The Conservation Report

When I started Shark Week here on The Conservation Report, I was not aware that the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week was right around the corner. Perhaps my unconscious mind picked up an advertisement somewhere. Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed Shark Week on The Conservation Report, and don’t miss Shark Week 2008 on the Discovery Channel starting July 27.

I will now go back to posting my eclectic mix of environmentally related buzz from the web with a dash of off topic stories.

Go here for more information on the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.

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Information on swimming with whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium can be found here.

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We are use to seeing land predators such as lions take down their prey in parts of the world like Africa on television. However, NOAA officials had a very rare opportunity to photograph several tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) attack a sick humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf back in November 2006 off the Kailua-Kona area of Big Island. The scenes are dramatic, because they offer an extraordinary glimpse into the life and death struggle occurring underneath the ocean waves. From NOAA:

They also noted that little could have been done to save the animal. “Shark attacks are part of the natural world in which these animals live,” said Viezbicke. “To them an ailing marine mammal is a meal and what happened was a natural process within the marine world.”

Following the year-old mammal’s death, its carcass was towed and tied to a fish buoy approximately three miles off shore. Officials returned the next day to find the remains gone.

PHOTO CREDIT: KOSTA STAMOULIS, NOAA NMFS PERMIT # 932-1489-08.

Larger Image Found Here
Larger Image Found Here

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The image shows a male great white (Carcharodon carcharias) leaping out of the ocean. Apparently, these large great whites prefer the high fat content of mammalian prey found off Seal Island.

Purchase this image, which captures an amazing display of great white behavior here.

On the Net: Eric Cheng’s Home

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Tessa Horan was a Peace Corps Volunteer on the South Pacific island of Va’vau in the Kingdom of Tonga. While swimming in Tongan bay, a tiger shark pulled her underwater and severed her leg. As a result of the encounter, she bled to death. Her story will be featured on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week: Day of the Shark as an educational opportunity.

As a former Peace Corps Volunteer, my heart goes out to her family and their efforts to continue Tessa’s spirit of helping others. From the Aspen Times, CO :

On Monday, July 28 [2008], her story will be featured in a prime-time segment entitled “Day of the Shark” as part of “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel.

The show was produced to reveal “the science behind what triggers sharks to attack at certain times of day, and what rules humans should follow to avoid incident,” according to the Discovery Channel website.

But for Horan’s mother, Kristena Prater, the Discovery Channel taping was another step in the long grieving and healing process.

“You never get over losing a child, but it gives me solace to be able to continue her work with her family and friends,” Prater said. “Even in her death she has accomplished so much and been such an inspiration.”

In the wake of the attack, Horan has become a “universal symbol” for inspired young people like her, Prater said.

And Horan’s two brothers and sister as well as her father, Kevin Horan, other family members and friends have done everything from building the library in Tonga that
Horan dreamed of to creating community gardens around the U.S. and in Tonga.

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The Mozambican government recently seized a Namibian ship containing tons of illegally fished shark parts. The seizure highlights the problem of foreign fishing vessels pirating the natural resources of other countries, and taking advantage of countries with insufficient monetary resources but rich natural resources. Countries such as Mozambique lack sufficient funding to enforce fisheries regulations or scientifically monitor their fisheries. According to Reuters South Africa, South Africa:

Noticias said fishing inspectors found 43 tonnes of sharks, four tonnes of shark fin, 1.8 tonnes of shark tail, 11.3 tonnes of shark liver and 20 tonnes of shark oil, all with an estimated value of $5 million on board the unlicensed ship.

Shark fins are an expensive delicacy in Asia, while shark liver and oil are used for medicinal purposes.

The Fisheries Ministry fined the ship’s owners $4.5 million, and confiscated the craft and all its contents, the paper said.

Illegal fishing is rife in Mozambique, which lacks the capacity to effectively monitor its high seas.

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Perhaps this isn’t green advertisement, but it is a clever advertisement for the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.

From Ads of the World: Creative Advertising Archive & Community:

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A video posted by The Humane Society of the United States on the Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament of Martha’s Vineyard shows two very different world views colliding.

