or warmer (Nov – Jul), while

during the cooler months (Aug – Oct)

the sharks rarely frequent the bait stems

and never in the large numbers observed

in the summer. This general trend can be

seen from dive records of the operators.

Currently (September 08) the average

water temperature has been 21C and we

have not had observed a single tiger

shark this month, the last sighting being

on the 29th of August. Tiger sharks may

be the main characters of shark diving

on the Aliwal Shoal, but they are not the

only sharks present at bait events.

Tiger CentralMark AddisonBlue Wildernesswww.bluewilderness.co.za

AfricaAliwal Shoal

Inside

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Dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus) and

Blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus)

form the bulk of shark sightings

at a baiting event. There have

been large sightings of up to 40

individuals of Blacktip sharks present

throughout the year. These sharks are

observed in lower abundance when their

natural prey is in great abundance e.g.

large shoals of game fish (Cape salmon)

or baitfish (Sardine run). Juvenile Dusky

sharks are present at baiting events

during the cooler winter months, thfirst noted on the shoal on the 28 of July

this year, with one individual

observed. The numbers of Duskies have

steadily increased to a maximum of 10

individuals observed at the end of August.

These sharks tend to behave in a more

assertive manner than the slightly larger

and sexually mature Blacktip sharks. In

the reports to follow I aim to give the

reader an overview of the environmental

conditions experienced during that

month. I will introduce the readers to

individual sharks and follow them

over time, reporting any interesting

behavioral patterns and human impact on

the sharks as we observe them on our

dives.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 24

Fio

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Aye

rst

Picked from the CurrentVerbatim quotes... from the ridiculous to the informative.

Between the air and the water a steel wave quivers. What people call the surface is also a ceiling. A looking glass above, watered silk below. Nothing is torn on the way through. Only a few bubbles mark the diver's channel and behind him the frontier soon closes. But once the threshold is crossed you can turn back slowly and look up: that dazzling screen is the border between two worlds, as clear to the one as to the other. Behind the looking glass the sky is made of water. Philippe Diole. The Undersea Adventure. 1951

This is going to be a little controversial, but you know people have been proposing for a number of years to set aside and really protect the areas that you don't go into with any kind of gear. These areas have generally been proposed to be about 20-30% of the continental shelf area. We should be looking at it the other way around. We should protect most of the sea bottom and only allow trawlers into a very small percentage.Professor Les Watling, University of Hawaii

Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don’t go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so thekids won’t laugh at you. Jim Rohn – American speaker and author

If there is one thing that will make a man peculiarly and insufferable self-conceited, it is to have his stomach behave itself, the first day at sea, when nearly all his comrades are seasick. Mark Twain

When you are at sea, keep clear of the land. Publilius

stSyrus, Roman Author, 1 Century BC

Said of the rate of glacier disappearance: It is essential that "everyone sits up and takes notice. Otherwise, and like the glaciers, our room for maneuver and the opportunity to act may simply melt away. "UNEP executive director Achim Steiner

Sponges grow in the ocean. That just kills me. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn't happen. Stephen Wright, American Actor and Writer 1955

Let's say we delay another 10 years on having stern actions on emissions at a global level, we will not have coral reefs in about 30 to 50 years'. Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, University of Queensland

The health of our oceans can in many ways be judged by the health of our seabirds. Only together can we have any hope of saving these birds from extinction and protect our oceans. Dr Samantha Petersen, Manager of the WWF-SA Responsible Fisheries Programme

Every time we walk along a beach some ancient urge disturbs us so that we find ourselves shedding shoes and garments or scavenging among seaweed and whitened timbers like the homesick refugees of a long war. Loren Eiseley

One of the many complexities that complicate the task I've undertaken is complexity. Look, I can start a talk by saying, 'There are 14 global warming pollutants, and we have a different solution for addressing each of them.' And it's true. But you start to lose people.”Al Gore, Former vice president

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/deepeast01/logs/sep10/sep10.html

Image courtesy of vintagescubasupply.com

By Lezanne Brits

Reef Sharks

Spring 2008

Have you ever experienced that embarrassing moment while trying to impress your fellow divers raving about your encounter with an oceanic white tip

only to be quickly reminded that your dive site was 100 m offshore from the nearest whitetip habitat where you are more likely to encounter a grey reef

shark? If so, don't worry, you are not alone! In this section we will highlight the differences between common species you might encounter that will educate

and save you from these embarrassing moments in the future.

If you have ever had the good fortune to dive on a reef, you may have already come across one of the many different species of reef sharks. With a

predilection for warm water and tropical fish, coral reefs are an easy favorite for these sharks, found throughout the worlds reefs. Despite the commonality

in their name and often in their appearance, these reef sharks are distinct species and should be recognized as such.

The term “reef sharks” encompasses several different taxonomical groups that are linked by their preference for reef environments as their name suggests.

Few are known to be particularly aggressive towards humans, but have been known to demonstrate a curiosity for the occasional diver or snorkeler that

may cross their path. Most known attacks have been recorded as provocations and in instances of low visibility. These sharks pose little threat to you as long

as you proceed with caution and practice safe diving techniques. If you observe characteristic aggressive movements, including lowering of the pectoral fins

or sudden sharp turns of the body, be careful as to how you proceed, or you may find yourself the victim of defensive behavior that may endanger your

safety. In areas that experience high volumes of ecotourism diving excursions often involving shark feedings, the instance of such behaviours is higher than

normal due to the increase in prey in the area. Remain particularly vigilant if you happen across a group of ecotourists, and keep an eye out for these

predators. More than one over- zealous scientist has been known to be on the receiving end of such behaviour in an attempt to get that last second

observation, resulting in a non-too happy scientist. Anything for science?

One of the easiest means of distinguishing between different reef sharks is their physical appearance, which varies from species to species.

However, looks can be deceiving as several different species share a strikingly similar appearance, so be sure to take note of as many different features as

possible. Even the quickest glance may reveal key characteristics that may automatically eliminate several options. A flash of black or white, a large or small

silhouette; all of these clues are helpful in visual identification.

One of the easiest means of distinguishing between different

reef sharks is their physical appearance, which varies from species to species.

Characteristics to note

•Colouration

•Body shape

•Size/length

•Location

•Behaviour

Examined here are 6 species of

reef sharks commonly encountered:

1.Caribbean Reef Shark

2.Blacktip Reef Shark

3.Whitetip Reef Shark

4.Grey Reef Shark

5.Black Tail Reef Shark

6.Silvertip Reef Shark

By Simone Lewis-Koskinen

Photo by Johann Mourier

Sharks

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 27

Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezi)

The Caribbean Reef shark is notorious for its dark hued

tips on the pectoral, pelvic, anal, and caudal fins. It is

thick in body, gray in color, with a white or light coloured

underside. Reaching up to 3 m in length, the Caribbean

reef shark stands as one of the larger sharks of the group.

Their activities are typically limited to the waters

surrounding North, Central, and South America,

particularly prevalent in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba,

and Venezuela and rarely venturing further north than

the Florida Keys. Caribbean reef sharks are commonly

spotted lying at the bottom of coastal reef shelves just

shy of the drop off point.

As is the case with many of the world's apex, or top predators, many species of reef sharks are in

danger of extinction. With declining populations across the world, it is crucial that we act

accordingly to ensure their future survival and conserve these incredible species. If you do come

across one of these sharks, be sure that your actions do not harm or endanger them in any way (which, in turn, will also ensure your own safety).

If you see any other individual participating in harmful activities, notify local officials and report

such activity.

Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)

The black tip reef shark has black dorsal and pectoral

fins and a white underside as their characteristic

trademark. These sharks differ from the Caribbean reef

shark in their smaller average size and lack of markings on

the pelvic, anal, and caudal fins. They typically reach up to

2m in length, on average on average they are amongst the

smallest of the reef sharks. They are one of the more common

species, abundant in shallow seas of the Red Sea,

Indo-Pacific and Africa.

Grey Reef Shark (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos)

This species is one to watch out for as it can be

aggressive towards humans if provoked. However, such

behaviour is preceded by aggressive displays giving the

diver sufficient time to react and back off. The grey reef

shark is similar to his relatives sharing in name and

appearance but for the all-over grey colour. The large

size of the grey reef shark, on average 3-5 meters makes

them an ominous foe. These sharks are believed to be

territorial.

