No Limits? - The Shark Trust

Shark Focus
www.sharktrust.orgTHE MAGAZINE OF THE SHARK TRUST
Issue 47 July 2013
No Limits?
Management required
Dogfish are sharks too
Sharksafe Barriers
Andy Murch Q&A
Great Eggcase Hunt roundup
plus
all your Shark Trust
and EEA news
Supporting the
CAMPAIGN CORNER
June 2013: The Shark Trust awarded Richard Benyon, UK Minister for
Natural Environment and Fisheries, a coveted Shark Champion Award in
recognition of his personal commitment to shark conservation and the
UK government’s tireless resolve to end the removal of shark fins at sea.
Announcement of the award was triggered by the European Council of
Ministers finally adopting the best practice for finning ban enforcement:
requiring sharks be landed with fins still attached (see page 9).
The EU banned shark finning throughout the EU fleet in 2003, but a
loophole permitted the provision of permits for the removal of shark fins
at sea, requiring the retention of the carcasses under an excessive and
complicated ratio system.
The Shark Trust has been campaigning for tighter EU shark finning
regulations for over a decade, both independently and as a founder
member of the Shark Alliance. Throughout this campaign the UK
government has listened to the debate and been ardent in its engagement.
It gives the Trust huge pleasure to be able to present the Minister with a
Shark Champion Award for his personal involvement in this campaign.
In 2008 the Shark Trust encouraged the Minister, then Shadow Fisheries
Minister, to co-sponsor an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK to
cease the provision of permits which allowed the removal of shark fins
at sea. Following pressure from the EDM, and the associated public
awareness campaign, the UK adopted a fins attached policy in 2009
under the then Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who was also
acknowledged as a Shark Champion. In 2010 the EU Commission released
their consultation, making the recommendation in 2011 for the adoption
of the fins-attached policy – and in the wake of this the Minister made a
series of key interventions, convening Member State workshops and even
diving with sharks to demonstrate the depth of his commitment.
Supporting the European Elasmobranch Association
The Shark Trust
4 Creykes Court, The Millfields,
Plymouth PL1 3JB
Tel: (+44) (0)1752 672008/672020 Fax: (+44) (0)1752 672008
Email: [email protected]
Shark Focus
Website: http://www.sharktrust.org
Features
Richard Benyon, UK Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries, receives a Shark Champion Award
from Shark Trust Director of Conservation, Ali Hood. © Shark Trust.
2
No Limits? Campaign
Andy Murch Q & A
Dogfish are sharks too
Sharksafe Barriers
Great Eggcase Hunt round-up
8
9
12
13
18
19
Shark Trust and World Shark News
Policy
Member’s Page
Junior Member’s Page
Fundraising and Web comment
EEA Conference 2013
Edited by the Shark Trust
©Shark Trust 2013
Shark Focus is published three times a year in March, July and November. Copy date for
the next issue is 30th September 2013. Shark Focus is copyrighted and therefore those
wishing to reproduce articles must first contact the Shark Trust. The views and opinions
expressed by the authors in Shark Focus are not necessarily those of the Shark Trust.
Intaxication: Euphoria of getting a refund from the Inland Revenue, which lasts until you realise it was your money to start with.
So that was the exciting bit, now for the domestics: some
of the membership have moved house in the last few
months and have kindly sent their new details to the
office. One such change showed that a member had in
fact moved a couple of times in between the notification
and had forgotten to let us know. If you have moved house
please make sure you tell me where you are, not so I can
invite myself around for drinks – I promise I will not turn
up unannounced – but so I know where to send your Shark
4
6
10
14
16
Regulars
Housekeeping
Nearly four months into this financial year already, I
don’t know where the time is going. It has been a busy
few months and The Shark Trust completed another
successful audit in May. It is nice to report that not only
are we continuing with exceptional conservation work, but
we do this with financial transparency. Again this audit
shows only 6% of our finance is used for administration,
management and governance. The accounts will shortly
be submitted to the Charities Commission and Companies
House, in line with legal requirements, and they can be
viewed through the charities commission website free of
charge.
Issue 47 July‑ 2013
Focus issues. If you miss out on copies we might not have
a back issue when you realise I have not sent you one.
Standing orders: Please can those of you who pay by this
method ensure your bank are honouring your payment and
at the correct amount. Individual membership is £25 pa,
junior/student £15 pa and groups £50 pa. For those who
would like to set up a standing order please contact the
office and I will happily send you a form.
Established in 1997, the Shark Trust works to advance the worldwide conservation
of sharks through science, education, influence and action. The Trust is the UK
member of the European Elasmobranch Association and currently provides the
EEA’s secretariat services.
Gift Aid: I am sure there are many of you who have not
signed a gift aid declaration as yet. To be certain we get
the most from your subscriptions and donations please
download a form from the website and send it to the office
or contact me on [email protected] and, again, I
will happily send you a new form out.
If you have any questions with regards finance and
administration or you wish to update any of your details,
please do not hesitate to contact me on glenys@
sharktrust.org, I am always happy to hear from you. Have
a lovely summer, fingers crossed it lasts a bit longer.
www.sharktrust.org/campaigns Trustee/Directors: Richard Peirce (Chair), Sue Bates, George Bowser, Roger Covey, Paul Cox,
Sarah Fowler OBE, Heather Koldeway, John Nightingale and Christopher Pringle.
Patrons: Nick Baker, John Boyle, Leonard Compagno, Marc Dando, Bob Earll, Nigel Eaton,
Ian Fergusson, Mariella Frostrup, Loyd Grossman, John Gummer MP, Monty Halls, Martha Holmes,
Kate Humble, Sir David Jason OBE, Gordon Ramsay OBE, Simon Rogerson, Jeremy Stafford-Deitsch,
Michaela Strachan and Valerie Taylor
The Shark Trust is supported by: the Co-operative, Defra, the Waterloo Foundation,
the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Pew Foundation, Save our Seas Foundation
and the Tubney Charitable Trust.
Glenys Heafield,
Head of Finance and Administration
& Company Secretary
Shark Focus 47
Design: Fluke Art. www.flukeart.com
Blue Shark, Prionace glauca. © Charles Hood.
Shark Focus 47
EDITORIAL
Since trade and commerce began they have been governed by the laws of supply
and demand. Most animal conservation NGO’s concentrate their efforts on reducing
or regulating supply. Regulating supply is done through legislation, treaties and
agreements. Unfortunately history shows that passing laws and making a supply
illegal is rarely fully effective, because whenever there is demand a means of supply
will be found – whether legal or illegal. In the 1920’s and early 30’s in the U.S alcohol
prohibition was a failure and led to thriving illegal supply. In today’s world the illegal
trafficking of drugs and humans has the world’s police forces deployed against them yet
the trades increase in value and volume every year.
For many species, including some sharks, the extinction clock is ticking. Attempts to
regulate or legislate against supply may slow the clock, but they won’t stop it ticking.
To stop the clock we must concentrate on demand as well as supply – without demand
there would be no need for supply!
In May the Trust was pleased to accept an invitation to the launch of HRH Prince
Charles and HRH Prince William’s Wildlife Crime Campaign. The Princes acknowledge
the importance of making wildlife crime as serious as drugs, human trafficking, and the
illegal arms trade. The launch was attended by representatives from Interpol, CITES, the
UN Office On Drugs and Crime, TRAFFIC and many leading NGO’s.
For sharks the recent CITES Appendix II listing of the Porbeagle, Oceanic Whitetip and
three hammerheads is a positive step. However, as I said at the beginning of this piece,
establishing legal frameworks and penalties has never stopped supply if the demand
persists. Their Royal Highnesses are calling a Head of State meeting in the autumn to
progress their initiative – it is to be hoped that Heads of State from the countries which
provide the demand will be invited along with those from supply nations.
As well as trying to play its part in the broader global picture the Trust never forgets
the UK has a fantastic diversity of wildlife – including of course sharks – and we
continually strive to achieve new measures for the conservation and management of
the UK’s sharks. Shark conservation doesn’t have to be something you just support,
it can also be something you take part in. We are hosting the European Elasmobranch
Association conference in Plymouth in November and hope that many Shark Trust
members will attend. If you are on the beach or in the water this summer please report
shark or ray sightings and send in any eggcases you find.
We must be due a summer of blue skies and flat seas, so if the weather is kind I hope
some of you manage to get out and see some of our wonderful sharks.
Go well,
Richard Peirce
Chairman
P.S. I had just put my pen down (yes I still use a pen not a keyboard) and my e-mail
pinged with the brilliant news that the EU Council of Ministers had accepted the text of
the Fins Naturally Attached legislation voted on so overwhelmingly last November. This
closes the loophole and is a very positive step in which the Trust has been proud to
have played a significant role.
www.sharktrust.org 3
The No Limits? species
No Limits.
Only a few decades ago the world’s oceans were
regarded as an inexhaustible resource.
We now know these resources are finite
and under more pressure than ever before.
