Shark Focus - Issue 65

SH RK F

ISSUE 65

O

C

U

S

WINTER 2020

IT’S ALL BULL CREATURE FEATURE MIND THE FACTOID: THE TRUTH ABOUT SHARKS FROGS AND WHALE SHARKS SHARE REMARKABLE ADAPTATION

BEWARE: FALLING COCONUTS DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS: HOW WE CAN ALL CHANGE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT SHARKS

WELCOME winter2020

SHARK TRUST

WELCOME ISSUE 65

18.

ALI HOOD

Science: the heart of conservation

ADDRESS: 4 Creykes Court, The Millfields, Plymouth,

26.

PL1 3JB, UK

O

C

U

S

WINTER 2020

IT’S ALL BULL CREATURE FEATURE MIND THE FACTOID: THE TRUTH ABOUT SHARKS FROGS AND WHALE SHARKS SHARE REMARKABLE ADAPTATION

BEWARE: FALLING COCONUTS DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS: HOW WE CAN ALL CHANGE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT SHARKS

season. So, we’re sending you our best wishes for Christmas and for

+44 (0)1752 672008

the new year to come. We’re not going to pretend that 2020 went

EMAIL:

exactly to plan. But it’s been an “interesting” year for all of us. And here

focus@sharktrust.org

we are, at the end of it, delighted to present you with Shark Focus 65.

WEBSITE:

7 most threatened sharks

10.

www.sharktrust.org

This time around, we decided to focus on something that’s very close to our hearts. We’ve been talking about sharks for over 20 years. We used to call it “raising awareness” but times have changed. Thanks to the internet and the explosion of film and TV content, awareness of

TRUSTEES: Jane Atwood, Jayne EnsellDan Fairweather, Sarah Fowler OBE, Charles Richard Peirce.

As ever, we welcome your comments and feedback. Please write to us at focus@sharktrust.org. But don’t expect an answer too

28.

WARNING!

AISING

Hood, Dean Martin and

conservation. We think it’s past time that we change the narrative. And,

PATRONS: Steve Backshall, Nick Baker, John Boyle, Leonard Compagno, Marc

soon. As usual, the team will be taking a well-earned break from

Dando, Bob Earll, Nigel

21 December until 4 January. We’ll pick up any post, emails

Eaton, Ian Fergusson,

and phone messages then.

Mariella Frostrup, Loyd Grossman, John Gummer MP, Monty Halls, Martha Holmes, Kate Humble, Sir David

HOUSEKEEPING

Ramsay OBE, Simon Rogerson, Jeremy Michaela Strachan and

Head of Finance & Administration

Valerie Taylor.

pay by Direct Debit or

during 2020. So, we

and still so many of us

Credit Card please note

thought some really

happiness

remain working from

that Charity Checkout

happy news was

in this new chapter

home. Unfortunately,

has changed name to

required. Cat, our Senior

of their lives.😊

this means the products

Enthuse. I know some

Conservation Officer,

available in our online

of you were concerned

and her husband, Mark,

season is as peaceful as

Trust. The views and

shop remain quite

to see this reference on

are the very proud

it can be for you all. I’d

opinions expressed

limited. But we’re still

your bank statements.

parents of a beautiful

also like to wish you a

by the authors are not

sending out adoptions

But I can assure you

baby girl. Maisie was

healthy and happy 2021.

necessarily those of the

and memberships. And,

these are taken on

born on August 23rd

Thank you again for all

Shark Trust.

of course, our limited-

behalf of the Shark Trust

and is gorgeous. We

your support. It’s been

DESIGN: Hazel Graham

edition LOVE SHARKS

and are legitimate.

all send our huge

invaluable in helping us

crossfireagency.com

congratulations and

continue our much-

wish them much

needed work.

For those of you who

2.

had enough bad news

25.

CONTENTS

© Shark Trust 2020

We’re now in November

I think we’ve all

GLOBAL shark news

Stafford-Deitsch,

Company Secretary

Calendars (p.23).

06.

Jason OBE, Gordon

GLENYS HEAFIELD

U DR

do to overcome some of the misconceptions about sharks and their in this issue, we touch upon some of the ways this might be done.

22. F

Bowen, Roger Covey,

N

sharks is less of an issue these days. But we still have much work to COVER: Coconuts illustration by derocz/ Vectorstock.

PUPS CLUB

THE BLOWFISH

F

ISSUE 65

PHONE:

eye eye

SH RK

WELCOME! All being well this issue has reached you before the festive

DAY in the LIFE

the DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS issue

I hope the festive

Shark Focus is

FEATURES

REGULARS

wishing to reproduce

–

–

articles must first

08. DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS

copyrighted so those

contact the Shark

Let’s change the conversation

10. DROP THE TOASTER Time to shift focus

12. WHY EVERYTHING YOU KNOW

ABOUT SHARK CONSERVATION IS WRONG If you read the papers!

14. MIND THE FACTOID The truth about sharks

sharktrust.org

sharktrust.org

16. BLUE SHARK POSTER 20. ANGLING FOR BETTER Project Update 21. FALKLAND ISLANDS Project Update 25. THE UNUSUAL EYES OF THE WHALE SHARK Tom Hird

26. SHARK CAREERS A Day in the Life

04.

06.

18.

22.

24.

28.

YOUR VIEWS GLOBAL SHARK NEWS SHARK TALK Ali Hood & Paul Cox FUNDRAISING CREATURE FEATURE Bull Shark PUP’S CLUB

3.