Black tailed Shark (Carcharhinus wheeleri)

Often confused for the grey reef shark due to their

similar all-over grey colouration, the black tailed reef

shark is distinguishable by the white tip on its dorsal fin.

In addition, they are usually more timid towards

humans and restricted to the Western Indian Ocean

whereas the Grey Reef Shark is abundant in Pacific

waters.

Silvertip Reef Shark

Ranging from the Western Pacific to Australia and up

through the East of Africa this is another potential

encounter for any diver. It has characteristic white tips

on all of its fins, and is notably larger in size than the

whitetipped shark that it may be confused for.

Photo by Fiona Ayerst

Photo by Fiona Ayerst

Whitetipped Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus)

The white tipped reef shark is characterized by a white

pectoral and upper caudal (tail) fin, with an overall

grey/brown colour and slightly darker tint of their pelvic,

lower caudal, second dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins.

These sharks average 1.6 m in length. If you happen to

prefer night diving around the Indo-Pacific you might be

rewarded with the rare opportunity to see this normally

lifeless shark in action once the sun sets.

Photo by Cédric Pau

Photo by Fiona Ayerst

Photo by Hughes Vitry

… a peek below the water line.

SHARKVILLE(National Geographic Channel)

Presenter: Ryan JohnsonProducers: Stefania Muller, Charlene WaiteDirector: Stefania MullerProduced by: Obsessively Creative & Off The Fence productions.

Educational value

Visual effects

Excitement

Did you know that just a few feet from the popular tourist beach in Mossel Bay resides probably the largest

population of Great white sharks in the world? Neither did I…

It is here that Scientist Ryan Johnson and his team made scientific and cinematic history AND captured it on film

for the world to see. The documentary focuses largely on three, until now unanswered, questions: Why are the

Great Whites in Mossel Bay breaking hunting patterns and hunting at night? How do they co-exist with humans

in the bay? Do sharks always bite to kill?

Full of spectacular camera work, some spot-on, groundbreaking research and a lot of insight into great white

behaviour, Ryan Johnson answers all three questions in a no-doubts way. Ryan has a very convincing manner. Be

sure not to miss this informative documentary, the first in a long time that is a true scientific masterpiece, not just

a movie full of beautiful images and a soothing musical score.

Interestingly, we learn that only 26% of Great White attacks are fatal, indicating that White sharks don't always

attack to kill. I find it heart warming that so many new documentaries are aimed a busting the media hype

depicting sharks, and especially Great Whites as mindless, savage killers. It's about time we start seeing them as

highly intelligent, resilient and adaptable creatures, and let the manic fear for them be replaced by a healthy

respect. Ignorance is a dangerous handicap, and Sharkville, through intensive research, brings us a long way to

filling the gap.

Sharkville will air for the first time in South Africa on DSTV National Geographic Channel at 22h00 on

Thursday, 4 December 2008

SHARKWATER

Educational value

Visual effects

Excitement

Writer, Director and Presenter: Rob Stewart Sharkwater Productions

Sharkwater is probably one of the most important documentaries ever made. It is essentially JAWS, starring MAN as the villainous

predator. It started out as a documentary on the Galapagos Archipelago, and ended up in uncovering the entire Mafia-driven shark

fin industry in Costa Rica. What follows is an incredible movie filmed over 5 years, a movie that will hopefully rock us all to the core.

Stewart faced persecution, danger and a life-threatening illness during the filming of Sharkwater, but still this did not curb his

relentless dedication. The realization will slowly dawn that by destroying our oceans we are destroying ourselves. We also get to

learn quite a bit about Sea Shepard, and the incredible impact they have made on illegal culling.

One of the world's delicacies (especially in Asia) is Shark Fin Soup – basically, chicken broth with a real shark fin placed on top as a

garnish. It adds nothing to the taste, just a symbol of the strength and guile of the shark. Stewart hooks up with the infamous “eco-

warrior” (some would say eco-terrorist) Paul Watson and his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to document the search for the illegal

'finners' who ply the oceans for sharks, capture them, cut off their fins and throw them back into the water to die a painful death. The

footage of this process is downright horrific and cruel. And so when Watson starts to engage violently with a group of Costa Rican

finners it becomes a truly anger-fueled ocean battle. Stewart captures some astonishing footage of the two boats, crashing into one

another and even firing sprays of water to help sink their boat.

Things go off schedule when Stewart and Watson are thrown into a Costa Rican prison for their actions. Their flight from jail is

equally adventurous. And so the film becomes more than just a film about sharks – a story of Stewart himself, a passionate

conservationist and his fight for his beliefs. It helps that Stewart is likeable and engaging. With his boyish good looks he could be

pegged as a 19 year old. He's probably in his late 20s, but still a remarkable achievement.

Did you know:

•Sharks have remained unchanged for 450 million years, AND survived five major extinctions

•Sharks can take 25 years to reach sexual maturity

•Elephant, tigers and crocodiles kill more than 600 people a year, sharks kill 5.

Elephants, tigers and crocodiles are protected, sharks are not.

•Soda pop machines kill more people than sharks do

•There is NO record of a hammerhead shark killing anybody, in spite of hysterical rumors

•There are no international regulations against hunting sharks

•Only 16 countries have banned shark finning

•The world’s shark population is said to have declined by 90%

•100 million sharks are slaughtered for their fins each year.

•In the time it takes you to watch Sharkwater, 15 000 sharks will be killed.

Prepare yourself for upsetting and

horrifying images, images designed

not to sensationalize but to make one

sit up and take notice. I

predict an Academy award for

Sharkwater, but more importantly

this will hopefully lead to laws being

set in place to protect marine

life.

Stefania Muller

Reviewed by Moynene Baumann

Slide-Fishingare anglers being let off the hook?

There is a new threat to the large sharks of

South African waters. Slide fishing has been

on the increase. In this method of angling

beach anglers are able to cast their bait much

further out than was previously possible,

posing a new threat to the larger sharks.

Sharklife has been investigating slide fishing

and this is what we found.

For the uninitiated, slide fishing is the latest

technology allowing anglers to cast bait out

into previously un-reachable waters from the

shore. The angler casts a massive sinker up to

180 meters out, a distance unheard of using

old-fashioned fishing practices. The end of

the line is not held back by unwieldy bait,

such as large fish heads. The sinker travels far

due to its weight and relatively streamlined

shape. The angler then “slides” the bait down

along the length of the line on a non-return

clip.

This method allows the angler to slide bait

down to the sinker and large species can be

targeted without the angler having to get on a

boat. Desirable species include rays and

sharks. Anglers are loading their reels with

300-400m of "Berkley Whiplash Braid" with

a diameter of 0.17mm and a breaking strength

of 50lbs.The reel is then topped up with

200m of monofilament 0.52 - 0.55mm line.

This set up is so effective, that an angler can

have up to 600m of fishing line on his reels to

maximize his chances of fighting large

sharks. The hooks being used are barbed,

chemically sharpened, stainless steel and are

generally around a large size ten.

In Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape, in

particular, anglers wade out from Diaz beach

onto a sandbank about 100 meters off the

beach. The angler is able to cast out to around

250 meters and into the exact area patrolled

by Great White Sharks around Seal Island.

Seal Island sits about 800 meters off Diaz

The hooks being used are

barbed, chemically sharpened,

stainless steel and are

generally around a large size

ten.

AfricaMossel Bay • Macassar • Swartklip • Blue Waters

Fiona Ayerst • Director of Sharklife

Regular

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Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 31

SAMPLA Scientist Stephan Swanson displaysthe sinker and tackle retrieved from a Great White.

beach. It seems this is well known to local

anglers and this popular fishing area produces

good prospects, with the probability that a

Great White will be hooked and possibly

even landed.

Many of the sharks that frequent the Diaz

beach/Seal island area are in the size range

between 2 and 2.5 meters and are thus of a

small enough size to land on the rocks or the

beach. This generally occurs after a good

fight of up to 30 minutes but the “fun” can

last a lot longer (hours). Interestingly some of

the fishermen interviewed indicated that they

prefer catching Bronze Whalers as these put

up a much better fight than Great Whites and

fight really hard - giving the angler hours of

fun and much to celebrate when the fish is

finally landed, exhausted. Some of the

fishermen we have seen slide-fishing in

Mossel Bay have been approached by a

Sharklife representative and confirmed that

they are targeting sharks and in particular

Great White sharks. The anglers told us that

they release some of the sharks and that

others manage to break loose after a fight.