Increasingly this is reflected in modern
management of fisheries resources, with
sustainability now on most government agendas
and firmly in the public sphere. In the Northeast
Atlantic, commercially valuable fish stocks such
as cod, tuna and mackerel are managed using
an array of fisheries science, managing the fish
and the fishing vessels in an effort to ensure
adherence to catch limits whilst striving to
achieve maximum sustainable yield (MSY – see
Shark Focus 44). But this does not extend to all
commercially exploited species...
Unlimited
Each year millions of highly-migratory Blue and Shortfin
Mako Sharks are taken as ‘wanted bycatch’ in Atlantic
high-seas tuna and billfish fisheries. In fact, analysis
suggests Blue Sharks are the predominant catch
component in these fisheries. For example, between
2000 and 2004 Blue Sharks made up 61% of the total
landed catch in the Spanish longline fishery for Atlantic
swordfish1. Similarly, Blue Sharks can comprise up to
86% of the total catch in the Portuguese longline fishery
for swordfish in the Azores2. In the same fisheries, Shortfin
Mako account for 7% and <5%, respectively, of the total
catch1,2. Although caught in smaller volume than the Blue
Shark, Shortfin Mako have a much lower reproductive rate
than other pelagic sharks, amplifying their vulnerability to
overfishing – and the urgent need for management3.
Nearer to shore, landings of Smoothhound, Tope*
and catsharks – again subject to no catch limits or
management – continue to increase year on year.
As restrictions and prohibitions are put in place for
other shark species, Smoothhound, Tope and catshark
fisheries remain unrestricted. In the face of mounting
fishing pressure, there are immediate concerns for the
long-term sustainability of these fisheries.
Global scale
The EU fleet is a significant global fishing power
comprising some 82,000 vessels4 which, in 2010, landed
4.4 million tonnes of fish, with a value of €6 billion
(excluding Greece)5. Larger vessels will generally operate
4
1
2
The Blue Shark Prionace glauca is a pelagic, oceanic shark, widespread in temperate
and tropical waters down to 600m. Reaching a maximum size of 385cm, the species
is relatively fast-growing and fecund, maturing in 4–6 years and producing average
litters of 35 pups. Blue Sharks are highly migratory, utilising major current systems
such as the Gulf Stream to undertake vast clockwise trans-Atlantic movements. Along
the way they prey on pelagic fish and cephalopods while, like many pelagic sharks,
segregating by sex and size.
Research suggests approximately 10.7 million Blue Sharks are killed annually for their
fins, making up 17% of fins traded in the Hong Kong market7,8. With no population
estimates for the species, and a considerable volume of catch likely going unrecorded
each year, particularly in high-seas fisheries, there are concerns surrounding the
sustainability of Blue Shark fisheries – a concern reflected in the Blue Shark being
listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
further offshore, targeting pelagic species such as tuna
and swordfish. Within these fisheries, pelagic sharks
make up an important ‘wanted bycatch’ – so much so,
that in 2009 four EU Member States ranked within the
world’s top 20 shark fishing nations6, with Spain ranked
third behind Indonesia and India.
In 2009 the adoption of the EU Community Plan of Action
for Sharks paved the way for shark management reform,
promising review of the EU shark finning regulation,
adoption of science-based catch limits and provision
of special protection for vulnerable species. Beyond the
successful review of the EU shark finning regulation (see
p.9) scant progress has been made. Despite this, EU
shark fisheries management is improving, with catch
limits or protection finally imposed for species including
Spiny Dogfish, Porbeagle and most skate and ray. Yet,
incredibly, no catch limits, or management of any sort,
exists for the Blue Shark, Shortfin Mako Shark, Tope,
Smoothhound or catsharks.
To date, the Shark Trust has repeatedly urged the UK
government to petition the European Commission to
introduce catch limits for these species – directly
advocating to the Fisheries Ministers ahead of the EU’s
December Fisheries Council, where the majority of EU
catch limits are set. Earlier in 2013 Defra pressed the
Commission, urging consideration for these species and
suggesting the Commission encourage the ICES WGEF**
to undertake population assessments for the provision
of scientific recommendations. As of July 2013, to the
best of our knowledge, no such request has been formally
made. The Trust will continue to raise this issue with the
The Shortfin Mako Isurus oxyrinchus is a wide-ranging pelagic, oceanic shark found
in temperate and tropical waters to at least 500m. Reaching a maximum size of
400cm, Shortfin Mako feed mainly upon large teleosts such as tuna and swordfish.
Relatively little is known of this shark’s biology, in part reflecting the difficulty of
studying a large, fast-swimming marine predator. Although caught in less volume
than the Blue Shark, Shortfin Mako account for at least 2.7% of fins in the Hong
Kong market – the equivalent of approximately 1 million individual sharks7,8. This, in
conjunction with a reproductive rate considerably lower than that of the Blue Shark,
has resulted in the Shortfin Mako assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Graphs show global Blue Shark (left) and Shortfin Mako (right) catch reported by EU Member
States: 1990 – 2011 (live-weight, tonnes). Source: FishStatPlus, Food and Agriculture
Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
Commission first hand and expects the UK government to
revisit this ahead of this year’s December Fisheries Council.
Efforts have also been made to secure management for Blue
Shark and Shortfin Mako through the International Council
for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT), the Atlantic
Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO), but
so far to no avail. This November the ICCAT Conference of
Parties convenes and yet again will have the opportunity to
take positive steps towards effective management, for the
Blue Shark and Shortfin Mako, amongst other species.
The campaign
EU shark conservation has been boosted in recent years
by the activity of the Shark Alliance campaign – which
concluded in June with the adoption of the EU ‘fins
attached’ regulation. The Shark Trust was a founder
member of the Shark Alliance and intends to build on the
positive momentum generated by the Alliance campaign,
acknowledging the strength of public support for effective
shark conservation management. In this vein we
introduce you to No Limits?
3
4
Although not considered large, or particularly fast, Tope Galeorhinus galeus can
reach up to 195cm in length. Feeding on a wide variety of bony fish, squid and other
elasmobranchs, Tope are primarily a coastal species, often found in shallow bays
and estuaries. However they also undertake extensive offshore migrations, with
individuals tagged in the UK subsequently recaptured in Iceland, the Canary Islands
and the Azores, at depths of up to 550m. Like Tope, smoothhounds Mustelus spp.
tend to be found on or near the bottom, from the intertidal zone to at least 100m,
where they have a preference for sand and gravel substrates. Reaching up to 140cm,
Smoothhound are important predators in coastal waters, targeting crustaceans,
cephalopods and fish. See p.10 for information on smoothhound landings.
No Limits? highlights the urgent need for sciencebased catch limits for shark species currently open to
unchecked exploitation and unrestricted trade.
What you can do:
This summer the Trust invites you to join us in
calling on the European Commission and, in turn,
the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations to
acknowledge that management is urgently required for all
commercially exploited species.
●Help support the campaign directly by adopting the No Limits? species.
●Visit the website and learn more about No Limits? and the species of concern.
●Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all campaign actions and calls to
action.
To put it simply: No Limits? No future.
●Send an ecard.
www.sharktrust.org/nolimits
Shark Focus 47
Shark Focus 47
Often overlooked in favour of larger, more glamorous sharks, the Smallspotted
Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula and Nursehound S. stellaris are bottomdwelling, oviparous (egglaying) catsharks. Reaching a maximum size of 80cm, the
Smallspotted Catshark is found from the intertidal to depths of over 100m, where
it preys primarily on crustaceans and molluscs. The Nursehound is larger-bodied,
commonly reaching 130cm, and is most common from the intertidal down to at least
60m depth, where it has a preference for rough ground and areas with good algal
cover, targeting crustaceans, cephalopods, molluscs and fish.
Main image: Shortfin Mako and Blue Shark. © Andy Murch.
Image 1: Blue Shark Prionace glauca © Charles Hood.
Image 2: Shortfin Mako Isurus oxyrinchus © Charles Hood.
Image 3: Tope Galeorhinus galeus © Charles Hood.
Image 4: Smallspotted Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula © Sally Sharrock.
* Limited management exists in UK waters through the Tope (Prohibition of Fishing) Order 2008
(England and Wales); Sharks, Skates and Rays (Prohibition of Fishing, Transhipment and
Landing) Order 2012 (Scotland).
** The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Working Group for Elasmobranch
Fish (WGEF) is responsible for providing assessments and advice on the state of the stocks of
sharks, skates, and rays throughout the ICES area. www.ices.dk
Full references available at www.sharktrust.org/nolimits.
www.sharktrust.org/nolimits5
Q
Andy &
Murch:
…and your most memorable location?
A
South Africa in general, and Cape Town in particular. Nowhere else can you dive with
powerful Great Whites, prehistoric looking Sevengill Sharks, houndsharks and five or six
species of catsharks all in the same day!
Which species has been the most challenging to photograph?
Hammerheads are always a challenge because they are extremely shy around divers. To
photograph a tiny hammer species called a Scoophead Shark, I spent days on an artisanal
fishing boat in the Darien jungle (Central America) and then paid the fishermen for a shark
that came up in their nets so that I could release it and take some shots before it swam
away. Sometimes this is the only way to get images of an endangered species.