Some folks are questioning the famed images of the a shark leaping behind two surfers. Kem McNair, the surfer who took the photograph says the images are real. Furthermore, people familiar with New Smyrna Beach confirm the behavior of these sharks, since they are commonly seen leaping out of the ocean. From the Times Online:

Kem McNair, who had finished surfing at New Smyrna Beach, Florida, before taking three images of the shark, shot in under a second, said: “I saw something in the background and I thought, ‘What was that?’. I looked back at the display on my camera and there it was — a spinner shark.”

Due to a fatal injury sustained by a great white attack in April, lifeguards patrolling San Diego beaches are developing a shark response manual. The aim of the new initiative is to provide uniform policies that address shark encounters. The lack of a policy is due to the rarity of shark attacks.

The April attack was apparently a mistake, because the animal – estimated to be anywhere from 12 to 17 feet in length – attacked once without pursuing further. The shark was probably expecting more suitable marine prey such as a pinniped, and pinnipeds were reported swimming in the area at the time of the fatal encounter. The victim died from a “single giant bite across both legs in the ocean”. The incident was considered a freak accident due to the sheer infrequency of shark attacks. From NBC Sandiego.com, CA:

Lerma said the Solana Beach attack, which took the life of triathlete Dr. David Martin, was an eye-opener, even if it was a freak accident. And it served as a wake-up call to get a uniform policy in place to deal with sharks.

Lifeguards said they have been getting more sightings this summer, but they said usually it turns out to be something else, like a dolphin or a seal. One of the things on which the action plan focuses is what kind of questions to ask.

See more Shark Week on The Conservation Report

The Georgia Aquarium is offering the public a chance to swim with whale sharks. Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest known fish, so they are rare in captivity. Their feeding behavior, diet, and size make whale sharks unsuitable candidates for captivity, since these characteristics pose certain challenges by making them difficult to house. The aquatic beasts can grow around 45 feet in length or more.

Outside of Asia, the Georgia Aquarium is the only aquarium to house whale sharks in captivity. Two whale sharks have been lost in recent years at the Georgia Aquarium, and there is plenty of dissent on whether these gigantic cartilaginous fish should be kept in captivity. However, the Aquarium is investing in conservation and scientific programs that focus on whale sharks. Furthermore, the Aquarium maintains that its programs are important to connect humans with conservation and nature.

Personally, I’m not sure how I feel about keeping such large creatures in captivity. Certainly, the conservation awareness factor is immense; however, so are the resources involved, risks, and unknowns. I do believe in zoological conservation and its utility, but some species should not be in captivity unless it’s absolutely necessary. In my opinion, species that demonstrate intelligence such as parrots, higher primates, and marine mammals in addition to species that naturally have large territories like big cats are good examples of species that are not good candidates for captivity.

Additionally, not to sound like a first year law student, but certainly a balancing test is appropriate to apply in analyzing such conundrums. Considering the totality of the circumstances is important as well. Such key factors in determining whether an animal belongs in captivity or is appropriate for a particular aquarium or zoological park may include: The intelligence and behavior of the species, resources needed to successfully keep the species in captivity, the aquarium’s or zoo’s budget, the status of the species in nature, or the awareness factor generated by keeping the species. There is no bright line rule to apply. From The Canadian Press, ATLANTA:

“An immersion experience is the ultimate way of connecting people and animals,” said Bruce Carlson, the aquarium’s chief science officer.

“It’s a real opportunity for us to expand ways for people to get to know the animals here at the aquarium and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our visitors to see animals they’ll probably never get a chance to see in the wild.”

But the ambitious program has raised concerns from critics who worry that dangling legs and curious tourists could stress the habitat of the whale sharks and thousands of other animals that share the massive tank.

“There’s a chance these animals can become stressed because of the increase in the amount of people in their environments,” said Lori Marino, an Emory University biologist who studies whale biology. “Not only can it affect their physical health, but their mental health. And we don’t know how much stress this puts on the animals or how they could respond.”

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the few places that have ever attempted to house the creatures, and the only in the U.S.

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Photo source for attribution here and here. The authors or licensors of these images do not endorse my work or me and their images are protected under an attribution license.