WELCOME winter2020

SHARK TRUST

WELCOME ISSUE 65

18.

ALI HOOD

Science: the heart of conservation

ADDRESS: 4 Creykes Court, The Millfields, Plymouth,

26.

PL1 3JB, UK

O

C

U

S

WINTER 2020

IT’S ALL BULL CREATURE FEATURE MIND THE FACTOID: THE TRUTH ABOUT SHARKS FROGS AND WHALE SHARKS SHARE REMARKABLE ADAPTATION

BEWARE: FALLING COCONUTS DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS: HOW WE CAN ALL CHANGE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT SHARKS

season. So, we’re sending you our best wishes for Christmas and for

+44 (0)1752 672008

the new year to come. We’re not going to pretend that 2020 went

EMAIL:

exactly to plan. But it’s been an “interesting” year for all of us. And here

focus@sharktrust.org

we are, at the end of it, delighted to present you with Shark Focus 65.

WEBSITE:

7 most threatened sharks

10.

www.sharktrust.org

This time around, we decided to focus on something that’s very close to our hearts. We’ve been talking about sharks for over 20 years. We used to call it “raising awareness” but times have changed. Thanks to the internet and the explosion of film and TV content, awareness of

TRUSTEES: Jane Atwood, Jayne EnsellDan Fairweather, Sarah Fowler OBE, Charles Richard Peirce.

As ever, we welcome your comments and feedback. Please write to us at focus@sharktrust.org. But don’t expect an answer too

28.

WARNING!

AISING

Hood, Dean Martin and

conservation. We think it’s past time that we change the narrative. And,

PATRONS: Steve Backshall, Nick Baker, John Boyle, Leonard Compagno, Marc

soon. As usual, the team will be taking a well-earned break from

Dando, Bob Earll, Nigel

21 December until 4 January. We’ll pick up any post, emails

Eaton, Ian Fergusson,

and phone messages then.

Mariella Frostrup, Loyd Grossman, John Gummer MP, Monty Halls, Martha Holmes, Kate Humble, Sir David

HOUSEKEEPING

Ramsay OBE, Simon Rogerson, Jeremy Michaela Strachan and

Head of Finance & Administration

Valerie Taylor.

pay by Direct Debit or

during 2020. So, we

and still so many of us

Credit Card please note

thought some really

happiness

remain working from

that Charity Checkout

happy news was

in this new chapter

home. Unfortunately,

has changed name to

required. Cat, our Senior

of their lives.😊

this means the products

Enthuse. I know some

Conservation Officer,

available in our online

of you were concerned

and her husband, Mark,

season is as peaceful as

Trust. The views and

shop remain quite

to see this reference on

are the very proud

it can be for you all. I’d

opinions expressed

limited. But we’re still

your bank statements.

parents of a beautiful

also like to wish you a

by the authors are not

sending out adoptions

But I can assure you

baby girl. Maisie was

healthy and happy 2021.

necessarily those of the

and memberships. And,

these are taken on

born on August 23rd

Thank you again for all

Shark Trust.

of course, our limited-

behalf of the Shark Trust

and is gorgeous. We

your support. It’s been

DESIGN: Hazel Graham

edition LOVE SHARKS

and are legitimate.

all send our huge

invaluable in helping us

crossfireagency.com

congratulations and

continue our much-

wish them much

needed work.

For those of you who

2.

had enough bad news

25.

CONTENTS

© Shark Trust 2020

We’re now in November

I think we’ve all

GLOBAL shark news

Stafford-Deitsch,

Company Secretary

Calendars (p.23).

06.

Jason OBE, Gordon

GLENYS HEAFIELD

U DR

do to overcome some of the misconceptions about sharks and their in this issue, we touch upon some of the ways this might be done.

22. F

Bowen, Roger Covey,

N

sharks is less of an issue these days. But we still have much work to COVER: Coconuts illustration by derocz/ Vectorstock.

PUPS CLUB

THE BLOWFISH

F

ISSUE 65

PHONE:

eye eye

SH RK

WELCOME! All being well this issue has reached you before the festive

DAY in the LIFE

the DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS issue

I hope the festive

Shark Focus is

FEATURES

REGULARS

wishing to reproduce

–

–

articles must first

08. DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS

copyrighted so those

contact the Shark

Let’s change the conversation

10. DROP THE TOASTER Time to shift focus

12. WHY EVERYTHING YOU KNOW

ABOUT SHARK CONSERVATION IS WRONG If you read the papers!

14. MIND THE FACTOID The truth about sharks

sharktrust.org

sharktrust.org

16. BLUE SHARK POSTER 20. ANGLING FOR BETTER Project Update 21. FALKLAND ISLANDS Project Update 25. THE UNUSUAL EYES OF THE WHALE SHARK Tom Hird

26. SHARK CAREERS A Day in the Life

04.

06.

18.

22.

24.

28.

YOUR VIEWS GLOBAL SHARK NEWS SHARK TALK Ali Hood & Paul Cox FUNDRAISING CREATURE FEATURE Bull Shark PUP’S CLUB

3.