Are there any locations to which you have returned and noticed
distinct changes (good or bad) in shark populations?
Over the last two decades I’ve noticed far fewer reef sharks in the Caribbean but the
same number (if not greater) in the Bahamas. This clearly illustrates how a regional shark
fishing ban can effectively turn the tide on declining shark populations. Globally, I see far
more sharks with broken jaws, hook scars or steel leaders trailing from their mouths.
During the course of your work, are there any species or populations
which stand out as being under particular threat?
Hammerheads seem to be having a particularly tough time. Scalloped Hammerheads
school around many oceanic islands so they are easy targets for longliners. Hopefully
their recent inclusion in CITES Appendix II will stop some longliners from targeting them
but their future is still far from certain.
Have you photographed any elasmobranch species which have
displayed highly unusual behaviour or characteristics?
I once had a mako shark swim up to me and vibrate his open jaws at my camera. He
didn’t try to bite me or my gear, it was a perfect threat display that said “I am obviously
the superior animal so I suggest you leave and then I won’t have to show you what
these things can do”
1
Who, or what, inspired you to become an underwater photographer?
How did your career develop?
I have always needed to record what I see on my dives. It’s verging on an addiction.
As a new diver I would sketch intricate drawings in my dive log when anything new
caught my eye. Film was costly for me back then but when the digital revolution arrived
I embraced it immediately. By 2002 I had built a fairly large shark and ray portfolio and
created www.elasmodiver.com to share my images and shark knowledge with the
general public. Shortly afterwards I met Eli Martinez from Shark Diver Magazine. I was
barely making a living as a research submarine pilot at the time and he convinced me
to turn pro. These days my time is shared between photographing sharks and running
expeditions so that other divers can.
3
Why did you choose to specialise in sharks and rays?
What are the most challenging conditions to work in, and why?
I’ve never been able to adequately answer this question but it has nothing to do with
adrenaline or danger. I am utterly intrigued by the visual spectacle of a shark or
ray gliding across the reef. They have a fluidity and confidence that no other fishes
possess. I can’t imagine a world without them so I record as many as I can – both for
my personal satisfaction and in order to provide images for conservation initiatives.
Lately it seems that I’m either dealing with the physiological challenges of shooting at
extreme depth or trying to shoot shark species in coffee-coloured inshore water. Trimix
can help with the narcosis but nothing can help with bad viz. Unfortunately, in the 21st
century, the real challenge is finding any sharks left to shoot.
In your opinion, how does photography benefit marine conservation?
I’ve had a couple of catastrophic camera floods but so far I’ve been very lucky in finding
the sharks that I have gone looking for and coming home with the shot.
I believe that images are an absolutely critical component of conservation
campaigns. I try to convey the animal’s beauty in order to show that they are worth
saving, but it is also important to show them in distress, to illustrate their plight and
generate support.
Have you ever had a photography ‘disaster’?
Which elusive shark, skate, ray or chimaera sits at the top of your
‘hit-list’ of species you haven’t yet photographed?
There are quite a few! I would love to shoot a Longfin Mako but perhaps the most
pressing one for me is the Daggernose Shark from Brazil. In one decade it has gone
from locally abundant to Critically Endangered. If we don’t focus on that one soon there
won’t be any left to protect.
2
Can you provide three tips for getting a great shot of a shark, skate,
ray or chimaera?
Give yourself enough time in the water to make mistakes and learn from them and still
get the shot. Use a very wide lens even for smaller species and get as close as you
possibly can. Try to get some eye contact in the shot. It will draw in your viewers.
What is the biggest ‘no-no’, hindrance or mistake in marine photography?
Andy Murch is a freelance photojournalist specialising in sharks
and rays. Andy is a long-term supporter of the Shark Trust, as
well as a judge in the Shark Trust’s 2013 Sharks in Focus photo
competition www.sharktrust.org/competition. In this edition of
Shark Focus magazine, the Trust has taken the opportunity to find
out more about Andy’s career, favourite species, preferred gear, as
well as tips for taking that photo…
6
Firstly, don’t touch the marine life! Also, bait is a controversial but sometimes necessary
component of shark photography. Try to avoid images where the animals are actually
feeding. It is much more effective to show sharks and other marine life in a natural state.
What is your favourite species, or group of species, to photograph?
I love all sharks but my favourite group is definitely the catsharks. Small, cute,
graceful, non-threatening and usually exquisitely patterned; catsharks are the ‘antiJaws’.
www.sharktrust.org/competition
Shark Focus 47
What is your preferred equipment?
My work is tough on gear so I mostly use lower-end DSLRs and treat them as
somewhat ‘disposable’. Right now I’m using a Nikon D7000 in a robust Aquatica
housing. The Tokina 10-17 is a great go-to lens for wide-angle shark work. I also carry a
Sigma 17-70 for shooting smaller subjects. I like to shoot over/unders so I carry a big dome
port for that purpose but I also bring along a 4” dome which is better for free diving with.
It’s also handy to have that back up dome in case a shark scuffs my larger one.
Shark Focus 47
4
Andy Murch is the CEO and Expedition Leader at Big Fish Expeditions and the founder
and driving force behind Predators in Peril – a project recognising the need to
publicise the fragile position of many lesser known sharks. With around 300 species of
sharks yet to be recorded, Andy spends his free time tracking down endangered sharks
which have not yet been photographed. Some of the conservation organisations that
have utilised Andy’s images include: WWF, IUCN, Shark Alliance, Ocean Conservancy,
Shark Trust, Smithsonian, Pew Institute and many other NGOs and government bodies.
Find out more about Andy’s work and expeditions:
Big Fish Expeditions www.bigfishexpeditions.com
Elasmodiver Shark and Ray Picture Database www.elasmodiver.com
Predators in Peril Project www.PredatorsInPeril.org
Main image: Blue Shark Prionace glauca © Andy Murch.
Image 1: Pyjama Catshark Poroderma africanum © Andy Murch.
Image 2: Redspotted Catshark Schroederichthys chilensis © Andy Murch.
Image 3: Scoophead Shark Sphyrna media © Andy Murch.
Image 4: Puffadder Shyshark Haploblepharus edwardsii © Andy Murch.
www.sharktrust.org/competition7
WORLD SHARK
NEWS
NEWS
News since last Focus
March
White Sharks need more food
A new study suggests that White Sharks may have much higher energy needs than previously
thought. The only prior study had suggested that a large White Shark could survive on a 30kg
meal for around one and a half months. The new research indicates that such a meal would
in fact only provide energy for between 12 and 15 days.
Two-headed shark found by fisherman
A Florida Keys fisherman caught a female Bull Shark containing a live foetus with two heads.
Scientists said it was the first known case of the phenomenon – known as ‘axial bifurcation’
– in Bull Sharks, and one of only a half dozen recorded cases of a two-headed shark
anywhere. Such individuals rarely survive in the wild.
Spotted Ray Raja montagui. © Cat Gordon.
Cape Town begins exclusion net trial at Fish Hoek beach
Commercial fishing experience
In early April a member of the Shark Trust team spent a day on an under-10m commercial
fishing vessel working nearshore waters off Plymouth, to better understand the conditions in
which fishermen operate. The vessel was a tangle-netter, primarily targeting spider crab, with
a very small volume of flat-fish and ray also caught. Large mesh and short soak times meant
discards were zero, with only large fish retained in the nets. Overall, this was a very productive
experience giving the Trust a useful insight into commercial fishing, as well as how to better
engage with the industry in a number of Shark Trust projects.
Enhancing sustainability in the Northern English
shark and ray fishing sector
In April and May – as part of the Trust’s Northern England project (see SF 46) – Conservation
Officer John Richardson visited key commercial fishing ports in Cumbria, Lancashire,
Humberside and Yorkshire, including Whitehaven, Maryport, Fleetwood, Grimsby, Scarborough,
Whitby, as well as North Shields. The project was discussed with organisations and individuals
within the fishing industry, as well as regulatory bodies and retailers. Although elasmobranch
landings are now much reduced compared to previous decades, there was wide interest in the
project and largely positive feedback from all sectors.
Polzeath Marine Awareness Day
In late May the Trust attended the Polzeath Marine Discovery Day at Polzeath Beach, Cornwall.
Other organisations to attend included Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Marine Biological Association,
National Trust, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, RSPB, Cornwall Seal Group and Beach Care.
Warm weather and school holidays ensured a good turn-out to the event, designed to highlight
marine diversity around Polzeath and the wider coastal ecosystem. Unfortunately the coolerthan-usual sea temperature meant no Basking Sharks were spotted in the area, despite the
calm conditions.
Looe Bioblitz
In late June Shark Trust staff and volunteers ventured to the Looe Bioblitz, organised by the
Marine Biological Association and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. A Bioblitz is a 24-hour terrestrial
and marine survey, identifying and recording as many species as possible, while raising public
awareness of biodiversity. In a Bioblitz ‘first’, the Shark Trust teamed up the Shark Angling Club
of Great Britain to undertake a ‘catch and release’ angling survey, focusing on grounds suitable
for rays and catsharks. Disappointingly, no elasmobranchs were caught, though a number of
Pollock and mackerel were hooked and released during the three hour survey.