Sharklife has been informed that if sharks do

manage to break free of the hooks they often

get wrapped up in the strong lines as they

twist to free themselves and this can (and is)

causing injuries to their dorsal and pectoral

fins .It is also possible that such animals may

fall prey to their larger and stronger brethren

after such an ordeal.

“Sharklife has been informed that if sharks do manage to break

free of the hooks they often get wrapped up in the strong lines as they twist to free themselves and this can (and is) causing injuries to their dorsal and pectoral fins.”

It is apparent that slide fishing as a practice and

means of catching large sharks is not limited to

Mossel Bay and is being used wherever large

sharks and notably, Great Whites, are prevalent.

This practice is being used in Macassar,

Swartklip and Blue Waters further down the

coast from Mossel Bay. SAMPLA (the South

African Marine Predator Lab) studies the

sharks in Mossel Bay and have recently noticed

that up to 60 % of the local Great White sharks

have slide fishing hooks in their jaws.

Unfortunately these hooks also carry large

sinkers, which the shark may have to drag

around with it for a very long time. The size

and weight of the sinker may also be affecting

the sharks' ability to feed. There are often up to

fifty Great White Sharks patrolling the Bay and

surrounds. Mossel Bay's Diaz beach is a tourist

haven. Bathers and the sharks that patrol and

feed off seal island have shared the same small

patch of water for decades with only one

incident resulting in the death of a scuba diver

on the surface. This fact is well known amongst

the locals in Mossel Bay, even the slide- fishermen

interviewed. In fact the shark cage diving

industry has operated in the same area for at least

fifteen years.

Sharklife thought initially that anglers might

deny they are targeting Great White Sharks to

avoid prosecution. After a couple of fishermen

were questioned, it seems this is not the case.

Currently prosecution is not a real threat in the

minds of many fishermen. Currently angers

know it is unlikely they will never be prosecuted

and so, it appears, they continue to target Great

White Sharks. If questioned by authorities an

angler simply has to state he was fishing for

another species and he is “off the hook” as most

sharks are not protected in this country. It is

impossible for the authorities to argue despite the

fact that Great Whites are protected. In South

African law a person is innocent until proven

guilty, beyond any doubt. If an angler is

prosecuted for catching a Great White and states

Mossel Bay's Great White Sharks have the capacity to

draw tourists and in turn benefit this seaside town immensely on

many different levels.

This particular hook was removed from a Great White Shark's mouth and that same hook being removed from that shark. The barb is clearly visible.

Science Reveals

The oarfish, Regalecus glesne, is the longest bony fish in the

world. With it’s snakelike body - sporting a magnificent

red fin along its 50 - foot length - horselike face and

blue gills, it accounts for many sea-serpent sightings.

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Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 32

Luring a White Shark closer in order to

remove a hook.

in Mossel Bay are targeting the local Great White

Shark inhabitants. Anglers know that Great

White sharks are a fully protected species and

may not be caught. Sharklife understands that

MCM are considering the prosecution of certain

individuals who have been identified. Whilst

changes happen slowly, we can only hope that it

is the case, that at least those anglers governed by

ruling bodies will stop using barbed hooks even

when practising for competitions. This step by

the SASAA and WCAA is to be viewed as the

beginning of change and a step, albeit a small

step, in the right direction.

Sharklife encourages Marine and Coastal Management

(“MCM”) to urgently attend to this enquiry.

the SASAA only changed this rule on 24 July

2008. Unfortunately, many anglers do not belong

to these bodies and do not care for their

regulations. Furthermore, there are many casual

or “sport” anglers and fishing shops who have

invested time and money in their gear and

merchandise respectively and are not going to be

keen to see this all go to waste. Sharklife

proposes that the practice of slide-fishing and the

use of heavy shark tackle be prohibited in

identified zones with high densities of Great

White Sharks. Anglers

can continue to enjoy their sport without this

intrusive and environmentally unfriendly method

being employed in certain zones. Various

involved bodies are currently looking at codes of

best practices together with manuals and

training, in conjunction with anglers. Sharklife

hopes the time is ripe- whilst these methods are

being developed and taught to anglers and whilst

information is being disseminated- for the

authorities to look at the possibility to prohibit

slide fishing entirely in certain zoned areas.

Scientists working in the field would be able to

provide the required justification for these areas

being zoned as Great White Shark “safe zones”.

Sharklife encourages Marine and Coastal

Management (“MCM”) to urgently attend to this

enquiry. It appears that certain anglers

“The angler casts a massive sinker up to 180 meters out, a distance unheard of using old-fashioned fishing practices.”

According to a spokesman for the Cape Association it is far harder to catch a shark using barb-less hooks as the

fish can easily slip itself off the line.

Apparently the two methods of

fishing –using barbed and barb-less

hooks- are very different

from each other and anglers will need to

practice with the same barb-less hooks used in

competitions or else they will not

succeed.

in court that he was trying to catch a Bronze

Whaler, but hooked a Great White in error, then

the presiding magistrate has no choice but to

acquit him of the charge. In fact prosecution is

rarely embarked upon, as it is largely a waste of

money and the system's already limited and over-

stretched resources. The protected status of Great

White Sharks is not helping these predators in the

slide- fishing arena. Sharklife notes some

progression in that certain limits are shortly going

to be enforced by the Western Cape Anglers

Association (400 members) and the SA Shore

Angling Association in all competitions. Most

notably, slide-fishing techniques can still be

employed in fishing competitions but only with

barb-less hooks. This could be good news for the

Great Whites? Unfortunately, the slide-fishing

hooks SAMPLA is finding on the sharks in

Mossel Bay are barbed. It is possible that news of

the change in competition rules has not yet

filtered down to local anglers as

Science Reveals

The original concept of “ocean” goes back to notions of

Mesopotamian and indo-European mythology, imagining the world to

be encircled by a great river. Okeanos, reflects the ancient

Greek observation that a strong current flowed off Gibraltar and

their subsequent assumption that it was a great river. The world was

imagined to be enclosed by a celestial ocean above the heavens,

and an ocean of the underworld below.

Sophie

Peake

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Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 33

A fisherman shows off video footage ofan illegal White Shark capture.

Feature Shark Netting on

Australian Beaches

Shark Netting on

Australian BeachesShark meshing or netting was first introduced in

Australian waters in 1937 when beaches in New South

Wales were equipped with shark nets. The netting

program was also introduced to the Queensland beachesstafter 1967. The netting program runs from 1

thSeptember to 30 April each year. The nets are removed

during the main whale migration season of May to

August. The nets are 150 metres to 200 metres long and

run to a depth of 6 metres. The mesh size is 50 to 60 cm.

They are usually set on the bottom or “bottom set” in

approximately 10 metres of water within 500 metres of

the shore. Lines of torpedo floats align the top of the net

while sinkers anchor the bottom. (Ed's note: similar to

the South African netting system). These nets are not

intended to provide complete protection to bathers. They

really only have one purpose and that is to catch and kill

as many sharks as possible. They are designed to

intercept and cull sharks while they are on their feeding

and territorial runs up and down the coast. A number of

sharks killed in these nets are actually trapped from the

beach side of the net, causing one to question whether

they are actually of any effect whatsoever in bather

protection. Because of the lack of “complete”

protection by the nets the Queensland Government

have more recently included an addition to the nets

that line their beaches. Drum-line fishing is currently

used in addition to the nets. This is when a float with a

baited hook is used to attract and ensnare larger

sharks. In a 20 kilometre stretch of beach a hooked

float will be set up every 2 or 3 kilometres. (Ed's note:

similar to recent additions to the South African

system).

The use of these drum-lines has drawn a lot of

criticism in Australia due to observations that the bait

is attracting the sharks to an area. It has also been seen

that other dead animals in the shark nets draw

predatory sharks in to feed on the carcasses. This

throws into question the whole premise of the nets

and drum-lines- that they are in place to lower the risk

of attack, or decrease the amount of shark/human

interaction. The theory behind the meshing program is

simple. Fewer sharks equal fewer attacks. The sharks

swim to the nets, are caught in the meshing, become

distressed, are trapped in the line and drown. On the

face of it, the program appears to have helped reduce the

number of attacks on bathers but in fact it has vastly

reduced the number of sharks and this may be the main

reason why there are less attacks on bathers. There are in

fact, far less sharks in these waters than there were

before the nets were introduced.