On the Net: Georgia Aquarium

A grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) was discovered with a gaff lodged in its throat. The grey nurse shark or sand tiger shark of Australia is very sensitive to overfishing because this “large coastal species of shark has one of the lowest reproductive rates known among elasmobranchs, giving birth to one or two large young every two years [so]…annual rates of population increase and ability to sustain fishing pressure are very low.” As a result, the grey nurse shark is considered endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and saving every individual – especially a large female – is important for species conservation. The significance of every individual is highlighted by what may be seen by some, as extreme measures taken by government divers and a veterinarian.

Veterinarian David Blyde put his hand down the shark’s throat to remove the gaff, and noted, “as a veterinarian you [are] often putting your hands in places that people find somewhat unattractive.” The gaff was successfully removed, and the animal was released. From the Herald Sun:

Scientists are unsure how the gaff came to be embedded in the 2.97m-long shark but said it was in good health and there was no bleeding when the pipe was removed.

“She was pale, which you’d expect, but once released swam back to the other sharks,” Mr Macdonald said.

A satellite tag has been attached to it so its recovery can be monitored by scientists and local divers. Marine Parks staff also volunteered to look out for her.

The grey nurse shark population is under threat, with less than 500 left in NSW waters.

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Images Found Here

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An angel shark (Squatina sp.) camouflaged against sand. As a genus, angel sharks are considered endangered, since historically they have been overfished.

This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons. Information on this image is found here.

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A reader writes:

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LEARN: How to survive a shark attack at: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/survival-guide/shark.html

WATCH THE CRITTERCAM: See how bull sharks hunt when they are attached to a camera:
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VIEW A STUNNING PHOTO GALLERY: of great white sharks:
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Print out shark facts and photos for every species at Nationalgeographic.com!

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NOAA is implementing new rules and quotas for large coastal sharks taken in the Atlantic Ocean in an attempt to rebuild stocks and gather data.  Some species of concern include porbeagle (image above) and sandbar sharks. Furthermore, to better regulate shark finning and prevent fishers from discarding sharks at sea, NOAA is requiring fishers to offload their catch “at the dock with all of their fins naturally attached.”

The fishery is called the 2008 shark research fishery, and only commercial fishers participating in the 2008 shark research fishery will be allowed to land sandbar sharks. However, these landings are still subject to fishing quotas. Additionally, vessels fishing under a Shark Research Fishery Permit will be allowed to land non-sandbar large coastal sharks (LCS), small coastal sharks (SCS), and pelagic sharks. Commercial vessels that are not fishing under a Shark Research Fishery Permit are allowed to “land non-sandbar LCS, SCS, and pelagic sharks subject to quotas and the retention limits.”

The broad aims of the 2008 shark research fishery are to gather more fishery dependent data and rebuild stocks. Fisheries dependent data is collected directly from the fishery from programs such as cooperative research and fisheries observer programs. These programs collect data onboard commercial fishing vessels as the vessels go about their normal activities or use the fishery.

Contrarily, independent fisheries data is collected via noncommercial fishing vessels or research vessels. Research vessel surveys conducted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center Ecosystems Survey Branch collects fisheries independent data. Both types of data combined can be powerful in managing fish stocks.

The shark research board, which includes representatives from various government offices like the Fisheries Science Centers determines the objectives of the shark research fishery. Research objectives for 2008 include collecting reproductive and age data from sandbar sharks, Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks, and from other shark species. Certain species should have sampling priority over other species, since sampling priorities help fisheries observers prioritize a catch or work up a catch systematically.

Other research initiatives include collecting length frequencies, carrying out tagging, which includes satellite archival tagging for species such as the endangered smalltooth sawfish and prohibited dusky sharks. Tagging programs collect a wide range of data such as daily and seasonal movements of fish. Genetic material will also be collected through fin-clip samples. Gathering genetic material is important in facilitating stock assessments, species identification, and even revealing cryptic species or new species that are difficult to identify through morphological inspection at sea. Additionally, gear experiments will be conducted to “determine the effects of potential hook changes to prohibited species interactions and fishery yields.”

