Early morning on September the 7th 2010 two intrepid zoologists set out to immerse themselves into the freezing Atlantic ocean in the hope of seeing what some people regard as the most feared creature in the sea but what we regard as one of the most incredible and intelligent ……. sharks.
Regardless of what we may think, sharks are in need of our protection and raising awareness is one of the only ways in which we can begin to conserve them.
There are over 30 species of shark found in British waters and over 50% of them are considered to be under threat. Of the sharks found around the coast of Britain the most iconic and loved must surely be the magnificent Basking shark (
Cetorhinus maximus). They are the second largest living shark after the Whale shark (
Rhincodon typus), and they move gliding silently through the world’s temperate oceans peacefully filter-feeding on plankton.
After basking sharks, the next species we were hoping to encounter on our dive were blue sharks (Prionace glauca). They are pelagic sharks, found worldwide in deep temperate and tropical waters from the surface to a depth of about 350 meters. Males range in size up to 4 meters in length and they are a sight to behold as they flash past divers watching from their cage.
Sadly, thousands of sharks are fished commercially each year for their meat, fins and liver oil which is used in lamps, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, vitamin supplements and Chinese medicine. Some of course ends up served in some restaurants as a delicacy. These threats are decimating shark populations worldwide.
The British Shark Trust work proactively with the public and fisheries promoting worldwide conservation of sharks through science, education, influence and action to develop sustainable fishing practices, influence legislation and put an end to cruel shark finning practices.
Sharks are apex predators and therefore play important roles in marine ecosystems. A decline in shark numbers has had serious effects on the marine environment.
The main aim of our sponsored cage shark dive was to raise funds for the Tag-a-Turtle project and the Marine Conservation Society. The funds would primarily go to help raise awareness and support turtle conservation but submerged 2 meters underwater in the nippy Atlantic Ocean with nothing but a layer of neoprene for protection we quickly realised that it takes more than guts and determination to survive out in the ocean.
We need to educate, conserve and change fishing practices from short term quick fixes to long term sustainable methods if we are to conserve marine biodiversity for future generations.
For more information on sharks please visit the
Shark Trust Website or for a trip of a lifetime visit
Atlantic Diver's Website.
Regards
Nic