Shark meshing is indiscriminate and has become so

much so that it is considered, in New South Wales, to be

a key process adding to the many processes that threaten

the continued existence of many species of shark.

Furthermore this process is contributing to the extinction

of our precious marine life. For every “dangerous” shark

caught in these nets, 35 other species of marine life have

also been captured and killed. In New South Wales

between 1995 and 2004, 48 Great White Sharks and 24

Tiger Sharks were killed in nets. Over that same period

1,485 other marine animals were caught and died in the

nets. These animals included turtles, whales, dolphins,

rays, dugongs and harmless species of sharks. In

By Lindsay Rudd Australia

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A Vulnerable & Protected great White shark

lies lifeless in a battier protection net off the

South African Coast.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 35

Queensland between 1975 and 2001- 11.899 Great White

Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Bull Sharks were killed in nets

and drum-lines. Over 4000 marine turtles were caught

and killed. The majority of these turtles were Green and

Loggerhead turtles. Loggerheads are listed as

endangered under the EPBC Act and Green Turtles are

listed as vulnerable. Turtles are the largest group of by-

catch in the Queensland shark control program. Over the

same period 53,098 other types of marine animals were

also killed.

Another species is at severe risk of extinction thanks

in part to the introduction of shark netting. The Grey

Nurse Shark (spotted ragged tooth shark or sand tiger)

(ed's note: Raggies to South African readers) is currently

in extreme danger of being completely exterminated.

The Grey Nurse Shark was the first shark species in the

world to be protected. It is listed as vulnerable on the

IUCN Red List and as critically endangered on the

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Act, 1999. This listing means the shark is “facing an

extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the

immediate future”. With fewer than 500 of this

particular shark remaining on the New South Wales

coast there is concern that, due to the late reproductive

maturity of the Grey Nurse, (it only gives birth to 2 pups

per litter and only reproduces once every 2 years) the

effect that mankind has had on the species cannot be

reversed.

meshing/netting is an outdated initiative. This program

was introduced at a time when awareness of sharks was

limited and un-enlightened people made decisions.

Today it is a well-advertised fact that you are far more

likely to be killed by a bee than a shark. The damage that

the nets and drum-lines are doing is immeasurable. We

are in danger of depriving our planet of one of the truly

most graceful, serene creatures ever known. It is time

that we woke up and started to further investigate some

of the many alternatives we have found this far. We also

need to take a look at new technologies to see if there is

anything else that can be done. ( Ed's note: Cape Town,

South Africa has over the last few years experienced an

increase in the number of White Sharks occurring in the

in-shore zone.

Although no scientific data exists to

support this or indicate otherwise, anecdotal evidence

from water users suggests that in-shore occurrence has

increased. In response to these events and the increased

fear by water users, particularly in False Bay, two

community driven programmes were started out of a

need to improve the safety of recreational water users.

These programmes have become known as “shark

spotters”. Essentially the spotters sit at high points along

selected beaches and if a shark is spotted near bathers

then a warning is sounded for people to get out of the

water. Shark spotting is now viewed as an effective

safety project. Not only does shark spotting provide

increased safety at the beaches but it also has multiple

benefits including creating employment for disadvantaged

groups, increasing environmental education and awareness

of the public, providing of data for research, and engendering

capacity and skills development of the shark spotters.)

I challenge the Australian authorities to investigate this

lead by the South Africans as a viable alternative to

outdated meshing and drum-line programs.

Wobbegong Sharks, Port Jackson Sharks, Bronze

Whalers and Tiger Sharks are also vulnerable species

that are captured in the nets and drum-lines.

Alternatives to meshing and drum-lines are available

in Australia. One alternative is a “shark enclosure”. A

shark enclosure is a more rigid construction used on

harbour beaches, and offers an unbroken barrier

between swimmers and marine animals. This

enclosure keeps the bathers in and the sharks out. The

net used in these enclosures is much smaller than

that used in the nets and doesn't tend to ensnare and

entangle marine life. Another alternative could be

Electromagnetic Shark Barriers. Developed in South

Africa in the 1980's this technology is still considered

to have too many logistical and engineering issues to

even be considered for Australian or South African

beaches. I am not sure why the research on this

technology was terminated? There have been so many

improvements in research over the past 20 years- I

propose that the research should continue or re-start!

At a cost of approximately $750,000 per year to tax

payers and an insurmountable cost of marine life,

these shark control programs are threatening the

survival and recovery of a number of threatened or

endangered species. I believe that shark

Currently the following vulnerable, or endangered

animals are being killed due to shark control

programs:

?Great White Sharks (Carcharadon carcharius)

?Grey Nurse Sharks (Carcharius taurus)

?Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)

?Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

?Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)

?Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

?Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

?Dugong (Dugong dugong)

?Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)

?Irrawaddy River Dolphin (Orcaecella brevirostris)

?Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

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Spring 2008

Over 4000 marine turtles were caught

and killed. The majority of these turtles were

Green and Loggerhead turtles. Loggerheads are

listed as endangered under the EPBC Act and

Green Turtles are listed as vulnerable.

We are in danger of

depriving our planet of

one of the truly

most graceful, serene

creatures ever known.

The Natal Sharks Board:

Maintaining the beach meshing

program in South Africa.

Shark spotting is now viewed as

an effective safety project.

Not only does shark spotting provide

increased safety at the beaches but also has multiple

benefits of creating employment for disadvantaged

groups, environmental education and awareness of the

public, collection of data for research, and capacity and

skills development of the shark spotters.)

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I just acted like 'right there is a white shark- I have

seen tons of these'. In my dazed state of awe I forgot I

had to collect the data. “Courtney she has a scar on

the left side below

was just so taken aback by this shark's calm

and graceful swimming behaviour, which was

completely differently from the images of the

ravenous bloodthirsty predator we are taught to fear.

We saw a total of seven sharks that day but I will

never forget my first one. I was instantly captivated

by these animals and could not wait to get back on the

water to learn more about them.

The day we “tagged the big on

. It was around lunch time and

everyone was starting to dig into sandwiches with

their chum covered hands. Hunger got thebest of me

and I battled to bring a sandwich to my mouth with

my hands flecked with fish scales and glistening with

sardine blood. I had only recently given-in to eating

on the boat after forgoing lunch for the past month

and a half. Without sharks around the boat, time goes

by very slowly and you need something to occupy

your time. One of our favourite pastimes was singing

a capella while we waited for the sharks to make their

appearances. In hindsight our borderline-amazing

talent could have actually been a deterrent but our

SAMPLA remix of a 1980's “The Police” hit, Roxanne,

worked wonders. “Rrrroooooxxxaaannnne you don't

have to put out that dorsal fin. Those days are ov…”

Th when

someone called out Upon

close inspection we saw a dorsal fin barely break the

surface just fifty metres away. There was an

impressive wake of water that gave the appearance of

an e heading straight for us. No

words were spoken. We all knew this was the big shark

that we were waiting for. Everyone silently moved to

their positions as if we had rehearsed for this moment

our entire lives.

the dorsal and a white mark on the

nose.” I

e” was like many other

days at sea. The morning was a bit slow with only two

smaller white sharks coming around the boat. And I

use the term "small" as relative to how enormous they

can be. There really is nothing small about a 2.5 meter

white shark. In SAMPLA lingo these sharks were not

“players”, which means they did not stay around the

boat very long

e song was enthusiastically interrupted

“hey look out there . . .”

underwater missil

I grabbed an acoustic tag, quickly sterilized the

injection tip, screwed it into the pole and passed

it off to Stephen. With one pass under the boat

everyone was speechless and we could see just

how massive this shark was-reaching an

impressive four metres. This girl was a “player”.

She entertained us by leaping and lunging at the

bait rope while managing to splash every one of

us on the boat. When she opened her mouth in

an attempt at swallowing the bait you could hear

water flooding in her massive jaws like a

vacuum. After we had satisfactorily taken

pictures of the dorsal fin it was time to deploy

the tag. She circled around the boat for another

attempt at the bait rope and Stephen expertly

inserted the tag just below the left side of her

dorsal fin. This massive shark didn't even flinch

and continued to hang around. We proudly

went back to the harbour ready to plan the

tracking sessions for the shark we dubbed

Roxanne. My entire experience with sampla was

incredible.