Vessels that have been “charged criminally or civilly… for any [Highly Migratory Species (HMS)] related violation” are prohibited from participating in the 2008 shark research fishery. Furthermore, fishers that have been in compliance with government fisheries observer requirements will be rewarded. For example, fishers or vessels selected to carry an observer “in the previous two years for any HMS fishery” but failed to do so are not allowed to participate in the 2008 shark research fishery. However, “exceptions will be made for applicants that were selected for HMS observer coverage but did not fish in the quarter when selected.” Fishers that were noncompliant with the HMS observer program may be eligible for future shark research fishery activities by demonstrating a willingness to work with the observer program or acting in compliance.

For more information fishers or interested parties should refer to the Federal Register or to any regional office announcements sent out. From NOAA:

That latest stock assessment determined that the population of sandbar sharks was depleted and the rate of fishing was too high. Sandbar sharks are prized for their fins, and they are one of the most commercially valuable shark species caught in the Atlantic Ocean. They make up the majority of current East and Gulf Coast commercial shark landings.

“Our recent stock assessments show we need to take strong conservation measures to stop overfishing on sandbar and other sharks to allow these species to rebuild,” said Jim Balsiger, NOAA acting assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “These sharks, like many sharks, mature late, grow slowly and produce few young, making them particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure.”

The rule also requires all sharks to be offloaded at the dock with all of their fins naturally attached. This regulation is designed to improve enforcement against shark finning, where fishermen remove the highly valuable fins from sharks at sea and discard the shark carcasses overboard. The regulation also will assist with identification of shark species and improve species-specific data collection for future stock assessments.

Image Found Here

On the Net: Northeast Fisheries Science Center
On the Net: Southeast Fisheries Science Center
On the Net: NEFSC Fisheries Sampling Branch
On the Net: Federal Register /Vol. 73, No. 122/Tuesday, June 24, 2008/Notices

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SHARK WEEK: Blacktip shark snapped in photo of surfer off New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Shark found in Australian pool, Indian fishermen net 10-ton whale shark; ‘It is not edible’, Shark sighting stirs media attention around world, New England Aquarium unveils new shark exhibit, Great white shark washes up on Nantucket, Activists launch Monster bid to stop shark hunt, Giant tiger shark captured, Shark bites swimmer near Charleston, Why do bonnethead sharks have bonnet heads?, Giant tiger shark captured, “Southern California beachgoers might be interested to know that a third juvenile white shark has been placed in a pen off Malibu and may soon be judged fit for travel to Monterey Bay Aquarium. The previous two were released after scientists determined they were not suitable for captivity.”, Basking sharks go wide and deep, Shark bites another person off Isle of Palms, Shark attacks: Low fatality rates still equal high anxiety: Common shark myths debunked, so you don’t have to worry (though we know you will), Sharks ‘functionally extinct’ in Mediterranean: Sharks are now “functionally extinct” in the waters in the Mediterranean Sea, a historical study has shown, ‘Jaws’ returns to stalk Martha’s Vineyard

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Credit for both images: Seawatch.org

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Recent news from Australia reports that river sharks from the genus Glyphis have been confirmed swimming in the waters of Top End, which is Aussie (Australian) slang referring to the very northern part of the Northern Territory. DNA analysis was used to “clarify different species of the shark.” Perhaps new species of river shark will be discovered via these data gathered from DNA analysis or future attempts. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns coupled with DNA work may yield even more river sharks. From ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

Dr McMahon says very little is known about the shark, and they are often confused with bull sharks.

“We can’t really draft a management plan without further information, but the fact we were able to confirm the suspicion that there were two species using DNA gives us good solid grounding to look at each species individually.

“With the large number of people out there fishing, it would be good to get the information out there across to the general public and through to the commercial fishers as to what a river shark does look like and how it is different from a bull shark and if they catch one, just put it back.”

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I do not see the utility of trophy shark-fishing tournaments except for entertainment and thrill. I enjoy fishing, but I fish either to catch food, or when fishing recreationally I practice catch and release. Admittedly, shark-fishing tournaments can assert some utility by providing food resources to local food banks or allowing fishery observers to collect scientific data. However, even these altruistic actions do not appear to be worthy due to the risks associated with consuming shark meat and the possible inability of fishery scientists being able to gather large amounts of scientific data.