YOUR views

EGGCASES

YOUR VIEWS

“I’ve attached a photo of

UK FIN BAN

an eggcase that I found off

Send your questions, comments and photos to focus@sharktrust.org and you may appear in our next issue.

of Cape Hatteras National

RESPONDING TO THE RECENT UK PETITION

Seashore, North Carolina, USA. I found it on the beach along the actual village

Deep-water gulper sharks are among the species targeted for squalene

UK, there are organisations that offer day trips

of Hatteras. There were

to see Blue Sharks off Cornwall and Basking

lots of skate cases but

Sharks off Scotland. Check out our website

this particular pod is more

to discover the best places to spot them. And

elongated than the rest I

our Code of Conduct so you’re prepared for a

looked at. Elongated skate

future encounter. Whilst we don’t specifically

or?... What do

endorse any organisations or expeditions, you

you think?”

can find advice on choosing a responsible,

MARY

ethical and safe shark experience at www.

CAROTHERS

sharktrust.org/experience-sharks.

Shark Trust: Eggcases come in all shapes and sizes! As

SHARK LIVER OIL

a biological

Talk of a COVID-19 vaccine has shone a bright light on the issue of shark products.

Particularly squalene (shark liver oil) which is often used in vaccines. Over the past few weeks we’ve received a few enquiries about this and what we’re doing to solve the problem.

Shark Trust: Squalene is an organic compound which can be extracted from shark liver oil. It’s widely used in cosmetics. And as an adjuvant to increase the efficient delivery of certain vaccines. Including some of those in development for COVID-19.

Recent media coverage, about the number of sharks that may be being killed to supply squalene for COVID vaccines has been alarming. But it should be noted that these figures are based on hypothetical worst-case scenarios. Shark squalene is often sourced from slow-growing deepwater sharks. Having a low reproductive rate, these species are extremely vulnerable to exploitation. Effectively managed fisheries are vital to ensure the survival of these species. And this is something we’re continuing to push for.

We’ve recently been in contact with pharmaceutical companies to ground truth media claims and understand the potential impact ourselves. There are alternatives for squalene - both synthetic and plant-based – but these are unproven in this context. We have to understand that speed is of the essence in getting a vaccine out. It may be that shark squalene is the best option in the short term. But we’ll continue to push for viable alternatives to be developed over the coming months and years.

can be a lot

product there of variation.

Even between from the same species!

Causing even the most

“My son has just turned 7 and is very interested

seasoned eggcase hunter

in sharks. He was given a real shark tooth

to take a second look.

on a leather necklace as a birthday present

The shape and size of an

and loves it. I’d like to be able to give him a

eggcase will often change

full set of teeth and jaws, but am concerned

depending on whether it’s

that buying online may perpetuate poor

hydrated and flexible, or

conservation practices. I wonder if you could

dehydrated and stiff. Always

give me some guidance on acquiring such

worth soaking eggcases

a thing, without causing any damage to the

in a bucket of seawater as

population.” - PHIL BISHOP

they’ll often contract in size

Shark Trust: We understand the fascination

and shape when dry. This

with shark teeth and jaws. And applaud

eggcase is from a Clearnose

your desire to avoid supporting unethical

Skate (Raja eglanteria). But

practices. Getting hold of real shark jaws, or

it appears to be a slightly

it’s from a responsible and sustainable

SHARK DAY TRIPS

best places around the world (predominantly

source. Some questions to ask include what

“I’m highly interested in the conservation and

Europe) and is it possible to get involved with

species of shark is it from? Where and how

protection of sharks, and would absolutely love

any expeditions at all?” - BRETT STEVENTON

was the shark caught? And was the shark

to get the opportunity to be able to see these

Shark Trust: Seeing these amazing creatures

targeted solely for use in the curio trade? If in

amazing animals in the flesh. Where are the

in the wild is certainly a game changer! In the

doubt, avoid purchasing. sharktrust.org

a very keen focus on overfishing as the big issue for sharks. And, we need policy-makers to focus on sustainable management as an end goal (see p.12) We’re confident that the UK Government will act to address fin imports. Since the Brexit referendum we’ve been in regular contact with the Government. Together we’re working to agree a strong post-Brexit position on sharks. And fin imports have always been on the agenda. They are listening. But our challenge is to ensure that action on the fin trade isn’t seen as “job done” for sharks. Or distract from the bigger issue at hand.

We’re looking to the UK Government to take a strong position on shark fishing. To use their influence and renewed independence to lead Europe and the world in adopting the goals of science-based shark conservation. We must go way beyond banning fins in suitcases to safeguard the future of sharks.

Shark fins

‘stretched’ specimen. This could be a result of it drying © MOHD HALIMI ABDULLAH

we’d encourage. Unless you’re able to ensure

© MINDEN/NATUREPL; TERRY GOSS.

SHARK TEETH & JAWS

any curio items from sharks is not something

4.

eggcases

Blue Shark

Some of our social media followers highlighted the recent petition to ban the import of shark fins. This hit the target of 100,000 signatures in September. And it’s the latest attempt to pressure the Government to call time on what appear to be crazy anomalies in the import system. While we understand the drive behind this petition, we took a decision not to openly support it. We discussed in the last issue of Shark Focus our thoughts on the limitations of online petitions (issue 64, p.10). And we’ve also recently included articles about our take on fin trade bans (issue 62, p.14).

The fin trade has long been a lightning rod for the wider issue of shark overfishing. But, fins are no longer (in fact have never been) the only reason that sharks are fished.

So, fin trade bans are not a panacea.

We need to go further. As the global fin trade is declining, the trade in meat is on the rise. We need to keep

out, and/or due to a natural anomaly in the shape of the eggcase. Fascinating find thanks so much for sharing!

sharktrust.org

5.