I felt privileged to be around these amazing

sharks and learn more about them. One of the

most important aspects of the trip for me was

that I had the opportunity to make a valuable

contribution to science.

After researching and

interacting with some of these white sharks for

several months, I couldn't help but have a special

place in my heart for them, even though I more

than likely did not hold a special place in theirs.

Whatever fear I may have had about them was

replaced by respect.

I am very proud of the

fact that the research we conducted will aid in

future conservation efforts for white sharks.

Personally, I am proud that I accomplished my

goal as a future lawyer and advocate to better

understand and learn more about the species I

want to protect. As a result of my time in Africa,

I am committed now, more than ever, to make a

career of working toward the conservation of

sharks.

It is incredible that this

apex predator has shared some of the most

popular beaches in South Africa with humans for

several decades without incident. To me, this is

evidence of that the fact that us humans are

probably much more of a threat to the sharks

than they are to us. I have learned that it is

important that we continue to study the white

shark for not only their safety and conservation

but ours as well. The more we know about

these charismatic predators, the less, it seems, we

may have to fear.

wine. Everyone has their own way of doing it

and like wine, sometimes the

works well and sometimes not so well.

Essentiall

in Water is then added into

the bucket and one lucky person stomps

around trying to release the "juice". Some

people like to do a little dance as they stomp

around, I personally believe that salsa dancing

works the best.

water is once again added to

the mix until a deep cabernet coloured broth of

fish blood and guts is formed. Finally, this

sardine wine is slowly dribbled over the side of

the boat. This is like a wine tasting, the

connoisseurs being the sharks. Sharks

swimming within the immediate area may pick

up the scent and if they like what they smell,

they will follow the slick to its source, in this

instance being our boat at our anchor site.

Once we anchored, the daily jobs

were allocated and the anticipation of seeing

my first white shark was rising. I was given the

job of collecting the essential data such as: size,

sex, and any previous tags or distinguishing

markings. Chumming trips are a very

important part of the research and the data

collected is used in many different ways.

Photos are taken on the left side and right side

of the dorsal fin to compare against a photo

identification database. This allows researchers

to have an idea what the white shark population

is in the area, how long a particular shark may

stay and if they continue to come back year after

year as a stop on an annual migration route. No

more than fifteen minutes half. after we arrived

I was interrupted from my data tutorial by

someone calling out “Shark! Shark!”

Adrenaline flooded my veins as I realized what I

was about to see.

Bom! Bom! Bom! Bom!” I thought

about the fright and fear this image was

supposed to exude, but for m was excitement

and privilege. When I saw the entire shark I

wanted to jump up and down and high-five

myself, but I opted to stay calm and not look

like the idiot who had just seen her first white

shark.

finished product

y, the chumming process begins with

sardines or a very bloody or oily fish in a

bucket. I will allude to sardines as the "grapes"

my wine analogy.

Once satisfied with the fruits of

the bucket dance,

Out of nowhere a dorsal fin

broke the surface and the music from Jaws came

to my mind. “

e, it

I will allude to sardines as

the "grapes" in my wine analogy.

There really is nothing small

about a 2.5 meter white shark.

We all knew this was

the big shark that we

were waiting for.

This massive shark didn't

even flinch and continued

to hang around.

My Life... Ordinary people making remarkable contributions.

My Life...

There is a place in the world where humans and

nature's most feared apex predators co-exist.

This place is a bay in South Africa, appropriately

Sharkville” by those studying

sharks there. Sharkville, or its correct name,

Mossel Bay, is a quiet sea-side town on the edge

of the world-renowned Garden Route in the

Western Cape Province of South Africa. With a

mild climate and only one cage diving company,

this bay is arguably the best place in the world to

research the Great

White Shark (“white shark”). Four

white shark researchers; Ryan Johnson, Enrico

Gennari, Stephan Swanson and Toby Keswick

e

secret life of . Their work

is fuelled by the hope that society will no longer

have a fear accept them as an

important part of the ocean ecosystem

our ecosystem. Together, these four men have

formed the South African Marine Predator Lab -

SAMPLA which facilitates the research in Mossel

Bay. In February 2008, SAMPLA successfully

launched a student internship program to assist

in its research and groundbreaking discoveries.

unexplainable fascination

unique animal, one that

evokes a powerful fear response in humans. For

some, it is the mouth full of razor sharp teeth that

all too often appears to be dripping with fresh

blood. the cold dark eyes

that are seemingly incapable of showing

emotion, something we as humans associate with

on the most basic level. We can't look into a

white shark's eyes and understand what it is

feeling or what it needs, and in my opinion that

scare

some people.

errified of these animals. One of my

first and exceedingly overused phrases as a child

was "does it bite?" I wouldn't even touch a

bunny

Though

an airplane

really is no better

nick-named “

work with and legendary

passionate

realised the research potential in Mossel Bay and

are working tirelessly to discover more about th

these amazing animals

of white sharks and

as well as

Since childhood I have always had an

with the white shark.

This shark is such a

For others it may be

lack of intimacy and ability to connect may

By all accounts I should

have been t

if I thought I had the chance of being

bitten. as I grew older, I developed a

pattern of confronting my fears head on. For

example, I am absolutely terrified of heights, so I

did what no rational acrophobic person would

do- I decided to jump out of at 14,000

feet. I wanted to figure out what it was that

struck such fear in me. There

And I now take great pride in the art of

stringing mackerel heads together for the bait

rope. It sounds easy; however, there is a

complex interplay of skill, craftsmanship, and

caution that one must observe while extricating

the eyeballs and threading a piece of rope

through the head of a fish. I would put

emphasis on the caution element, just because

these fish are dead does not mean you can let

your guard down. These cunning mackerels

got their revenge when their razor sharp teeth

all too frequently found their way into my hand

as I would string them on the rope.

shark was the day my childhood dream

became a reality and an experience I will

remember for the rest of my life. It was the day

after I arrived in Mossel Bay. Flying from

the United States for 36 hours had really done a

number on me. With the change of time zones,

continents and hemispher

" and my body was telling me it

hated me. I managed to actually wake up when

my alarm went off at 7:00 a.m. and made it a

priority to watch my first South African sunrise.

I knew it was going to be a special day once I

saw the sun crest over the fog-covered

mountains.

arriving at the harbour, my co-interns

and I gathered the equipment and made our

way to the mooring. This was when I took my

first look at the 21 foot research vessel.

The first thought that came to mind was “wow!

I think we need a bigger boat." I was not sure if

the boat would even float with all the gear and

people aboard. And I did not

We were quickly underway and greeted by a

clear blue sky and surprisingly calm water for

an ocean.

chum slick is what I would like to

compare to makin

I am now

much more afraid of a vengeful mackerel head

than a white shark. The day I saw my first

white

es my internal clock

was out of "sync

Upon

long

even want to

think about the fact that some white sharks are

the size of that boat.

At about 500 meters from where we

would lay anchor, we began laying out our

chum slick to attract the sharks. Creating a

successful

g a fine.

way to confront a fear of heights than a 60 second

freefall to earth. The same fear of uncertainty and the

unknown that I had about heights may explain why I

was so drawn to the little understood

As

a law student , I went against what

was considered for a summer working

position

I

am pursuing a legal education to further my career

aspirations of becoming a shark conservation

advocate. To be an effective advocate I felt it was vital

to have field experience to better understand the

species I want to protect.

gave me the

opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of the first group

of students to research white sharks. Without thinking

twice, I

Therefore, those close to me were surprised to see how

far I had come from the days when I could not even

string a worm on my Snoopy fishing pole. The truth is

I really enjoyed working on the research vessel, getting

my hands dirty and doing things that I would have

been too grossed out to do in the past. Surprisingly, it

only took me a week to forget how bad I smelled even

after my daily decontamination showers.

white shark.

Many of us as children, or adults for that matter, learn

to fear what we don't understand; it is safer that way. I

am not exactly a fan of the safer route and I wanted to

see for myself what the white shark was all about.

"acceptable"

in the United States

by going to South Africa and working on a

white shark research vessel. Many people tried to

convince me that I was crazy and not spending my

summer the way a law student should. But then

again, I don't see myself as a “normal” law student.