A commercial fishery observer that worked as a recreational fishery observer once expressed personal observations to me that recreational fishers are much harder to work with than commercial fishers. Furthermore, recreational fishers appear to be better organized and have more resources at their disposal than commercial fishers. As a result, they seem to be a strong lobbying force. In fact, commercial fishers use to note this distinction to me when I worked as a fisheries observer.

The Humane Society has been successful in making the acceptance of shark meat from shark fishing tournaments a public health issue. Consequently, food banks are starting to decline shark meat because of the high mercury levels that these top predators accumulate. From the NY Daily News:

With shark tournaments coming under protest from animal welfare advocates, Long Island’s only food bank has announced that it will no longer accept shark meat donated from sport fishing events.

Citing both the health risks of consuming mercury-laden shark meat and concern over the way the sharks are captured, Long Island Cares Inc. - The Harry Chapin Food Bank, said it will pass on the 6,000 pounds of shark meat it has accepted annually from Long Island shark tournaments, including the one by the Freeport Hudson Anglers….

Last week the Humane Society wrote Long Island Cares telling it that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency advises young children, pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid eating shark meat because of its high levels of mercury.

The animal rights group also informed the food bank of its concerns about the long-term survival of the ocean’s top predator. Scientists with the IUCN (formerly the World Conservation Union) have found that 11 shark species are on the high-risk list, while five others are showing signs of decline.

Some of the more threatened species are the very ones that are most prized in New England shark tournaments. Over the past 30 years, the IUCN reported, the porbeagle has lost 90% of its population, the mako and thresher about 75%. The group classified the three kinds of shark as vulnerable and threatened with global extinction.

The Human Society and scientists are also concerned over conservation issues surrounding sharks. For example, some species of shark have a very low, minimum population doubling time. The Shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), an important gamefish, takes at a minimum more than 14 years to double its population. Such low, minimum population doubling times coupled with overfishing and a lack of scientific data can result in extinct fisheries or species of fish. The lack of scientific data is largely due to the nature of sharks. From the NY Daily News:

Sharks are highly migratory and rarely surface, making them difficult to survey. Only in recent years have scientists begun to study closely the effects of exploitation, said Enric Cortés, a research biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service. One result has been general agreement among scientists that pelagic species have declined since the 1960s, when their meat increased in value, and the 1970s, when the movie “Jaws” touched off an international sport-fishing fury.

Dr. Cortés said that many species like threshers are slow to reproduce, making them more vulnerable to overfishing.

“The people in Destin looked at the science and the conduct of their tournaments and decided they could no longer justify it,” Dr. Grandy said. “I am hopeful that people of good will and integrity will take that position up and down the East Coast.”

Nevertheless, proponents of shark-fishing tournaments argue that these tournaments provide an opportunity for the public, especially children to observe sharks up close. However, opponents argue that any conservation gains through education are negated by the negative portrayal of sharks as man-eaters or monsters.

Additionally, recreational fishers often blame commercial fishers or industrial fishing for overfishing. Certainly, industrial fishing is to blame; nevertheless, the chronic woes of overfishing unfortunately affects all resource users. Therefore, as sharks become too rare, as with any species of plant or animal, the loss of a single individual may be too detrimental for the survival of the species.

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Image Found Here

According to the Global Shark Attack File, in 1955 George Lawson had his right leg bitten off by a bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) while swimming in Lake Michigan near Chicago. The attack was unprovoked and by surprise. The incident log does not mention any other attacks from Lake Michigan, so it appears the incident was an aberration. However, freshwater shark attacks, although rare, are possible.

Bull sharks have been recorded in the Mississippi River, but it has been claimed that a series of dams and locks known as the Illinois Waterway, which connects the Mississippi River with Lake Michigan, should prevent bull sharks from entering Lake Michigan.  Furthermore, Lake Michigan bathers should not be too concerned, because bull sharks prefer warmer waters.