Dorset Coastline
The Shark Trust team recently travelled along the coast to Dorset, where they spent time
meeting anglers in Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Poole to promote the Angler Recording
Project – while also not missing an opportunity to hunt for eggcases along the local beaches.
The trip coincided with a conservation evening held at Weymouth Sealife, where the Trust
accompanied other charities including the Dorset Wildlife Trust, RSPB, The Seahorse Trust
and the International Otter Survival Fund. Conservation Officer Cat Gordon then went diving at
Kimmeridge, at a few sites where local divers have been sighting Undulate Rays. With bream
nests suddenly appearing and dominating the site just one month ago, the rays seem to have
been warned off, but since the bream eggs hatched, the rays have returned to the sites in
abundance.
8
The City of Cape Town commenced an exclusion net trial at Fish Hoek Beach, after the
continued presence of White Sharks within inshore waters. It is hoped the mesh size and
configuration used will significantly reduce the risk of entangling large marine animals, as
well as small fish; in addition the net will be deployed and removed on a daily basis.
April
Rare shark spotted off La Jolla coast
Local scuba divers have reported large Sevengill Sharks swimming off the coast of La Jolla,
California. The sharks are native to the West Coast, but disappeared locally 70 years ago.
However in recent months there has been a dramatic increase in the number of sightings.
Sharks dive by the moon
Research undertaken by the University of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of
Marine Science suggests that the moon and water temperature affect the diving behaviour
of sharks. Using acoustic telemetry to follow tagged sharks, the researchers found sharks
stayed in deep water on full moon nights but rose to the shallows with the new moon. The
behaviour is thought to relate to feeding, as well as possibly an anti-predator response.
May
US Atlantic states more than double fin:carcass ratio for smoothhounds
The (US) Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted to allow fishing boats catching
smoothhounds to more than double the current permitted fin:carcass ratio. Conservationists
claim this loosens an already lax restriction on shark finning, while providing opportunity for
undetected finning of similar looking sharks.
Shark embryos devour each other in the womb: sibling rivalry at its finest
Research into in-utero cannibalisation by Sandtiger Shark embryos suggests surviving
embryos actually target and consume those which are from other fathers. DNA testing
showed female Sandtigers produce embryos fathered by more than one male. One theory is
that embryos from the first male to fertilise the female simply get larger first and devour their
littermates – a strategy encouraging females to select good mates.
Fins Finally Attached!
June 2013: The European Council of Ministers took the final step toward strengthening
the EU ban on shark finning (slicing off a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea).
The Council endorsed the best practice for finning ban enforcement (requiring sharks
be landed with fins still attached) more than a year ago and has now signed off on
the associated official regulatory text agreed through consultation with the European
Commission and Parliament. All along the way, the measure has faced formidable
opposition from Spain and Portugal, Europe’s leaders in the catch of oceanic sharks.
In a joint press release from the Shark Trust and campaign colleagues Shark Advocates
International (SAI), Ali Hood, Director of Conservation for the Shark Trust, said: “At
long last, we are mere weeks away from seeing the EU convert its shark finning ban
from an embarrassment of loopholes to a model of best practices”. Ali went on to say,
“Implementation of the new ‘fins-attached’ regulation, particularly in the EU’s farreaching, high volume shark fisheries, represents a momentous step forward for shark
conservation and the culmination of many years of targeted advocacy.”
The EU banned finning in 2003, but the associated regulation included loopholes
allowing shark fins to be removed on board and landed separately from shark bodies,
which hampers enforcement. Requiring that shark fins remain attached to shark bodies
when landing is widely acknowledged as the most reliable means for implementing
finning bans. This method can also yield valuable species-specific catch data as
sharks are harder to identify to species level once their fins have been removed.
“Strong finning bans are fundamental to effective shark fisheries management and
particularly important for shark fishing powers like the EU,” said Sonja Fordham,
President of Shark Advocates International. “Because of the EU’s significant influence
at international fisheries bodies, the new ‘fins-attached’ regulation holds great promise
for combating the wasteful practice of finning and improving our understanding of
shark catches on a global scale.”
Commenting on the final adoption of the fins-attached policy UK Fisheries Minister,
Richard Benyon, said: “This is a great success for the UK. We have long been pushing
Europe to tighten controls on shark finning and it will now become a reality. Today’s
agreement will bring the rest of Europe in line with what the UK has been doing for
years - landing all sharks with their fins naturally attached.”
The Trust and SAI stressed that finning bans alone are insufficient to save sharks
and underscored their commitment to secure additional, complementary safeguards
including science-based limits on shark catches.
The High Seas
Vast areas of the high seas are overseen by Regional Fisheries Bodies, and those with
a mandate are the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) which seek
to adopt fisheries conservation and management measures that are binding on their
members.
June
Fishing ban proposed near Rockall after rare scientific finds
Fishing may be banned near the Atlantic islet of Rockall after a rare methane gas vent in
the seabed, as well as a number of new species, were discovered by British scientists. The
survey also caught a Frilled Shark, an ancient ‘living fossil’ species which dates back at least
90 million years and is rarely caught in northern waters.
State and Federal governments clash over US shark fin legislation
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing a rule, as part of
implementation of the Shark Conservation Act 2010, that has the potential to overturn
shark fin trade bans passed by California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon,
Washington, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. State and territorial
laws may conflict with federal law as they interfere with fishing in US waters, where targeted
fishing is already prohibited for many vulnerable species.
Monterey Bay Aquarium takes a ‘break’ from capturing and displaying White Sharks
The Monterey Bay Aquarium will not capture or display any White Sharks until debate over
whether to upgrade the species’ US conservation status to Endangered is resolved. The
aquarium has tagged more than 100 White Sharks since 2002 for research purposes, as well
as displaying six in the aquarium. The aquarium will halt their programme until the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration make their decision.
www.sharktrust.org/news Shark Focus 47
Subhead
Regional Fisheries Management Organisations for highly migratory species
Text..
●Commission
for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna
Emphasis text.Tropical Tuna Commission
●Inter-American
●International Council for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna
●Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
●Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
Shark Focus 47
Oceanic Whitetip Shark Carcharhinus longimanus © Karoly Szabo.
Often with a primary focus on tuna, but usually with an additional responsibility for
tuna-like fish (which includes sharks), progress within the RFMOs is often frustratingly
slow. The FAO website (www.fao.org) observes: ‘The perceived lack of action by RFMOs
and their inability in some cases to stem stock declines should be viewed in the context
of the obstacles that many are facing. A lack of political commitment by the members
of some RFMOs and unyielding positions incompatible with sound regional fisheries
management have thwarted, if not stalled, efforts undertaken within some RFMOs to
meet and address conservation and management challenges.’
Despite this we must look to the RFMOs to deliver a sustainable future for many of the
most threatened pelagic shark species. Activities such as the adoption by the EU of the
‘fins attached’ policy are vital in providing sound platforms from which governments
can negotiate new or improved management regimes.
Increasingly the Shark Trust is engaging with the RFMOs, often in collaboration
with other conservation Non-Governmental Organisations (cNGOs) including Shark
Advocates International, Project AWARE, IFAW, Humane Society International and
Defenders of Wildlife, to advocate for positive action and the adoption of sound,
enforceable measures. Maintaining a strong cNGO presence in these fora is essential.
The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) met in May and cNGOs strongly supported
the EU proposal to prohibit the retention, transhipment, landing and storing of any part
or whole carcass of Oceanic Whitetips, hammerheads and Silky Sharks, consistent
with regulations bought into force by the International Council for the Conservation of
Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT). Further calls were made to see a revision of the existing IOTC
Shark Resolution, to require that all shark fins remain naturally attached. Amends
to the finning regulation were opposed; however the prohibition on the retention of
the Oceanic Whitetip was adopted, meaning Oceanic Whitetips now benefit from
protected status in all the main tuna RFMOs (ICCAT, IOTC, Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission (IATTC), and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
(WCPFC)), which should complement the CITES Appendix II listing adopted earlier in
the year.
IATTC convened in June and the cNGO community again endorsed the EU proposal
to prohibit the removal of shark fins at sea and, although supported by Costa Rica,
opposition from Japan and China hindered progress. The EU proposal for hammerhead
protection also faced opposition; however on a more positive note a measure was
adopted associated to the use of fish attraction devices (FADs) and the setting of purse
seine nets in the presence of Whale Sharks.
The meeting of the ICCAT Commission will convene in late November. The Shark
Trust will be working with cNGO colleagues to maximise this opportunity, calling for
wider adoption of the fins naturally attached policy as best practice for shark finning
regulations, as well as the introduction of catch limits for some of the most vulnerable
and heavily fished species.
www.sharktrust.org/campaigns9
DOGFISH ARE SHARKS TOO
SHARK
ADVOCATES
INTERNATIONAL
Coastal species often
called “dogfish” need
sound conservation
policies and strict
finning bans, just like
bigger sharks.