Working in a down-town windowless office making

copies and asking "one sugar or two?" all summer was

not going to get me any closer to my desired career.

Luckily, the directors of SAMPLA

eagerly left my power suit and pumps at the

door for smelly sardine encrusted "chum clothes". I

like to consider

myself an adventurous person, but my adventures

typically stop with weird smells, slimy or squishy

things and a lack of proper plumbing facilities.

By all accounts I should

have been terrified

of these animals.

...it only took me a week

to forget how bad

I smelled even after my daily

decontamination showers.

I managed to actually wake

up when my alarm went

off at 7:00 a.m. and made it a

priority to watch my

first South African sunrise.

At about 500 meters from

where we would lay anchor,

we began laying out our

chum slick to attract the sharks.

Ordinary people making remarkable contributions.

By Courtney Graham

Now’s Your

ChanceGet

InvolvedSpring 2008 Beyond Blue 40

Always wanted to get involved but didn't know how? Here is your chance:

Help to identify strategies to save

unique reef systems by volunteering for

the conservation organization – Blue

Ventures

These plans will focus on improving the

quality of life of the local communities

who depend on these marine resources

while maintaining the biological

diversity and productivity of the reefs.

Location: Madagascar

Check it out

( ) or contact Blue Ventures

(

)

http://www.blueventures.org/expeditions/madaga

scar-expeditions.html

madagascar@blueventures.org

Ocean Research Conservation Africa Marine

Foundation (ORCA)

The ORCA –Foundation – A private initiative – founded by Ocean Blue Adventures, strives, alongside government,

to develop and implement realistic utilization strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of our natural resources

for the fishing and eco-tourism industries,

as well as maintaining biodiversity, health

and productivity of our fragile coastal and

marine eco-system.

Location: Plettenberg Bay, South AfricaCheck it out (

) or contact ORCA (

)

http://www.orcafoundation.com/volunteer.

asp

tony@orcafoundation.com

Join the South African Marine Predator Lab

(SAMPLA) in their research projects on the

Great White Shark and other marine predators

SAMPLA is an academic hotspot for some of

South Africa's most established marine

biologists. The SAMPLA internship programs

gives science students and naturalists a rare

and exciting hands on experience of marine

research on the great white shark. Location: Mossel Bay, South AfricaCheck it out (http://www.sampla.org/get-

involved.html) or contact SAMPLA (info@sampla.org)

Volunteer at MarineBio by using only your

computer and a Web connection

Do you want to write for a cause? MarineBio is

searching for interns and volunteers to write

new content about marine biology,

conservation and science. If you have superior

writing skills, are willing to volunteer initially

and later be considered first for contract/part-

time or full-time work with MarineBio in the

future then contact MarineBio.

Check it out

(

) or contact MarineBio ()

http://marinebio.org/MarineBio/internships.as

p

info@marinebio.org

Help Greenforce record fish abundance and

diversity for the World Conservation Society to

create an effective United Nations Seascape Plan

Volunteers work within undisturbed marine

habitats creating some of the best dive

opportunities in the world, while your work for

WCS and UNESCO will ensure the future for this

beautiful and untouched South Pacific location

Location : Fiji

Check it out

(

) or

contact Greenforce (

)

http://www.greenforce.org/destinations/fiji

info@greenforce.org

By Lezanne Brits

What You Can Do To Benefit That Which Is “Beyond The Blue”

Save Nemo and his friends by reducing the number of plastic bags you use. Much of our land pollution ends up in or around the ocean so it is no surprise that plastic bags are one of the most common items found during beach cleanups. Turtles are especially fond of plastic bags because they look like scrumptious jelly-fish, one of their favourite foods. Just imagine what a plastic bag does to a turtles insides!

Take your own cloth or mesh bags to the grocery store (or if you absolutely HAVE to paper bags, but try to re-use these)

Protect coral reefs with your sunscreen selection

Before you slap on sunscreen and hop into the ocean, make sure it does not contain: paraben preservative, cinnamate, benzophenone or camphor derivative. Scientists recently determined that these chemicals contribute to coral reef bleaching even in small quantities.

No longer will you have to shell out your hard earned money for bottles of water plus you will be helping to reduce the number of birds, turtles and marine animals that die every year from consuming plastic pieces. Make sure the bottle is labeled BPA-free because some scientists believe long-term exposure to BPA (a compound found in polycarbonate plastics) can contribute to various health conditions.

Carry a BPA- Free Reusable Water Bottle

"Nobody did worse than he who did nothing for fear he could only do a little." - Edmund Burke

We each have the power to take actions in our

daily lives that can improve our environment.

You don't have to make a drastic

overhaul, just start small . . .

here are three simple ways you can benefit what is

beyond the blue.

Cause Organisers Method

Conservation International Every 20 minutes another species is pushed to extinction. Sign the petition and see what you can do to help.

Caribbean Conservation Corporation and Sea Turtle Survival League

Every time you use GoodSearch.com as your internet search engine, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation will receive $0.01 to help conserve the little green guys

Shark Savers Voice your concerns and sign the petition on-line

Galapagos Conservation Trust Charles Darwin can no longer protect this unique ecosystem but there are many ways you can.

Sea Shepard Conservation Society

There are various ways to contribute to the campaign

Link: Stop the clock on Extinction

Link: Sea Turtle Conservation

Link: Oppose Shark Fishing atGreat Barrier Reef

Link: Support conservation in Galapagos

Link: Against the Canadian Seal Slaughter

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 41

By Courtney Graham

Our Choice Of Products TELEMETRY

In recent years an old research tool has been substantially and uniquely improved, enabling unprecedented insights into the previously hidden lives of fish. Welcome to the age of

Telemetry! The word telemetry comes from ancient Greek; “tele”, from afar, and “metron”, measurement. These terms apply to different techniques used to monitor the movement

patterns of an animal. Different kinds of techniques have been utilized during the last 150 years in order to monitor movements of fish. Until a few decades ago the technique used was to

label fish with an information laden tag including date, place of tagging and fish length. The researcher would then have to wait to re-sight the animal, often some time later. Technology

has improved vastly in the last 50 years, allowing scientists to physically follow the animal and log data about physiological and environmental conditions. This data can then be retrieved

at the end of the experiment, and send directly to your computer. There are many different options available, but the basic format is a transmitter which either stores different types of

information or sends them to a receiver which can be either in the field or in an office. These signals are sent via acoustic signals (radio signals don't work in the sea), a satellite, or even a

cellular phone network. In this issue I am going to briefly describe the different kinds of tags available to scientists. Each kind of tag explained underneath may come in a variety of

sizes, power outputs, battery life, sensors, and other options, depending on the manufacturing company and the scientist's needs.

Acoustic telemetry is based on acoustic signals sent from the tagged animal.

It is very useful to study small scale movements of animals.

Coded Tags

Continuous Tags Archival Tags

Coded tags and listening stations:

These long-life tags send all acoustic

signals at one predefined frequency

which are received by semi-

permanent listening stations on the

sea bottom when the animal passes

within a certain range from the

receiver. Receivers are retrieved at a

specific time of the year (while a new

one is put in place) and the data is

then downloaded.

Pros:

- Long-life tags.

- 24/7 presence of the receiver without

presence of scientists on the field.

- Large number of animals tagged.

Cons:

Receivers detect the animal within its

operational range but can't determine

its exact positions.

Continuous tags and real-time telemetry: A frequency-specific tag sends a signal to an onboard receiver allowing scientists to physically follow the tagged animal.

Pros: - Fine scale details of animal movement.- Direct information on what happens around the animal (i.e. feeding, mating bouts).

Cons: - Data obtained only with the presence of scientists in the field.- No more than one animal can be tracked at one time.

Archival tags: This kind of tag is either surgically implanted within the muscle or secured just underneath the skin. It records and stores various parameters of an animal and its surrounding environment, including sea surface temperature (SST) and ambient light (which together allow us to estimate the animal's position). They are very useful for tracking animals that don't spend a lot of time at the surface.

Pros: - Long-lived, high resolution data.

Cons:- Tag has to be recovered to obtain data, thus applicable only to large-fishery related animals or animals whose behaviour allow for retrieval. - Accuracy of estimated position low.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 42

For more info go to: www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk

Acoustic TelemetryBy Enrico Gennari

Enrico Gennari

Andy Casagranda

Our Choice Of Products TELEMETRY

Satellite telemetry: this technology is based on the Argos system of satellites which links the tag to the scientist in his office. They are increasingly being utilised for large-scale movement studies of animals.