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When most people think of a freshwater or river shark they recall the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas). However, bull sharks are not true freshwater or river sharks. True freshwater sharks belong to the genus Glyphis. The genus Glyphis seems to prefer freshwater, but some species can probably tolerate different degrees of salinity while others may be entirely freshwater. Virtually nothing is known of river shark life history or geographical distribution, and all species of river shark are very rare and poorly described. In fact, many are known only from a handful of specimens or even a single specimen. Currently, there are about six known species of river shark, and most are undescribed or have not been formally described. The known species include:

1. Bizant river shark (Glyphis sp. nov. A)
2. Borneo river shark (Glyphis sp. nov. B)
3. Ganges shark (G. gangeticus)
4. Irrawady river shark (G. siamensis)
5. New Guinea or Northern river shark (Glyphis sp. nov. C)
6. Speartooth shark (G. glyphis )

River sharks seem to only be found in fresh or slightly brackish water. As a result, river sharks are most likely very susceptible to anthropogenic activities like coastal development, since they are specialists amongst elasmobranches or cartilaginous fish such as rays, sharks, and skates. Agriculture runoff, coastal development, fishing, industrial pollution, and sewage discharge certainly are threats to all species of river sharks. Researchers believe that river sharks have a low, minimum population doubling time, so recovery from negative impacts is probably very difficult for all species. To facilitate conservation efforts, researchers are currently working to improve river shark description through genetic studies. From Charles Darwin University, Australia:

Forensic scientist Dr Louise McMahon recently completed research on the identification and genetics of the threatened genus of shark called Glyphis.

Glyphis is a nationally and internationally threatened genus of shark about which scientists know very little. However, it is believed there are five possible species in the world, two of which occur within Australia (Glyphis sp. A and C)….

The research details the results into a preliminary assessment of genetic differences between two Glyphis species and several carcharhiniid species….

Her research on Glyphis has been submitted to the journal Marine and Freshwater Research for publication.

Public awareness campaigns are an important tool for conservationists working to save the river shark, because until people recognize river sharks “for what they are”, scientists risk losing important data from valuable specimens that may end up as food on the dinner table. From The Mysterious, Endangered River Sharks:

River sharks are not always recognized for what they are: extremely rare, little known wildlife. So few specimens are available for study that the loss of even one is a great blow to scientific and conservation efforts. In 1986, a Glyphis was caught by an angler in fresh water about 60 km upstream the South Alligator River, in Australia’s Northern Territory. Although the jaws were retained, this priceless specimen was eaten by the angler who caught it, resulting in the loss of much valuable data.

Here’s hoping that, as more and more people become aware of them, the drive to protect and conserve river sharks — and their habitats — will grow. River sharks may not be particularly dangerous or flashy, but they are rare creatures that add to the diversity and mystery of our world.

IMAGE: Borneo river shark

IMAGE: Glyphis spp. versus carcharhinid shark species

IMAGE: Glyphis spp. identification

References:

1. Glyphis n.sp. A Shark Once Feared Extinct is Rediscovered !
2. The Mysterious, Endangered River Sharks
3. Ever caught one of those sharks in the freshwater?
4. Gangetic sharks face extinction
5. Glyphis sp. A (Freshwater Speartooth Shark or Bizant River Shark) and Glyphis sp. C (Northern River Shark)
6. Freshwater and Estuarine sharks

Image Found Here
Image Found Here
Image Found Here

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Michael Lopenzo was charged with disorderly conduct for falsely reporting great white sightings on Martha’s Vineyard. According to WLOS, “He had warned swimmers to get out of the water after saying he’d seen two sharks about 22 feet long and 3,000 pounds each.”

The Associated Press reported that investigators determined the “man was lying [because] when asked by detectives whose boat he was working on, Lopenzo gave the name of a nonexistent boat and owner…” However, “a second beach was closed Thursday on the island…after lifeguards…said they might have seen a great white shark.”

The cinematic classic “Jaws” was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard. The movie portrayed sharks negatively, and it has been argued that such portrayal has made it difficult to gain public support for shark conservation. However, a more positive campaign has taken place in recent years by marine educators at places like aquariums and zoos.

However, indiscriminate killing of sharks is a worldwide problem, and since sharks do not adhere to political boundaries, conservation gains in one country can be lost by cultural policies or the lack of enforcement by another country. Such phenomenon is observed with the conservation of other ocean animals like sea turtles. For example, American law may protect sea turtles in the United States but when sea turtles swim out of American jurisdiction into other countries such as Mexico, they may be hunted for their flesh and eggs. Sharks that naturally roam farthest perhaps faces the greatest pressure from fishing, indiscriminate killing, and pollution.