YOUR views

EGGCASES

YOUR VIEWS

“I’ve attached a photo of

UK FIN BAN

an eggcase that I found off

Send your questions, comments and photos to focus@sharktrust.org and you may appear in our next issue.

of Cape Hatteras National

RESPONDING TO THE RECENT UK PETITION

Seashore, North Carolina, USA. I found it on the beach along the actual village

Deep-water gulper sharks are among the species targeted for squalene

UK, there are organisations that offer day trips

of Hatteras. There were

to see Blue Sharks off Cornwall and Basking

lots of skate cases but

Sharks off Scotland. Check out our website

this particular pod is more

to discover the best places to spot them. And

elongated than the rest I

our Code of Conduct so you’re prepared for a

looked at. Elongated skate

future encounter. Whilst we don’t specifically

or?... What do

endorse any organisations or expeditions, you

you think?”

can find advice on choosing a responsible,

MARY

ethical and safe shark experience at www.

CAROTHERS

sharktrust.org/experience-sharks.

Shark Trust: Eggcases come in all shapes and sizes! As

SHARK LIVER OIL

a biological

Talk of a COVID-19 vaccine has shone a bright light on the issue of shark products.

Particularly squalene (shark liver oil) which is often used in vaccines. Over the past few weeks we’ve received a few enquiries about this and what we’re doing to solve the problem.

Shark Trust: Squalene is an organic compound which can be extracted from shark liver oil. It’s widely used in cosmetics. And as an adjuvant to increase the efficient delivery of certain vaccines. Including some of those in development for COVID-19.

Recent media coverage, about the number of sharks that may be being killed to supply squalene for COVID vaccines has been alarming. But it should be noted that these figures are based on hypothetical worst-case scenarios. Shark squalene is often sourced from slow-growing deepwater sharks. Having a low reproductive rate, these species are extremely vulnerable to exploitation. Effectively managed fisheries are vital to ensure the survival of these species. And this is something we’re continuing to push for.

We’ve recently been in contact with pharmaceutical companies to ground truth media claims and understand the potential impact ourselves. There are alternatives for squalene - both synthetic and plant-based – but these are unproven in this context. We have to understand that speed is of the essence in getting a vaccine out. It may be that shark squalene is the best option in the short term. But we’ll continue to push for viable alternatives to be developed over the coming months and years.

can be a lot

product there of variation.

Even between from the same species!

Causing even the most

“My son has just turned 7 and is very interested

seasoned eggcase hunter

in sharks. He was given a real shark tooth

to take a second look.

on a leather necklace as a birthday present

The shape and size of an

and loves it. I’d like to be able to give him a

eggcase will often change

full set of teeth and jaws, but am concerned

depending on whether it’s

that buying online may perpetuate poor

hydrated and flexible, or

conservation practices. I wonder if you could

dehydrated and stiff. Always

give me some guidance on acquiring such

worth soaking eggcases

a thing, without causing any damage to the

in a bucket of seawater as

population.” - PHIL BISHOP

they’ll often contract in size

Shark Trust: We understand the fascination

and shape when dry. This

with shark teeth and jaws. And applaud

eggcase is from a Clearnose

your desire to avoid supporting unethical

Skate (Raja eglanteria). But

practices. Getting hold of real shark jaws, or

it appears to be a slightly

it’s from a responsible and sustainable

SHARK DAY TRIPS

best places around the world (predominantly

source. Some questions to ask include what

“I’m highly interested in the conservation and

Europe) and is it possible to get involved with

species of shark is it from? Where and how

protection of sharks, and would absolutely love

any expeditions at all?” - BRETT STEVENTON

was the shark caught? And was the shark

to get the opportunity to be able to see these

Shark Trust: Seeing these amazing creatures

targeted solely for use in the curio trade? If in

amazing animals in the flesh. Where are the

in the wild is certainly a game changer! In the

doubt, avoid purchasing. sharktrust.org

a very keen focus on overfishing as the big issue for sharks. And, we need policy-makers to focus on sustainable management as an end goal (see p.12) We’re confident that the UK Government will act to address fin imports. Since the Brexit referendum we’ve been in regular contact with the Government. Together we’re working to agree a strong post-Brexit position on sharks. And fin imports have always been on the agenda. They are listening. But our challenge is to ensure that action on the fin trade isn’t seen as “job done” for sharks. Or distract from the bigger issue at hand.

We’re looking to the UK Government to take a strong position on shark fishing. To use their influence and renewed independence to lead Europe and the world in adopting the goals of science-based shark conservation. We must go way beyond banning fins in suitcases to safeguard the future of sharks.

Shark fins

‘stretched’ specimen. This could be a result of it drying © MOHD HALIMI ABDULLAH

we’d encourage. Unless you’re able to ensure

© MINDEN/NATUREPL; TERRY GOSS.

SHARK TEETH & JAWS

any curio items from sharks is not something

4.

eggcases

Blue Shark

Some of our social media followers highlighted the recent petition to ban the import of shark fins. This hit the target of 100,000 signatures in September. And it’s the latest attempt to pressure the Government to call time on what appear to be crazy anomalies in the import system. While we understand the drive behind this petition, we took a decision not to openly support it. We discussed in the last issue of Shark Focus our thoughts on the limitations of online petitions (issue 64, p.10). And we’ve also recently included articles about our take on fin trade bans (issue 62, p.14).

The fin trade has long been a lightning rod for the wider issue of shark overfishing. But, fins are no longer (in fact have never been) the only reason that sharks are fished.

So, fin trade bans are not a panacea.