GPS Tags

PAT TagsCell Phone Tags

This column will regularly bring you reviews on other topics and we would like you to be part of this. Comments, personal experiences and reviews, as well as ideas, are welcome and could be shared with our other readers in subsequent issues.

Write to Enrico at Enrico@beyondbluemag.com

As with many things in science, telemetry technology is a “work in progress”. Scientists work together with the manufacturing companies (and vice versa) in order to develop and test ideas to further improve our understanding of animal movement patterns and their role within the ecosystems they inhabit. This knowledge is paramount for the management and thus the conservation of species which otherwise would be destined for extinction.

Pop-up archival tags (PAT):

PAT tags are externally attached archival tags with a floating system which, at a predefined date and time, detaches the tag making it reach the surface. When the tag floats, it sends a summary of the stored data by an antenna through the Argos system to the scientist's computer. This technology is used mostly for animals that don't spend a lot of time at the surface.

Pros: Not necessary to retrieve tags for basic information.

Cons: Tag must be recovered for detailed information.

Satellite positioning tags: These “live” tags are externally attached to the top part of the animal. Every time the antenna surfaces, it sends a signal to the Argos system. These tags are thus used on animals that spend plenty of time at the surface (breathing, etc.).

Pros: No need for recovery of the tag.

Cons: - A satellite has to pass over the point where the animal surfaces (probabilities decrease at lower latitudes). - Accuracy of estimated position depends on successive number of detections by the satellite.

Cell phone, GPS telemetry: Recently, satellite technology was backed up by other technologies based on more precise

positioning systems such as mobile or GPS networks. Nevertheless, these systems still have their drawbacks. One example would be their high output power and therefore the

shortened life span of the battery.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 43

Satellite Telemetry

Linda Smith

Mike Meyer

Sneaking into the intimacy

of reef sharks in

French Polynesian waters.

The basic questions of a species life history need to be answered to effectively conserve

any ocean species, including vulnerable sharks. Even today, insufficient data exists to

enable scientists to answer even the most basic of life history questions! Ph.D. Candidate

Johann Mourier, takes Beyond Blue through what information is required before we can answer vital questions about sharks.

It is common knowledge that large, long-lived marine

animals, such as sharks, are declining rapidly due to

overexploitation and habitat degradation. Global

environmental changes and human activities such as

tourism and fisheries are seriously affecting species with

high natural longevity and low reproductive rates. Due

to a lack of information about the basic ecology of many

shark species, we need to improve our knowledge

concerning the behaviour, ecology and organisation of

shark populations.This will help to promulgate better conservation regulations and strategies and to promote awareness and support for shark conservation

Due to the lack of data concerning shark stocks and

vulnerability in the Southern Pacific, the precautionary

principle was used to introduce the legislation to protect

sharks in French Polynesia and to ban shark finning

th since the 12 of April 2006. The French Polynesian

waters are a true sanctuary for many shark species and

sharks are of great importance for aquatic tourism.

However the precautionary principle can hold for only

so long, and without solid scientific data, the protection

of these vulnerable predators can never be guaranteed.

In January 2008, I embarked on a three-year study.

My study involved an investigation into the life history,

behaviour, and ecology of reef sharks in Moorea

(French Polynesia) hosted by the famed French research

lab CRIOBE. This ground breaking project employs a host

of techniques to understand the ecology and the organisation

of insular reef shark populations, mainly the sicklefin lemon

shark (Negaprion acutidens) and the blackfin reef shark

(Carcharhinus melanopterus) within nearby waters. I

needed to understand the sharks populations, the patterns

Precautionary Principle

In classifying endangered

species, the precautionary

principle means that if there is

doubt about an animal's or

plant's exact conservation status,

the one that would cause the

strongest protective measures to

be realized should be chosen.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 45

By Johann Mourier

in their habitat use, social organisation, reproductive

system and their population turn over. If the results of

my study could improve the aforementioned knowledge

about sharks and their behaviour, then we would be a

large step further to understand them better. This in turn

would help us to gauge their degree of vulnerability to

human activities. the end result could be that we could

fight to cement the the current rather tenuous

conservation status they enjoy in this limited area. New

para goes here then Over the past eight months I have

spent many days submersed observing the

Onto column two on that page. please change to

"aspects of the natural history of the blackfin reef

shark's basic natural history remain poorly

documented. This shark is considered by many to be

harmless and non-aggressive. Personally, I find

blackfin reef sharks to be curious. I really enjoy

watching these sharks investigate anything novel. The

blackfin reef shark is neither solitary nor a shark that

schools. However, I often see them in small feeding

aggregations.

Whilst conducting my research I remain in awe of how

perfectly these reef sharks have evolved to their

environment. I am privileged to be able to study their

behaviour " in depth " ! My interactions and

observations of the sharks on a less "scientific" level have

also helped me to understand their "intimacies". I know

so much more about the way they co-habit and even (to

some extent) I sometimes feel like I know some of their

more individual personalities. I am sometimes lucky

enough to be invited into their private world and this is

helping me to understand them so much better. Each

time I catch a glimpse of the intimate moments of these

sharks it adds an extra dimension to my scientific

research. Due to this dual approach( science and general

observation) - I believe that in the end I will be able to

contribute much to the deep understanding of the

sharks and their important place in this ecosystem. This

can only help to promote their conservation so that

generations to follow me will be able to enjoy these

curious animals that have kept me fascinated for so

many years."

It is easy to be caught up in their beauty, however, knowing the

importance of my research I remember

to stay focused. Over the next years these are the questions

that I hope to answer, and the

techniques that I will use.

For information about this project, please visit the following site:

Johann MOURIER (PhD candidate)

Insular Research Center and Environment Observatory (CRIOBE:

http://criobe.wordpress.com/le-criobe/language-english/the-criobe/), Moorea,

French Polynesia.

Email :

http://johannmourier.wordpress.com/

johann.mourier@gmail.com

Spring 2008

Johann Mourier

Joh

an

n M

ourier

Question 1: What are the recruitment rates into the populations, and how do the reproductive systems and social orginisation work?

To answer my questions on shark recruitment, the reproductive systems and social organisation I intend to use genetic research tools. The use of these tools such as microsatellite markers and parentage analysis will give insight of the recruitment into shark populations at the island by studying parentage links and genetic relatedness between individuals of the population. This will allow me to investigate the supplying of adult population by young sharks (recruitment) and to understand if these populations are “open” (supplied by individuals from other populations) or “closed” (supplied by individuals coming from the reproduction between sharks from Moorea). Using these analyses self-recruitment rates and percentages of inbreeding in these shark populations can be inferred. Thus the spatial scale of gene flow, the connectivity and the self-recruitment rates will be determined for both species sicklefin lemon sharks and blackfin reef sharks in Moorea. The aims are (1) to determine if the recruitment in shark populations in Moorea Island, taken here as a model for the isolated Polynesian Islands, is sufficient for the sustainability of shark populations and (2) understanding if the populations are open or closed.

Question 2. What is the population size?

A core question that is required for any effective conservation is how many sharks are there? To determine size of populations, all the sharks I capture and release around the Island are identified them via photo-identification of the dorsal fin. By calculation the relative frequency in which I re-encounter these individuals, I can estimate the population size of sharks.

Question 3. behaviour – how do the sharks use their habitat? What is their home range?

In the context of increasing touristic activities, coastal habitat degradation, and over-exploitation in relatively small islands of French Polynesia, understanding the movement patterns of sharks is essential for effective management. It is also critical to effectively design marine reserves (to optimise conservation of these mobile predators). The use of combination between telemetry (both passive and active tracking), satellite tracking (PAT tags) and genetic approaches will allow assessing the short and long-term movement patterns of sharks as well as habitat and space utilisation, home range, and migrations between islands (see Beyond blue's product review special for details on telemetry pg. ).

Question 4. The impact of shark feeding on the behaviour and movements of sharks and in population structure?