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A commercial fisher netting in shallow Tuggerah Lake, Australia, claims to have netted a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), which may have been around 21-feet in length. The commercial fisher’s boat is 18-feet in length, and he claimed the shark was larger than his boat. He took the shark in nets “he had cast off Canton Beach, at the northern end of the lake.” Despite the fisher’s account, some shark experts strongly doubt the encounter.

However, great white sharks have been recorded swimming in shallow saltwater lagoons and ponds. In 2004, a “1,700-pound female shark” was found swimming in a salt pond on Naushon Island, which is located near Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The 14-foot female great white shark “swam in circles in a shallow area filled with smaller fish”, but the shark was eventually coaxed into deeper water. Additionally, Tuggerah Lake has been visited by great white sharks in the past. From The Central Coast Express Advocate:

It is the second great white found in Tuggerah Lake since 2005. It comes on top of three other shark sightings in the lakes system in as many years. Experts fear the great white may be trapped in the lake unable to reach the sea because The Entrance channel is too shallow.

But the channel has been open to the ocean since last year’s June long weekend storms and after recent king tides others, including senior NSW Fisheries staff, believe large sharks could come and go as they pleased.

Furthermore, in spite of the title from the TIME magazine article: “Attack of the Freshwater Shark?,” which highlights the recent Tuggerah Lake encounter, Tuggerah Lake is brackish, since both freshwater and saltwater flow into the coastal lagoon. Furthermore, it has been reported that the fluctuations of salinity influences the species composition of the lake. Freshwater shark attacks are most likely to occur from bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), because their physiology allows them to enter freshwater for some periods of time. From TIME:

It was around 4 degrees Celsius on the lake at 5.30 am on Wednesday, making it the coldest morning of the year in these parts. Wrapped in several layers of clothing, the fisherman was startled by splashing noises coming from underneath his craft, then alarmed by a recurring thudding sound, as though something were striking it. Having rushed to one side of the boat, he peered down to see a gigantic fish trapped in a net….

“He said it was bigger than his boat,” reported local Chief Inspector Tim Winmill. “He’s got an 18-ft. boat and he said it would have been 21 ft. (6.5 m.).” Winmill said police had no reason to doubt the fisherman’s story: he was known to local authorities as a responsible member of the industry. As a result, police have issued a warning to anyone using Tuggerah and two smaller, connected lakes to take extreme care. Though the water at this time of year is numbingly cold, it’s school holidays in New South Wales until the end of next week and some children won’t necessarily be deterred from swimming or other activities.

How would the ocean-going monster have gotten into a freshwater lagoon? Tuggerah Lake is connected to the Pacific Ocean through a tidal channel called The Entrance. It is 12 km long and 4 km. wide, with an average depth of 6-7 m, roughly 20 feet. “It’s not a big lake,” said Chief Inspector Winmill, “but it’s a bloody big shark — if it’s true.”

Some images from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries of the 14-foot female great white shark found in a Cape Cod salt pond during 2004:

More images, videos, and press releases can be found at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

See more Shark Week on The Conservation Report

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IMAGE shows a swimmer with a basking shark—a harmless plankton feeder—off the Cornish coast.

This week on The Conservation Report, I am focusing on recent news about sharks, so in addition to regular blog posts, I will disseminate several shark related stories from around the world. As a result, I am making the third week of July shark week at The Conservation Report. What fun! I just hope that the phrase “Shark Week” isn’t exclusive to or copyrighted by the Discovery Channel.

I am focusing on sharks because I have recently read several interesting news postings on the marine beasts, and I feel the need to report what’s being reported.

Furthermore, sharks are not only important ecologically but culturally as well. Certainly, sharks are dichotomized, because the fascination with sharks can be both positive and negative, since the creatures are often misunderstood. Additionally, sharks are threatened around the world by anthropogenic activities such as fishing and pollution. I hope to tell the story of sharks through what’s currently happening around the world.

Enjoy Shark Week at The Conservation Report!

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Photo source for attribution. The author or licensor of this image does not endorse my work or me and their image is protected under an attribution license.

See more Shark Week on The Conservation Report

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