We need to go further. As the global fin trade is declining, the trade in meat is on the rise. We need to keep

out, and/or due to a natural anomaly in the shape of the eggcase. Fascinating find thanks so much for sharing!

sharktrust.org

5.

GLOBAL news

SEPTEMBER GLOBAL // HOW MASSIVE WAS THE MEG? Speaking of big fish… we know the Megalodon (Otodus megalodon) was huge! But, previously we only had an estimation of its length based on fossil teeth and mathematical

6.

Shark. Now, scientists have determined the size of different body

3D illustration

parts of this prehistoric

of a MEGA MEGALODON!

shark using comparisons Angelshark - one of the 22 species belonging to the angel shark family.

to five species of shark still found in our oceans today. Their results reveal

JUNE

GLOBAL // INTERNATIONAL #ANGELSHARKDAY We celebrated the first ever International Angel Shark Day on 26th June! A day to

that a 16m Megalodon would’ve had a head measuring ~4.65m long, a tail ~3.85m high, and a dorsal fin as tall as a human at ~1.62m!

shine a light on the third most threatened family of elasmobranch in the world. As a

OCTOBER

way of showcasing the 22 species found globally, and the work being done to

SCOTLAND // FLAPPER SKATE EGGCASE

protect them, we went live with fascinating

SUCCESSFULLY HATCHES IN CAPTIVITY

online talks from international researchers and conservationists. Head on over to our

In what’s thought to be a world first, a Critically

Fossilized

YouTube channel to watch the recordings,

Endangered Flapper Skate eggcase has been successfully

Megalodon

and discover more about the work going

cared for in captivity. After an 18-month incubation

tooth with

on in Wales, the Canary Islands, Chile, Peru,

modern day

period, a male Flapper Skate measuring 27cm was filmed

Italy, Greece, Libya, and the Mediterranean!

White Shark

hatching from the eggcase. These findings provide further

Whale Shark

ITALY // THE NAKED SHARK Researchers have discovered a bizarre looking shark off the coast of Sardinia.

A shark lacking skin and teeth! This ‘naked’ Blackmouth Catshark (Galeus melastomus) is the first catshark to be discovered without its fundamental tooth-like skin of dermal denticles or teeth! Despite this potentially fatal abnormality, this shark was well developed and healthy. Showing us just how much there’s still to learn about shark biology.

insight into the gestation period of this highly vulnerable

comparison

SEPTEMBER sharktrust.org/news

© WARPAINT/SHUTTERSTOCK; MARK KOSTICH/SHUTTERSTOCK.

AUGUST

tooth for

© GARETH MILLSON; LUIS MIGUEL ESTEVEZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.

GLOBAL NEWS

comparisons to the White

species. This young skate is now happily living in the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area.

UK // RARE ‘WHITE’ SHARK CAUGHT OFF THE BRITISH ISLES

AUSTRALIA // BIGGEST FISH IN THE OCEAN... DIDN’T WE

An angler got the surprise of his life when he caught

ALREADY KNOW THIS?

(and released) a ‘white’ Tope (Galeorhinus galeus) off

We all know it’s the Whale Shark…right?! Yet, there’s been an ongoing

the Isle of Wight. Its white skin and pink tinged fin tips

debate about whether the male or female of the species held this

led scientists to believe the genetic condition albinism

title. Now, scientists have officially declared female Whale Sharks

is the cause for loss of pigmentation. Whilst albinism

to be bigger. Following a 10-year study at Ningaloo Reef, it was

has been recorded in other species of elasmobranch,

discovered that whilst males grew quickly, their growth levelled off.

it’s very rare. It’s possible this condition affects the

Females grew more slowly, eventually surpassing the males. Their

survival rate of some individuals, due to them being

larger size is an advantage for carrying lots of pups.

more highly visible to predators.

/TheSharkTrust

@SharkTrustUK

7.

GLOBAL news

SEPTEMBER GLOBAL // HOW MASSIVE WAS THE MEG? Speaking of big fish… we know the Megalodon (Otodus megalodon) was huge! But, previously we only had an estimation of its length based on fossil teeth and mathematical

6.

Shark. Now, scientists have determined the size of different body

3D illustration

parts of this prehistoric

of a MEGA MEGALODON!

shark using comparisons Angelshark - one of the 22 species belonging to the angel shark family.

to five species of shark still found in our oceans today. Their results reveal

JUNE

GLOBAL // INTERNATIONAL #ANGELSHARKDAY We celebrated the first ever International Angel Shark Day on 26th June! A day to

that a 16m Megalodon would’ve had a head measuring ~4.65m long, a tail ~3.85m high, and a dorsal fin as tall as a human at ~1.62m!

shine a light on the third most threatened family of elasmobranch in the world. As a

OCTOBER

way of showcasing the 22 species found globally, and the work being done to

SCOTLAND // FLAPPER SKATE EGGCASE

protect them, we went live with fascinating

SUCCESSFULLY HATCHES IN CAPTIVITY

online talks from international researchers and conservationists. Head on over to our

In what’s thought to be a world first, a Critically

Fossilized

YouTube channel to watch the recordings,

Endangered Flapper Skate eggcase has been successfully

Megalodon

and discover more about the work going

cared for in captivity. After an 18-month incubation

tooth with

on in Wales, the Canary Islands, Chile, Peru,

modern day

period, a male Flapper Skate measuring 27cm was filmed

Italy, Greece, Libya, and the Mediterranean!

White Shark

hatching from the eggcase. These findings provide further

Whale Shark

ITALY // THE NAKED SHARK Researchers have discovered a bizarre looking shark off the coast of Sardinia.