300
250
Live weight (t)
Spiny and smooth “dogfishes”
are among the world’s
MOST HEAVILY
FISHED
UK shark catches are made up of
mostly dogfishes (including smoothhounds)* which are sold as “rock
salmon” in fish and chip shops.
Smoothhounds rank 4th
in EU shark catches*, but
are UNREGULATED.
0
Studies of Hong Kong
fin trade auctions found
that 39% of FINS by
weight were from small,
undifferentiated sharks,
including dogfish.3
genus (Mustelus), not true
dogfishes (Family Squalidae).
US Atlantic coastwide
state ban on removing
shark fins at sea
EXCLUDES smooth
dogfish.
Smoothhound fisheries are
managed in some places, but
in the US and EU as catches rise.
Spiny dogfish and
smoothhound FINS
retail for $160/kg in
Singapore markets.2
The smooth dogfish is
the ONLY US Atlantic
species that is targeted
in commercial fisheries
without fishing limits.
Andy Murch / Elasmodiver.com
Smoothhounds are commercially
important in Argentina, ranked
5th in global shark catch*.
Most sharks taken in
New Zealand fisheries
are smoothhounds or
spiny dogfish, and are
managed with quotas*.
South Africa exports substantial,
UNLIMITED amounts of smoothhounds
to Australia for fish and chips.1
Follow our efforts on Twitter
by using #dogfishRsharks2
www.sharktrust.org/id
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
US ATLANTIC SMOOTH DOGFISH (SMOOTHHOUND) LANDINGS
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
The US Shark Conservation Act
singles out smooth dogfish for
potential exceptions.
10
100
Shark Focus 47
Australian fisheries for smoothhounds (also
called “gummy shark” and “flake”) are
SUSTAINABLE thanks to strict management.
*See: Fischer, J., Erikstein, K., D’Offay, B., Guggisberg, S. & Barone, M. 2012. Review
of the Implementation of the International Plan of Action for the Conservation and
Management of Sharks. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1076. Rome, FAO.
1
Da Silva,C and Burgener,M. 2007. "South Africa's Demersal Shark Meat Harvest".
In: TRAFFIC Bulletin. TRAFFIC International. Cambridge UK..
2
Clarke, S. 2005. Trade in Shark Products in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Southeast Asian Development Center and ASEAN, Singapore.
3
Clarke, S., unpublished data.
Learn more about dogfishes of all kinds at www.iucnredlist.org
Shark Focus 47
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
US SHARK LANDINGS, 2011
Source: NMFS
SMOOTHHOUND
EU spiny dogfish fisheries
have been closed due to
serious DEPLETION.
Millions of pounds
US Atlantic spiny dogfish quotas have doubled in the time it takes
the species to produce
pups (TWO YEARS).
Smooth dogfish are
actually in the
Dusky smoothhound shark, also known
as smooth dogfish, Mustelus canis.
150
50
sharks.
UNREGULATED
200
Dogfish
(spiny and
smooth)
All other
sharks
0
5
10
15
20
25
Landings (millions of pounds)
30
Dried
shark fins
1%
Sharks,
unspecified
10%
US SHARK
EXPORTS, 2011
Dogfish
(spiny and
smooth)
89%
Source: US NMFS Fisheries Statistics & Economics Division
Spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias
Illustration: Marc Dando
Source: Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program
Source: Marine Management Organisations (UK)
SMOOTHHOUND LANDINGS BY UK >10M VESSELS
www.sharktrust.org/id11
r
o
i
n
u
J
MEMBER’S page
MEMBER’S pages
Sharks Temples of Hawai’i
Rory Sacree
Upper Beeding Primary School learn about rays
On Wednesday 8th May a special event took place
at Upper Beeding Primary School in West Sussex
to complement ‘the seaside’ topic the children
have been working with over the past few weeks.
Popular local author Cathy Watts visited the school
for the day with a sea-themed reading from her
books (see www.beachhutbooks.co.uk) and held
a craft event which involved ninety children making
mermaid’s purses! Thanks to the Shark Trust’s
leaflet, we were able to see what a baby ray looked
like - and then the children drew one to place
inside their own mermaids’ purses. The range of
differently-coloured purses (complete with glitter
of course) was amazing as you can see from the
photos and now the children are looking forward to
visiting the local Sea Life Centre in Brighton to see
some rays in real life!
Cathy Watts has also written a short story for Shark
Trust supporters called Adam & The Embryo, which
can be read at www.sharktrust.org/sharkstories.
A Whitetip Reef Shark Triaenodon obesus, viewed by some Hawaiians as an aumakua, or ancestral spirit. © Steve Jones.
In recent years I have been very fortunate to sea-kayak with Basking Sharks off the
Cornish coast, dive with Great Whites off South Africa and see Tiger Sharks feeding on
a dead Humpback Whale off the Napoli coast, Kauai.
But no experience can quite compare with what my girlfriend and I witnessed as
visitors to the Big Island, Hawai’i in 2012. We were camping at Spencer Beach Park
completely oblivious to the fascinating daily occurrences around the corner at Pelekane
Beach. One evening around a BBQ we got speaking to a local native Hawaiian man
and his wife. The subject of sharks (a common topic amongst us surfers) came up in
conversation. He immediately informed us that we were almost certain to see sharks in
the shallow waters just around the corner at Pelekane Beach, below Pu’ukohola Heiau
(temple) National Historic Site.
spotted here at once. Whatever you believe, I can assure you that it is difficult to walk
away from this extremely fascinating and unique spot not convinced that these amazing
creatures have a spiritual connection with Pelekane Beach and the submerged Hale O
Kapuni Heiau.
If only international governments and fisheries could take greater notice of traditional
Hawaiian beliefs, people could learn to respect, rather than fear these beautiful
creatures. This would lead to the realisation that healthy shark populations in fact
contribute to plentiful fish stocks, and perhaps even reduce the likelihood of sharks
mistakenly biting humans in search of food. By managing the ocean’s resources
sustainably we would all be better off in the long term – you never know, it may even
bring us some good weather!
He continued to tell us that sharks play an important role in traditional Hawaiian culture Aloha
and are believed to be ‘aumakua’ or ancestral spirits. He, as do many, believed that
sharks come into the bay because of Hale O Kapuni Heiau, a temple dedicated to the
shark god, Kauhuhu. In the past, human sacrifices, offerings and gifts were made here
to the sharks in return for good weather, plentiful fish and protection. The Heiau is now
submerged about thirty metres from the shore due to modern developments further up
the coast.
Since he could remember, sharks had visited here on a daily basis, with the best time
to see these Blacktip, Whitetip Reef, Grey Reef, hammerhead and occasional Tiger
Sharks being early morning or evenings. So with no further ado we set off with our
torch in hand, a little concerned I must add, as we had been swimming all day off the
popular beach neighbouring this apparently ‘sharky’ bay. It was an incredible sight and
in an instant, in the beam of the light, cruising around the shallow murky waters, were
several Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks, just as he had described. I was completely
blown away!
We returned on several occasions over the next month, never failing to capture the
amazing sight of these sharks. It has been said that as many as twenty-six have been
12
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
This species is easily recognised by its
large rounded dorsal fin and long
paddle-like pectoral fins –
all of which have white tips.
A huge number of
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks are
caught each year. But the good news is that, at the 2013 CITES
conference in Thailand, governments from around the world agreed
to a list of rules for trading and selling Oceanic Whitetips – a huge
step forward for the conservation of this species!
Whitetip Reef Shark
Stephen Cook from Diss, Norfolk, wrote to the Shark Trust:
Dear all at Shark Trust,
My name is Stephen Cook and I am 10 years old, I have loved sharks since I was
7 and can’t bear the see them die the way they do. I have drawn you a picture
of Blacktip Reef Sharks and a beautiful coral reef. When I’m older I want to be a
marine biologist so I can see all of the marine life, especially sharks. I have been
snorkelling in the Red Sea and saw stingrays, groupers, minnows, clown fish and
a barracuda. Mum and Dad have been to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean and
saw Blacktips, Whitetips, Hammerheads, Manta Rays and puffer fish.
I do scuba diving and I am a PADI Seal and I’m nearly a PADI Master Seal.
I’m going for my open water dive in September. At school I’m reading a very
interesting book called ‘Sharks in British Waters’. I am also trying to get the Head
Teacher, Mr Carlyle, involved in the Great Eggcase Hunt.
My parents are extremely supportive to me. I hope to have a great future
with the sharks and to stop the killing of them because it is sickening. If there is
anything I/we can do to help please let me know.
Yours sincerely
Stephen
Site of Hale o Kapuni Heiau, Pu’ukohala Heiau National Historic Site, Hawai’i.
© Ken Lund.
www.sharktrust.org/members Photo.
© Photographer.
Mermaids
purses. © Cathy Watts.
Shark Focus 47
Drawing by Samantha Young.