Shark-feeding started on the Island of Moorea (French Polynesia) in the 1990s at three localities on the outer slope off the north coast. One locality, in the lagoon, only feeds stingrays. Shark-feeding attracts several species but mainly the blackfin reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), the sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens). In order to determine biological and ecological aspect of shark populations affected by shark-feeding activities in Moorea, it is necessary to study two distinct areas of Moorea Island: one were shark-feeding occurs (i.e. the Northern Coast) and another where the activity hopefully does not occur (i.e. Southern Coast) and where shark population may not be affected (commonly termed: control vs. treatment studies). The aim is to understand if the shark-feeding activity affects the natural behaviour of sharks (i.e. home range, scale of movements, habitat use and residency patterns, density and aggregation, dietary, and relatedness in shark populations). To evaluate the impacts of shark-feeding activities on the behaviour of shark populations, I will use a combination of different methods in order to answer these different questions: acoustic tracking (listening stations), underwater observations, genetic and hormones analysis through blood sampling.

Fiona Ayerst

x

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 48

A great victory for whales thhappened on the 10 of

September when Chile declared

their waters a whale sanctuary.

The law was unanimously

passed by congress after it being

strongly backed by the public.

Dr. Susan Lark, one of the

foremost authorities in the

fields of clinical nutrition and

preventive medicine is

promoting a moisturizer that

helps your skin feel more

elastic. Squalane – an

ingredient found in sharks – is

being promoted for its ability

to help skin “maintain its

moisture and elasticity.”

However, this exact ingredient

can also be obtained from a

much more abundant source:

olives. From a conservation

point of view, deep-sea sharks

are some of the most

vulnerable sharks in the world.

They typically grow slowly,

mature late in life and have

only a few young during their

long lives. Their populations

are at an extreme risk from

exploitation and recover very

slowly.

A team of US scientists have

found evidence that a mega

tsunami hit Tonga in the past

few thousand years and said

another giant wave could strike

the region again. The scientists

from the University of Texas

studied massive boulders of

coral found up to 400 metres

from the shoreline on Tonga's

main island Tongatapu.

According to team leader, Dr

Matthew Hornbach, these

boulders were possibly

deposited when a nearby

underwater volcano caused a

land-slip, resulting in a

tsunami.

Amongst hundreds of new

species discovered in

Australia's coral reefs, you'll

find upside-down jellyfish

and small crustaceans that

invade the mouths of fish and

eat their tongues. This

discovery is part of a

worldwide Census of Marine

Life (CoML) which is set to

release its results in 2010.

At least 32 species of reef fish --

including pygmy gobies and

some wrasses -- can shine red,

not by reflecting sunlight but

by emitting their own, a study

published on 15 September

found. It has long been clear

that red light is simply not part

of the mental universe of

marine fish because the

sunlight's longest visible

wavelengths do not

penetrate below a depth of 10

m (30 ft). Nico Michiels,

researcher at the University of

Tubingen in Germany,

explained that "The general

consensus, which dominated

fish literature for 20 or 30

years, was that fish

don't see red very well or at

all," Dissection revealed that

the fluorescence originates in

guanine crystals, a chemical

compound that is added to nail

polish and car paint to give

added luster.

Australia, the world's driest

inhabited continent, is

experiencing an accelerated

version of global warming,

climate scientists say. This is

leading to extreme droughts and

sudden severe storms. Surfers

are in for the ride of their lives as

CSIRO research into wave size

changes over the past 45 years

shows waves of three meters or

more were increasing as severe

storms become more frequent

and intense, particularly on

Australia's southern coast

The recent dramatic melting and breakup of a few huge Greenland

glaciers have fueled public concerns over the impact of global

climate change, but that isn't the island's biggest problem. A new

study shows that the dozens of much smaller outflow glaciers

dotting Greenland's coast together account for three times more loss

from the island's ice sheet than the amount coming from

their huge relatives

Documents obtained by the BBC shows Greenland wants to remove

its whale hunt from the jurisdiction of the International Whaling

Commission. The commission, for the past two years, has refused

Greenland's request to add 10 humpback whales to its annual kill

quota, the BBC reported on 13 September. If Greenland withdraws

from the IWC it could expand its whaling hunts without

international oversight.

Science Reveals

Habitats studied by marine

biology include everything

from

the tiny layers of surface

water in which organisms

and abiotic items may be

trapped in surface tension

between the ocean and

atmosphere, to the depths of

the abyssal trenches,

sometimes 10,000 meters or

more beneath the surface of

the ocean.

By Celeste Steyn

Fiona Ayerst

Fiona Ayerst

Fiona Ayerst

Fiona Ayerst

Global Warming Quotes

For many, the debate surrounding global warming,

our culpability, and what needs to be done has

ended. We are now at the stage of dealing with

increasingly drastic consequences. This is in fact

not so, as the various views of the world’s elite

politicians, scientists, conservationists, and

businessmen clearly illustrate...

A president - USA President George W. Bush

?“I think we have a problem on global warming. I think there is a debate about

whether it's caused by mankind or whether it's caused naturally, but it's a worthy

debate. It's a debate, actually, that I'm in the process of solving…”

A prime minister – Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

? “The blunt truth about the politics of climate change is that no country will want

to sacrifice its economy in order to meet this challenge, but all economies know that

the only sensible long term way of developing is to do it on a sustainable basis”.

An organisation - United Nations (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

?"Human influences have: very likely contributed to sea level rise during the latter

half of the 20th century; likely contributed to changes in wind patterns, affecting

extra-tropical storm tracks and temperature patterns; and, likely increased

temperatures of extreme hot nights, cold nights and cold days."

A climatologist – Dr. Patrick Michaels, research professor at the University of Virginia

? Global warming competes with cancer and competes with AIDS for a finite amount

of money. Nobody ever won that fight by saying: My issue isn't important.”

global warming”)

? “The American people are fed up with the media for promoting the idea that former

Vice President Al Gore represents the scientific “consensus” that SUV's and the

modern American way of life have somehow created a 'climate emergency' that

only United Nations bureaucrats and wealthy Hollywood liberals can solve,”

An actor - Arnold Schwarzenegger

We simply must do everything we can in our power to slow down global warming before it is

too late. The science is clear. The global warming debate is over.

A sceptic – USA Senator James Inhofe (Author of “Sceptics guide to debunking

Energy Tycoon – Montgomery Burns, “The Simpsons”

? "Oooh, so Mother Nature needs a favour?! Well, maybe she should have thought of

that when she was besetting us with droughts and floods and poison monkeys!

Nature started the fight for survival, and now she wants to quit because she's

losing. Well, I say: Hard cheese!"

A candidate – Democratic presidental nominee Barack Obama

“All across the world, in every kind of environment and region known to man, increasingly

dangerous weather patterns and devastating storms are abruptly putting an end to the long-

running debate over whether or not climate change is real. Not only is it real, it's here, and its

effects are giving rise to a frighteningly new global phenomenon: the man-made natural

disaster”.

A business – ExxonMobil

? A by the US reports that ExxonMobil funded

29 climate change denial groups in 2004 alone. Since 1990, the report says, the

company has spent more than $19 million funding groups that promote their views

through publications and Web sites that are not peer reviewed by the scientific

community. Since 2007, ExxonMobil has cut much of this funding…

study Union of Concerned Scientists

The Science…

IPCC (United Nations) states unequivocally that the consensus of scientific opinion is that Earth's climate is being affected by human activities. This hypothesis was tested by analysing 928 abstracts, published in revered scientific journals between 1993 and 2003, and listed in the ISI database with the keywords "climate change". The 928 papers were divided into six categories: (1) explicit endorsement of the consensus position, (2) evaluation of impacts, (3) mitigation proposals, (4) methods, (5) paleo-climate analysis, and (6) rejection of the consensus position. Of all the papers, 75% fell into the first three categories, either explicitly or implicitly accepting the consensus view; 25% dealt with methods or paleo-climate, taking no position on current anthropogenic climate change.

Remarkably, none of the papers disagreed with the consensus position- that Earth's climate is being affected by human activities.

Spring 2008 Beyond Blue 49

By Ryan Johnson

A candidate – Republican vice president nominee Sarah Palin

? A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of

our location. I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made.

A conservationist – Al Gore, (producer of “An inconvenient truth”)

? There are many who still do not believe that global warming is a problem at all.

And it's no wonder: because they are the targets of a massive and well-organized

campaign of disinformation lavishly funded by polluters who are determined to

prevent any action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global

warming out of a fear that their profits might be affected if they had to stop

dumping so much pollution into the atmosphere.