A shark lacking skin and teeth! This ‘naked’ Blackmouth Catshark (Galeus melastomus) is the first catshark to be discovered without its fundamental tooth-like skin of dermal denticles or teeth! Despite this potentially fatal abnormality, this shark was well developed and healthy. Showing us just how much there’s still to learn about shark biology.

insight into the gestation period of this highly vulnerable

comparison

SEPTEMBER sharktrust.org/news

© WARPAINT/SHUTTERSTOCK; MARK KOSTICH/SHUTTERSTOCK.

AUGUST

tooth for

© GARETH MILLSON; LUIS MIGUEL ESTEVEZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.

GLOBAL NEWS

comparisons to the White

species. This young skate is now happily living in the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area.

UK // RARE ‘WHITE’ SHARK CAUGHT OFF THE BRITISH ISLES

AUSTRALIA // BIGGEST FISH IN THE OCEAN... DIDN’T WE

An angler got the surprise of his life when he caught

ALREADY KNOW THIS?

(and released) a ‘white’ Tope (Galeorhinus galeus) off

We all know it’s the Whale Shark…right?! Yet, there’s been an ongoing

the Isle of Wight. Its white skin and pink tinged fin tips

debate about whether the male or female of the species held this

led scientists to believe the genetic condition albinism

title. Now, scientists have officially declared female Whale Sharks

is the cause for loss of pigmentation. Whilst albinism

to be bigger. Following a 10-year study at Ningaloo Reef, it was

has been recorded in other species of elasmobranch,

discovered that whilst males grew quickly, their growth levelled off.

it’s very rare. It’s possible this condition affects the

Females grew more slowly, eventually surpassing the males. Their

survival rate of some individuals, due to them being

larger size is an advantage for carrying lots of pups.

more highly visible to predators.

/TheSharkTrust

@SharkTrustUK

7.

DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS How we can all change the

CONVERSATION

about sharks

H

Wobbegong: Sharks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

ow many of us haven’t had that moment when we read or hear something about sharks

that makes us want to cry out “NOOOO!!!”. Starting with Jaws and leading right up to modern-day tabloid headlines. Exaggeration and mistruth seem to follow sharks like pilot fish catching a ride.

We all have times when we want to set the record straight, to “defend” sharks. And over the years, we’ve seen no end of imaginative ways of doing so. But it appears that nothing is really changing in the way that the wider world talks about sharks. What are we doing wrong?

Over the next few pages, we take a look at some of the key issues in how sharks are being talked about. And meet a couple of the scientists who’ve stood up to challenge the norms and suggested the best way forward.

8.

10.

10.

12.

Drop the Toaster Time to Shift Focus

Don’t Be a Parrot The Repetition Trap

The Role of the Media in Shark Conservation sharktrust.org

© NICK ROBERTSON-BROWN

IN THIS SECTION

13.

14.

15.

Key Messages & Takeaways

Fact or Factoid

The Danger of Crying Wolf

sharktrust.org

9.

DISPELLING SHARK MYTHS How we can all change the

CONVERSATION

about sharks

H

Wobbegong: Sharks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

ow many of us haven’t had that moment when we read or hear something about sharks

that makes us want to cry out “NOOOO!!!”. Starting with Jaws and leading right up to modern-day tabloid headlines. Exaggeration and mistruth seem to follow sharks like pilot fish catching a ride.

We all have times when we want to set the record straight, to “defend” sharks. And over the years, we’ve seen no end of imaginative ways of doing so. But it appears that nothing is really changing in the way that the wider world talks about sharks. What are we doing wrong?

Over the next few pages, we take a look at some of the key issues in how sharks are being talked about. And meet a couple of the scientists who’ve stood up to challenge the norms and suggested the best way forward.

8.

10.

10.

12.

Drop the Toaster Time to Shift Focus

Don’t Be a Parrot The Repetition Trap

The Role of the Media in Shark Conservation sharktrust.org

© NICK ROBERTSON-BROWN

IN THIS SECTION

13.

14.

15.

Key Messages & Takeaways

Fact or Factoid

The Danger of Crying Wolf

sharktrust.org

9.

DROP THE TOASTER… GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE SCARY SHARK MYTH MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SHARKS GO BACK A LONG WAY. THE FIRST WAVE GOES BACK TO “THAT FILM” BUT WE STILL FEEL THE EFFECTS TO THIS DAY. OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR, PAUL COX, LOOKS AT WHAT WE’VE LEARNT ABOUT DEALING WITH THE MYTHS AND HOW WE MIGHT SHIFT THE FOCUS.

those well-meaning words: “Sharks attack and kill people”. Is that really what we want people to take away? We need to be a bit more careful when we set out to defend sharks.

This is a classic example of what Ralph Underhill of Framing Matters would describe as a communication trap. He calls it parroting.

When we try to refute an idea, we can be guilty of just reinforcing it (see below).

So, what should we do? Well firstly, as

WHAT STARTED WITH ‘JAWS’ IS REINFORCED WITH THE REGULAR STREAM OF “MONSTER SHARK” STORIES THAT FLOOD THE MEDIA Ralph suggests, we should focus on what’s good about sharks. Talk about them as a diverse group, talk about their incredible biology. And talk about positive experiences we’ve had with them.