Shark Focus 47
www.sharktrust.org/juniors13
The Sharksafe Barrier Project:
A new and eco-friendly solution
to detrimental beach nets
by Craig O’Connell
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Sharks are perfectly evolved predators occupying a wide range of ecological niches, and
play a key role in maintaining the delicate balance within marine ecosystems. However,
over time, certain shark species have been construed as ‘man-eaters’ – a misconception
that has played a role in the substantial declines observed in many shark populations.
As a marine scientist I see this negative reputation as wholly undeserved. Over the past
seven years my research has required me to share water with White Sharks Carcharodon
carcharias, Bull Sharks Carcharhinus leucas, Great Hammerhead Sharks Sphyrna mokarran,
and Tiger Sharks Galeocerdo cuvier, outside the confines of a cage. Although I was under
strict supervision, these encounters remained peaceful, with the mutual curiosity between
the sharks and myself making for some of the most interesting moments of my life. If done
correctly (e.g. avoiding murky waters that contain sharks and avoiding recreational activities
that result in motivational stimuli located in close proximity to bathers or yourself), negative
incidents can be minimised.
Beach netting programmes
1a
1c
14
1b
1d
exclude sharks from the area. Secondly, these nets are
not only responsible for shark mortality, but also for a
substantial amount of bycatch (non-target) mortality,
including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, bony fish and
any other species capable of becoming entangled in the
meshing.
In an average year, approximately 2,500 sharks are
killed within the major beach netting programmes
around the world1. Because, as research continues
to demonstrate, the current rate of shark mortality
(from all sources) exceeds the population rebound
potential for many species, this is a major cause for
concern. Due to the inherent K-selected biological
characteristics of sharks – late age of maturity, low
fecundity (producing few offspring per breeding cycle)
and slow growth – the effects of the continued removal
of these predators through netting programmes may
be catastrophic for local and global populations, as
well as wider marine ecosystems. For example, Myers
et al.’s (2007) study demonstrated that the removal
of large predatory sharks had a ‘cascading’ ecological
effect extending to the base of the food chain. Here, in
North Carolina, USA, Cownose Ray Rhinoptera bonasus
populations, released from predation by (now absent)
large sharks, increased rapidly, leading to significant
depletion of commercially important Bay Scallop
Argopecten irradians fisheries2. Although the findings
from this study were correlative and not causative,
the implications were alarming, not only for shark
populations, but for ocean ecosystems also.
Therefore, research was conducted by the author on four
key predatory shark species: the White Shark (Vulnerable
– IUCN Red List), Bull Shark (Near Threatened), Tiger
Shark (Near Threatened) and Great Hammerhead Shark
(Endangered). This research aimed to determine: (1)
if these sharks were sensitive to, and deterred by,
permanent magnets and (2) if a magnetic barrier could
be used to manipulate swim patterns. Findings from
these studies, known as Phase I, demonstrated that
the feeding and swimming behaviours of each species
were highly modified by the presence of magnets (see
Figure 1). More specifically, during bait experiments,
the feeding behaviours of the sharks were significantly
reduced on magnet-associated baits. Additionally, during
small-scale barrier trials, sharks rarely swam through
the magnet regions of the barrier in comparison to control
and procedural control regions (image 3). These data are
promising and illustrated the need for a more thorough
and large scale analysis (Phase II and Phase III).
3a
Electrosensory overstimulation
Besides having a poor reputation, populations of many
shark species have declined due to a variety of sources
of anthropogenic (human-induced) mortality, including
beach netting programmes. Beach nets are deployed
in several locations around the world and are used to
minimise shark populations, as a means of reducing
the probability of an exceedingly rare encounter
between a water-user and a predatory shark. Although
beach nets are highly successful at killing sharks,
there are several aspects of netting programmes which
remain misunderstood and misrepresented in the
media. First, these nets are not continuous between
the sea surface and seafloor, and thus do not fully
The development of the Sharksafe Barrier
In response to this, a variety of bycatch reduction
studies have recently been conducted, focusing on
elasmobranch’s (sharks, skates and rays) unique
electrosensory system, known as the ampullae
of Lorenzini 3,4,5,6 (image 2). This system gives
elasmobranchs the ability to detect the bioelectric fields
associated with prey and may also be capable of detecting
geomagnetic fields (0.25-0.65 Gauss). Using these
concepts, scientists are exploring the use of electrosensory
stimuli, such as permanent magnets, to repel sharks by
overstimulating their electrosensory system. Research
demonstrates that magnets, when placed in association
with baited hooks, can partially reduce shark capture;
however research also demonstrates that if sharks
are hungry enough, the magnet will be only minimally
effective. Interestingly, the utilisation of permanent
magnets for more passive applications, such as swimpattern manipulation experiments (i.e. magnets placed
throughout the water column without a bait stimulus), was
deemed to be maximally effective.
For Phase II an international team of researchers from
the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (the author,
Dr. Pingguo He), Stellenbosch University (Dr. Conrad
Matthee, Sara Andreotti), and Shark Diving Unlimited
(Michael Rutzen) came together, with Shark Diving
Unlimited (www.sharkdivingunlimited.com) funding the
project. For Phase II, the findings from the small-scale
study (Phase I) were applied and a new and noninvasive technology, known as the Sharksafe Barrier,
was developed. Besides utilising permanent magnets
as potential shark deterrents, the Sharksafe Barrier
also incorporates an additional interesting component.
4
Therefore, the team has intertwined the magnetic
technology with large vertical pipes that resemble kelp,
creating a device that provides promise as a White
Shark deterrent, or more specifically, a device that can
manipulate the swim patterns of this formidable predator
(image 4). Furthermore, because the magnets are a
technology that specifically targets the electrosensory
system of elasmobranchs, the Sharksafe Barrier is
‘elasmobranch-specific’, and data illustrate that the
swimming patterns of other marine organisms (i.e. Cape
Fur Seals and teleosts) are not observably impacted by
the barrier.
This Sharksafe Barrier is currently deployed in an
incredibly dynamic ecosystem known as Shark Alley in
Gansbaai, South Africa. Besides being a cage-diving
mecca, this location is also considered one of the most
ideal locations on the planet to study White Shark
behaviour. When weather permits, the team heads to the
research site, commences chumming through the barrier,
and collects behavioural data on the interacting White
Sharks. From the first and second years of observation,
the barrier has been highly successful at manipulating
the swimming behaviours of the interacting White
Sharks. With clear indications that this barrier is highly
effective and with small-scale studies illustrating similar
results on other large predatory species of concern, the
next step is to obtain funding to conduct large-scale
exclusion experiments (Phase III). With such studies, and
if Phase II continues to be successful, this barrier holds
promise as being a new and non-invasive technology
that will not only provide beachgoer safety, but will also
serve as a shark-specific barrier that could be adopted
by current beach net/shark control programmes and used
to replace the detrimental beach nets.
Sharks are an integral part of our oceans. When
attacks do occur, we often act by making very rash
decisions (i.e. shark culls and/or deployment of beach
nets). Therefore, rather than solving the problem
of declining shark populations, we only amplify it.
As humans, we must be more responsible for our
behaviour and acknowledge that there are a variety of
non-invasive precautions and preventative measures
which can minimise the likelihood of shark-beachgoer
interaction. The key is keeping the “long term” in mind.
We must think about the consequences and how our
actions may impact future generations. Although the
Sharksafe Barrier provides promise, what we must
realise is that beach nets are incredibly detrimental to
marine ecosystems and thus, we must continue to find
and develop new, non-invasive solutions to ensure our
oceans remain healthy for generations to come.
References:
1. Dudley, S.F., Gribble, N.A. 1999. Management of shark control
programmes. Australian Shark Assessment Report. Pgs.
1-42.
Figure 1. The compiled avoidance and feeding behaviours
towards control (C) and magnet (M) associated baits of 20
different White Sharks during the bait experiment of Phase
I. The data clearly demonstrate that avoidance behaviours
were higher and feeding behaviours were lower towards M
associated baits illustrating that White Sharks are sensitive
to permanent magnetic fields. Figure taken from O’Connell
et al. (2012).
Main image: Shark warning, Byron Bay, Australia. © Scott
Atkinson.
Image 3: Tiger Shark detection (a) and avoidance (b) away
from a magnetic barrier. © Craig O’Connell.
Image 1: Examples of shark mortality: A] Tiger Shark displayed
as a trophy at shark tournament. B] Scalloped Hammerhead
captured on commercial longline vessel. C] Spiny Dogfish
bycatch from trawling vessel. D] Nurse Shark butchered on
Florida Keys dock. © Craig O’Connell.
Image 4: A White Shark swimming behind the Sharksafe
Barrier during the first season of experimental research.
Although the design was promising during the first season,
substantial structural modifications were made to maximise the
lifespan of the barrier (5-7 years). © Jean Pierre Botha.
2. Myers, R.A., et al. 2007. Cascading effects of the loss of
apex predatory sharks from a coastal ocean. Science. 315,
1846-1852.
3. Brill, R., et al. 2009. The repulsive and feeding deterrent
effects of electropositive metals on juvenile sandbar sharks
(Carcharhinus plumbeus). Fish. Bull. 107, 298–307.