But if the old a##ack line comes up, Chris Pepin-Neff offers some advice. He’s been working for many years on reframing the issue. He suggests that the word “attack” is too

DON’T BE A PARROT! THE REPETITION TRAP

© SUESSE/SHUTTERSTOCK

B

y the end of this article, you might be wondering why I wrote it in the first place!

But read on anyway. We all know the reputation sharks have been given makes it difficult to gain support for conservation efforts. Jaws is held largely responsible. But this is reinforced with the regular stream of “Monster Shark” stories that flood mainstream media.

So, what do we do? We fight back. We challenge the misunderstandings of course.

And that’s what’s been happening. For over 20 years. It’s got quite imaginative. We’ve had comparisons with toasters, hippos, vending machines, selfies, bees, mosquitos and let’s not forget, the deadly coconut. We’ve had a bit of fun with it. But behind the fun is a serious desire to challenge the over-emphasis on “shark attacks” that we hear about in the media.

“Shark attacks kill 12 people each year, while humans kill millions of sharks”. Every time I come across a version of this – online, in an aquarium, on TV, in presentations – it makes me shudder. Because statistically this might well be true. But fear isn’t cured by numbers. And there’s a message hidden in

toxic and has to be avoided.

“The words shark attack can create a perception of a premeditated crime, lowering the public’s threshold for accepting shark bite incidents as random acts of nature. The narrative establishes villains and victims, cause and effect, perceptions of public risk and a problem to be solved.”

By using those words, regardless of what else we say, we’re strengthening that narrative. Shark interactions with humans, he argues, take a number of forms. But these are, too often, grouped under the “shark attack” banner. Instead he’s put forward a system of four categories for scientists, the media, policymakers and everyone else to use when talking about shark-human incidents. These are “shark sightings”, “shark encounters”, “shark bites” and “fatal shark bites”. Using these phrases thoughtfully gives us a more accurate description of the variety of events.

And it removes the idea of premeditation. This subtle change could make a big difference.

So, what’s the message here? Simply this.

If we want people to stop talking about shark attacks, we all need to stop talking about shark attacks. Completely. So, drop the toaster stuff and move on. And that’s why maybe I should never have written this!

WARNING!

DON’T JUST REPEAT BACK WHAT THEY SAY TAKEN FROM “THE POSITIVE

Instead of debating with the opposition, get on the front foot and repeat your key 10.

point. When Nixon famously said “I am not a crook” it

made everyone immediately think “he’s a crook”.

Instead, he should

have said: “I am an honest man”.

When we repeat an opponent’s

COMMUNICATION TOOLKIT –

unhelpful position, even to refute it, we’re still reinforcing it. sharktrust.org

CONSERVATION OPTIMISM” SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COMMUNICATION TRAPS.

sharktrust.org

11.

DROP THE TOASTER… GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE SCARY SHARK MYTH MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SHARKS GO BACK A LONG WAY. THE FIRST WAVE GOES BACK TO “THAT FILM” BUT WE STILL FEEL THE EFFECTS TO THIS DAY. OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR, PAUL COX, LOOKS AT WHAT WE’VE LEARNT ABOUT DEALING WITH THE MYTHS AND HOW WE MIGHT SHIFT THE FOCUS.

those well-meaning words: “Sharks attack and kill people”. Is that really what we want people to take away? We need to be a bit more careful when we set out to defend sharks.

This is a classic example of what Ralph Underhill of Framing Matters would describe as a communication trap. He calls it parroting.

When we try to refute an idea, we can be guilty of just reinforcing it (see below).

So, what should we do? Well firstly, as

WHAT STARTED WITH ‘JAWS’ IS REINFORCED WITH THE REGULAR STREAM OF “MONSTER SHARK” STORIES THAT FLOOD THE MEDIA Ralph suggests, we should focus on what’s good about sharks. Talk about them as a diverse group, talk about their incredible biology. And talk about positive experiences we’ve had with them.

But if the old a##ack line comes up, Chris Pepin-Neff offers some advice. He’s been working for many years on reframing the issue. He suggests that the word “attack” is too

DON’T BE A PARROT! THE REPETITION TRAP

© SUESSE/SHUTTERSTOCK

B

y the end of this article, you might be wondering why I wrote it in the first place!

But read on anyway. We all know the reputation sharks have been given makes it difficult to gain support for conservation efforts. Jaws is held largely responsible. But this is reinforced with the regular stream of “Monster Shark” stories that flood mainstream media.

So, what do we do? We fight back. We challenge the misunderstandings of course.

And that’s what’s been happening. For over 20 years. It’s got quite imaginative. We’ve had comparisons with toasters, hippos, vending machines, selfies, bees, mosquitos and let’s not forget, the deadly coconut. We’ve had a bit of fun with it. But behind the fun is a serious desire to challenge the over-emphasis on “shark attacks” that we hear about in the media.

“Shark attacks kill 12 people each year, while humans kill millions of sharks”. Every time I come across a version of this – online, in an aquarium, on TV, in presentations – it makes me shudder. Because statistically this might well be true. But fear isn’t cured by numbers. And there’s a message hidden in

toxic and has to be avoided.

“The words shark attack can create a perception of a premeditated crime, lowering the public’s threshold for accepting shark bite incidents as random acts of nature. The narrative establishes villains and victims, cause and effect, perceptions of public risk and a problem to be solved.”

By using those words, regardless of what else we say, we’re strengthening that narrative. Shark interactions with humans, he argues, take a number of forms. But these are, too often, grouped under the “shark attack” banner. Instead he’s put forward a system of four categories for scientists, the media, policymakers and everyone else to use when talking about shark-human incidents. These are “shark sightings”, “shark encounters”, “shark bites” and “fatal shark bites”. Using these phrases thoughtfully gives us a more accurate description of the variety of events.