4. O’Connell, C.P., et al. 2012. The use of permanent magnets
to reduce elasmobranch encounter with a simulated beach
net. 2. The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
Ocean and Coast. Manag. Special Issue. http://dx.doi.
org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2012.11.006.
5. Tallack, S.M., Mandelman, J.W. 2009. Do rare-earth
metals deter spiny dogfish? A feasibility study on the use
of electropositive “mischmetal” to reduce the bycatch of
Squalus acanthias by hook gear in the Gulf of Maine. ICES J.
Mar. Sci. 66, 315–322.
6. Rigg, D.P., et al. 2009. Do elasmobranch reactions to
magnetic fields in water show promise for bycatch
mitigation? Mar. Fresh. Res. 60(9), 942–948.
Image 2: The ampullae of Lorenzini (red dots on snout) on a
Tiger Shark. © Craig O’Connell.
2
www.sharktrust.org/sharkattack 3b
After two decades of field observations, Michael
Rutzen realised that the Cape Fur Seal Arctocephalus
pusillus, a prey-favourite of the White Shark, utilises
kelp forests in Gansbaai, South Africa, as an antipredation mechanism. If these seals can outmanoeuvre
a motivated White Shark and find refuge within a highdensity kelp forest, the White Shark will rarely continue
pursuit, continually encircling the kelp forest, although
not entering into it.
Testing: Shark Alley, Gansbaai
Shark Focus 47
Shark Focus 47
www.sharktrust.org/senses 15
The Great Eggcase Hunt goes on tour! The Great Eggcase Hunt (GEH) was launched on Wembury Beach
back in 2003; ten years on, the Trust returned to the same spot
to engage a new generation of shark enthusiasts and beachcombers
by kick-starting a series of events around the UK coastline. In total,
six Great Eggcase Hunts took place this spring in a collaboration
between The Shark Trust and The Co-operative Membership team,
partnering with a local organisation at each location. Each event
varied immensely in terms of attendance, activities and the number/
species of eggcases found, while The Co-operative Membership
provided access to a whole new audience of eggcase hunters.
mber that any trip to the beach can be an eggcase hunt and it
Reme
Subtitle
doesn’t need to be part of an organised Great Eggcase Hunt event!
Cat with the Winsor family
on Wembury Beach
© sghaywood photography
Eggcase hunters at Lytham
Southwest event: Wembury Beach, Devo
Local Partners: Plymouth National Mari
# Eggcases Found: 10
n
ne Aquarium
Species Found: Smallspotted Catshark,
Thornback
Ray, Nursehound
Notes: This was the inaugural event for
the Great
Eggcase Hunt roadshow with The Co-o
perative
and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The
interesting
items on display at the Shark Trust and
National
Marine Aquarium stands proved to be
a big draw for
everyone, including beach goers who hadn
’t registered
to join in with the Hunt,
so the message was spread
far and wide!
Dylan with Smallspot
ted Catshark find on
Wembury Beach
© sghaywood photog
raphy
Eggcase hunting on Llandudno Beach © Kineta Kelsall
Wales: Llandudno Beach, North Wales
Local Partners: Anglesey Sea Zoo
# Eggcases Found: 92
Species Found: Smallspotted Catshark, Thornback
Ray, Spotted Ray, Nursehound
Notes: This idyllic seaside town was the setting for
the Welsh event, with staff from Anglesey Sea Zoo
joining us for the Hunt. It was a slow start, but once
the first few eggcases were found and hunters knew
the best spots to look at the
back of the beach, there was no
stopping them!
Llandudno, North Wales © Kineta Kelsall
16
ative
St Annes © The Co-oper
Northwest: Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Local Partners: Blackpool Sealife Centre
# Eggcases Found: 142
Species Found: Thornback Ray, Smallspotted
Catshark, Spotted Ray
Notes: Blackpool Sealife Centre was the setting
for the Northwest event, a coach took Co-operative
Members down to Lytham St Annes beach and
after just a few hours, an incredible 142 eggcases
had been found and reported! Hunters were then
invited to enjoy the aquarium for the remainder of the
afternoon – everyone thoroughly
enjoyed the event and were keen
to take part again!
Successful eggcase hunters
© The Co-operative
at Lytham St Annes
additional funding by:
Spotted Ray find in Whitby © John Bates Photography
Northeast: Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire
Local Partners: CBBC’s Deadly Art presenter
and sand sculptor Nicola Wood
# Eggcases Found: 2
Species Found: Spotted Ray
Notes: This was actually a great result for us
as the Northeast coastline has been somewhat
of a black-hole in terms of data submitted to the
project, so we’re never sure if people are not out
hunting or if the eggcases are not there to be found
in the first place! CBBC’s Deadly Art presenter
Nicola Wood joined us to create an incredible sand
Porbeagle, while attending members combed the
beach for eggcases before creating their own sand
sculptures.
Nicola Wood‘s sand Porbeagle. © John Bates Photography
Birsay, Orkney GEH & Bag
-the-Bruck team. © Tom
Scotland: Birsay Beach, Orkney
O’Brien
Local Partners: Environmental Concern Orkney
(ECO) and Orkney Skate Trust.
# Eggcases Found: 251
Species Found: Flapper Skate, Smallspotted
Catshark, Thornback Ray
Notes: ECO organise an annual Bag-the-Bruck
which encourages Orcadians to clear their local
beaches, loch sides and ditches. This year the Shark
Trust joined forces with ECO and the Orkney
Skate Trust, and asked people to hunt for eggcases
while they collected bruck. This was a particularly
interesting event as this area is one of the last
remaining strongholds for the Critically Endangered
and largest species of skate, the Flapper Skate. The
dedicated eggcase hunters at this event found an
incredible 246 eggcases from this species alone difficult to explain that the species is under serious
pressure when you’re tripping over their eggcases!
Creating art out of eggcases in Margate. © Phil Weedon
Southeast: Margate Main Sands, Kent
Local Partners: Thanet Coast Project
# Eggcases Found: 49
Species Found: Thornback Ray, Smallspotted
Catshark, Spotted Ray
Notes: As well as the eggcases, a plethora of other
objects were found along the strandline, including
Introduction text.
whelk eggs, cuttlefish eggs, cuttlefish bones, various
shells and even two Smallspotted Catsharks (which
proved useful to show the dermal denticles on shark
skin). Everyone was kept busy filling up
their collection tubs before helping out the
Thanet Coast Project by creating some
beach art using their finds.
Hunters with their beach art on Margate Main Sands
© Phil Weedon
www.eggcase.org
Flapper Skate haul
from Orkney.
© The Shark
Trust
Thank you to all Co-operative Membership
groups that helped to organise an event
and to all of the local partners that turned
up to support the Great Eggcase Hunt.
A special thank you to all hunters that
came along to comb their local beach,
this project certainly wouldn’t be possible
without you! With over 35,000 eggcases
submitted to date, this public recording
project is still going strong, proving to be
as popular as ever and even being named
as one of the “10 Best Hands-on Wildlife
Projects” by Coast Magazine. With more
and more people engaging in the project,
the Shark Trust is looking forward to
receiving more eggcase finds than ever!
Shark Focus 47
Common Skate Conundrum
We’ve previously reported that the Common Skate is now scientifically recognis
ed as being two distinct
species - the Flapper Skate and the Blue Skate - that had long been confused
under the single scientific
name Dipturus batis. The Flapper Skate (Dipturus cf. intermedia) is found primarily
around the north and
west coast of Scotland and Ireland, the eggcases are very large at approxim
ately 20cm in length (if fresh;
older more desiccated eggcases won’t rehydrate as much and will be smaller).
The Blue Skate (Dipturus cf.
batis) is known to be present off the southwest coast of Ireland along the continen
tal shelf; however the
eggcases have not previously been identified, until now. In June the Shark Trust
was excited to receive
a batch of eggcases from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquacult
ure Science (Cefas), which
were taken from adult Blue Skate. Although displaying some similarities, the
eggcases of the Blue Skate
are in fact much smaller than the Flapper Skate cases, at approximately 14cm
in length. Skate lay paired
eggs, one from each oviduct, and having measured all of the ‘twin’ eggcases
, the Trust found that the
measurements were almost identical, with just a few millimetres difference in
each set. Findings of this work
will be published later in the year.
Shark Focus 47
Flapper Skate Vs. Blue Ska
te eggcases © The Shark
Trust
www.eggcase.org17
Fundraising
We’d like to say a big thank you to all of our supporters who have generously given their
time and energy to raise money for the Shark Trust. We’ve been particularly impressed by
the commitment and stamina of our fundraisers these past few months – with many people
undertaking gruelling runs to raise awareness and funds.
‘The culture of out of sight out of
mind is just not fitting anymore and
the work the Shark Trust do to bring
the oceans top predator to light both
by education and research is a noble
goal. I felt proud to cross the finish
line knowing that the money I have
raised is for a very good cause. Thank
you to everyone who sponsored me
raising a total of £220’.
Marine biologist, Graham Hill, from the
Deep Aquarium in Hull, ran both the
Silverstone Half Marathon (3rd March)
and the London Marathon (21st April),
in a three metre long handmade shark
costume. To date, Graham has raised
an amazing £2113!
Graham writes: ‘Race day was mind
blowing, the support, people coming
up to have their photo taken with it
just made the whole day an absolute
pleasure. I would just like to say a
massive thank-you to everyone who
donated money and to my Mum who
helped out a lot with the sewing!’
You can read more about Graham’s
fundraising journey on his blog at
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
HamHill.
The new website has now been live for several
months and we’re very keen to find out what
you think. To do so, we’re launching a website
questionnaire – please visit the Shark Trust
homepage to take part. If you have a spare couple
of minutes we’d love to know your thoughts - good
or bad - so we can ensure a user-friendly website
that you’ll enjoy visiting.
If you’ve had a chance to browse our site over the
past few months, we hope you like the new design
and layout, and have enjoyed navigating through
the latest content. We’re aware of a few gremlins
in the system, so please bear with us while we
work to resolve these. If you do encounter any
problems please let us know so we can look into it.
Sharks in Focus 2013
Photography Competition
(1 May – 28 August)
Pete Philp ran the London Marathon,
raising £250. Pete wrote to the Trust:
‘The reason I chose to raise money
for the Shark Trust is because of
the love for the sea both my wife
Rachael Semple ran the Belfast
and I have. She loves whales, but
Marathon on the 6th May, raising a
for me, it’s always been sharks. I
total of £236.20.
‘I wouldn’t really consider myself am fascinated by them. They are so
elegant, graceful, yet such powerful
much of a runner, so the training
animals which we are still discovering
at times has definitely been tough!
so much about. They have been
26.2 miles may be a gruelling
challenge for me, but the challenges around for such a long time when
most other creatures didn’t survive,
constantly faced by sharks at our
which to me, shows they are perfectly
hands are shocking. As a lifetime
adapted to their environment.
lover of sharks, I think the Shark
Trust does a great job in educating
I hope the money raised helps in
others and helping to conserve
some way, and I would like to say
these magnificent, misunderstood
keep up the good work, there are
creatures. This is why I wanted to
many of us that thoroughly appreciate
raise money for the the Shark Trust and support it’.
and hopefully in doing so, I can also
help promote the fantastic work
the Trust does for sharks to family,
friends and fellow runners’.
Upcoming events
Mongol Rally 2013
Duncan Coston ran the Reading Half
Marathon in a time of 2 hours 11
minutes:
A group of six friends are undertaking
the Mongol Rally this July and have
chosen the Shark Trust as one of their
primary charities to support. Find out
more at dingosanddropbears.wix.
com/mongolrally2013.
Liam Byrne completed the Hull 10K
Run with a time of 49:32 min. Liam
raised £107.49 and writes:
18
‘I would like to thank my mum for
making my great shark fin and to all
those who sponsored me. This charity
has been close to my heart for many
years and I am delighted to help out
and raise awareness for sharks’.
Website
Update
All our fundraisers can be viewed
on our online Walls of Fame. You
can now also check out our new
fundraiser event galleries at
www.sharktrust.org/fundraise.
www.sharktrust.org/fundraising
The team have really enjoyed looking at all the
images entered into the Sharks in Focus 2013
photography competition, since its launch on the
1st May. All of the images can now be viewed in
our online galleries, which are found in the Get
Involved section of the website – they’re well
worth a look!
If you have any shark images you’re particularly
proud of, why not enter the competition for your
chance to win an exciting bespoke package of
activities based in the Southwest of England. Or,
if you know a talented shark photographer, make
sure you let them know about the competition
– you could even send them a Sharks in Focus
eCard from our website.
The prize will include shark watching and
snorkelling/diving with tour operator Charles Hood
off the Cornish coast and a sleep-over with the
sharks at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium.
The best shots will also make up the Shark
Trust-themed 2014 Diver Calendar. However,
all entrants will gain the satisfaction of having
contributed to shark conservation, as their work
will be widely appreciated and showcased through
the activities of the Shark Trust.
To find out more, and to view the Sharks in Focus
galleries, visit www.sharktrust.org/competition.
Good luck to all our entrants – we look forward to
seeing more images in the next couple of months.
Members Area
As a member you’re entitled to a web account with
extra privileges, including access to the very latest
issue of Shark Focus. If you haven’t already got
a members web account and would like to create
one, you can sign up at www.sharktrust.org/
signup. Once you’ve created an account email
[email protected] to upgrade your access.
Shark Focus 47
17th EEA Conference
Plymouth, UK
1 – 3 November 2013
The Shark Trust is delighted to be hosting the 17th European Elasmobranch Association (EEA) conference
in Plymouth this November. Perfectly situated on the South Devon coast, Plymouth is a centre of marine
excellence and the Trust is pleased to announce the conference will be hosted in association with the
Marine Institute of Plymouth University and the National Marine Aquarium. The theme of this year’s
conference is: “From science to policy: How applied studies of elasmobranch biology can provide the
evidence to support stock assessments, advice and management decisions”
Plymouth
Sound. ©
Oliver Qu
inlan.
The opening address will be delivered by Fiona Harrison, Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor for the
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).The Trust can also announce that a keynote
presentation will be given by Sarah Fowler, who was a founder of both the EEA and the Shark Trust, and is
a leading voice in global shark conservation management.
SCHEDULE
1st Nov
EEA Board meeting and AGM.
Evening reception at the National Marine Aquarium Plymouth. Registration opens.
2nd Nov Registration and EEA Conference Day 1 at Plymouth University.
Conference dinner and student bursary auction at the National Marine Aquarium.
3rd Nov
The Barb
ican, Ply
mouth. ©
Oliver Qu
inlan..
EEA Conference Day 2 at Plymouth University.
CONFERENCE FEES
The EEA annual scientific conference is open to everyone - conference fees are listed below and include a conference
pack, 1st November evening reception, lunch and refreshments:
Non Members - £90
EEA Members - £80
Students (University/College) - £75
The conference dinner will cost delegates £28. Additional guests are welcome at £34 per person.
REGISTRATION
Attending the conference
To attend the conference, please register by completing the online form at www.sharktrust.org/eea2013. If online
payment is not possible select the ‘Pay Later’ option and contact the Trust to arrange an alternative method of
payment. Registration after 16th September incurs a £15 late fee. Final registration is 20th October.
Oral and poster presentations
Complete the abstract form at www.sharktrust.org/eea2013. Delegates must have registered for an abstract to be
considered. Abstracts must be submitted by 16th September and the programme will be selected with the guidance
of members of the Shark Trust Scientific Committee: Dr Jim Ellis (Cefas – Centre for Environment, Fisheries and
Aquaculture Science) and Prof. David Simms (MBA – Marine Biological Association). Please consider the conference
theme when submitting your abstract, however abstracts will be considered on all relevant topics.
The Barb
ican at n
Sherwell
ight, Plym
Centre, P
outh. ©
lymouth
Oliver Qu
inlan..
Universit
y. © Tom
Bastin..
Student travel bursary
To register your interest in applying for a student travel bursary, email your details to the Shark Trust Head of
Finance/EEA Treasurer Glenys Heafield on [email protected]. Please note that bursaries are only awarded to
delegates presenting work.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Information on travelling to and from Plymouth, conference location and accommodation can all be found on
www.sharktrust.org/eea2013.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Registration - 16th September (late registration will incur a £15 surcharge). Registration closes 20th October.
Abstracts - 16th September
In the next issue of SharkFocus
Studying the elusive Blackmouth
Catshark.
New population estimates for
South African White Sharks.
Shark Focus 47
www.sharktrust.org/eea201319
Sharks in Focus
01 May–28 Aug 2013
Blacktip Reef Shark © Alec Connah.
The photography competition that aims
to change attitudes through imagery
If you’ve taken any photos you’re particularly proud of, enter them
today for your chance to win an exciting bespoke package of activities
based in the Southwest of England. This will include shark watching
and snorkelling/diving with tour operator Charles Hood off the Cornish
coast and a sleep-over with the sharks at Plymouth’s National Marine
Aquarium. All entrants will also have their work showcased through
the activities of the Shark Trust.
os van der Heide.
Lemon Shark © Go
You can view all current entries in our online galleries, including the
images to the right.
The categories are:
Shark!
The White Shark has become infamous, and even has its own
theme tune. However there are over 500 species of shark
found worldwide, let’s celebrate them all!
Shark Personality
Smallspotted Catshark © Yo-Han Cha.
Sharks are known as formidable predators but they can also be
playful, lazy, calm, shy and inquisitive…how do you see them?
Best of British
British waters are home to over 50 species of shark, skate and
ray, including some of the fastest and rarest in the world –
here’s your chance to showcase them.
Skates & Rays
These flat, cartilaginous fish are closely related to sharks, and
with over 600 species worldwide, there are more than enough
to choose from!
Human Encounters
This category provides an opportunity to explore the relationship
between humans and sharks, whether positive or negative.
www.sharktrust.org/competition
Spotted Eagle Rays
© Goos van der He
ide.