And it removes the idea of premeditation. This subtle change could make a big difference.

So, what’s the message here? Simply this.

If we want people to stop talking about shark attacks, we all need to stop talking about shark attacks. Completely. So, drop the toaster stuff and move on. And that’s why maybe I should never have written this!

WARNING!

DON’T JUST REPEAT BACK WHAT THEY SAY TAKEN FROM “THE POSITIVE

Instead of debating with the opposition, get on the front foot and repeat your key 10.

point. When Nixon famously said “I am not a crook” it

made everyone immediately think “he’s a crook”.

Instead, he should

have said: “I am an honest man”.

When we repeat an opponent’s

COMMUNICATION TOOLKIT –

unhelpful position, even to refute it, we’re still reinforcing it. sharktrust.org

CONSERVATION OPTIMISM” SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COMMUNICATION TRAPS.

sharktrust.org

11.

t s e g g i b e h t is s k r a h s g n i c a f threat

SO WHAT? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

It’s probably no surprise that we found this research so interesting. Regular readers might be tiring of hearing us talk about the importance of focusing on overfishing. And the need to move on from finning as THE issue. We know from experience how important it is not to bind up policymakers time with things that feel good but make little difference to the big picture. We know how important credibility is when putting the case for reform. There’s no room for bad science if you’re serious about conservation.

WHY EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT SHARK CONSERVATION IS WRONG (IF YOU READ THE PAPERS!)

We feel very strongly about the importance of this. It goes right to the

KEY MESSAGES TO TAKEAWAY:

core of our beliefs about what we do.

By supporting us, you’re already going a long way to addressing the

THE “JAWS EFFECT” CREATED A FIRST WAVE OF MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT SHARKS. BUT ARE WE NOW IN THE GRIP OF A

01.

need to focus on science-based

SECOND WAVE. DIFFERENT BUT ARGUABLY JUST AS DAMAGING. DAVID SHIFFMAN PHD TELLS US ABOUT THE WORK HE’S BEEN

Shark finning is not the

see old arguments and misleading

DOING ON THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN SHAPING OUR VIEWS ON SHARK CONSERVATION.

main threat to sharks any

statistics recycled at the expense of

more – overfishing is.

genuine progress. In David’s paper he

By David Shiffman, Ph.D.

12.

new research paper I led Inaccurate and Biased Global Media Coverage Underlies Public Misunderstanding of Shark Conservation Threats and Solutions, looks at a major contributor to this large-scale misunderstanding. We looked at nearly 2,000 news articles about shark conservation from the Englishspeaking world. And we came to the inescapable conclusion that the way shark conservation is discussed in the news is shockingly inaccurate.

If you were learning about shark conservation exclusively from reading newspaper coverage of this topic, you might be convinced that shark finning is the largest - or only - threat to sharks.

It isn’t. And it hasn’t been for a long time! You also wouldn’t appreciate the significant and growing trade in shark meat. You’d probably wrongly believe that the only solution that exists for sharks is

banning the trade in shark fins. And you’d have little or no idea about sustainable fisheries management tools, which have much greater support from experts. And much more evidence showing that they work. You’d rarely hear about the most effective shark conservation organisations who could really use your help. And you’d have no idea what conservation issues are facing the shark species in greatest need of conservation attention.

In short, if you learned about shark conservation just from reading the news, you’d want to help. But you’d have no idea how to effectively do so.

Worse still, you probably wouldn’t know what you don’t know! If you want to help, it’s important to discover the reality of what’s happening from experts.

Unfortunately, our study shows that reading the newspaper is not an effective way to do that.

sharktrust.org

02.

Sustainable shark fisheries are possible. And evidence © CHARLES TAYLOR/SHUTTERSTOCK; ROBYN MACKENZIE/SHUTTERSTOCK.

S

ince scientific experts aren’t the ones who make laws, it’s important that concerned citizens and policymakers get the true picture on the world’s biggest environmental challenges. When we misunderstand what the problem is and what the available solutions are, we’re much less likely to be able to solve the problem in an effective, evidencebased manner. I’m a shark conservation biologist who studies not only how to effectively protect sharks, but what people know about this issue. And I’m here to tell you that we have a big problem on our hands!

While it’s great that more people than ever before care about sharks and want to help them, many are badly misinformed about what problems need to be solved.

And what the available solutions are! A

shows they can work.

conservation. And we need that support. We need everyone to be critical and to challenge what we read in the papers. Not just the stuff about “Monster Sharks”. But also where we

THE WAY SHARK CONSERVATION IS DISCUSSED IN THE NEWS IS SHOCKINGLY INACCURATE

talks about the danger of “crying wolf” – exaggerated claims and statistics quoted out of context can come back to haunt us.

In these pages we go to great lengths to ensure that everything we print can be backed up by evidence and presents an honest picture. We see way too many examples where this isn’t happening.

03.

The sharks that are most

We’ve been quietly (and not so quietly) campaigning on the need to change the narrative for a few years DOWNLOAD THE FULL

now. It’s a vital next step. Next year,

ARTICLE FOR FREE:

we’re gearing up to be far more vocal about this issue.

Everyone – scientists,

threatened are often the

conservationists, educators – has a

least well known.

role to play in being far more careful

For more info on how we talk about sharks check out Issue 62 p.19.

sharktrust.org

about what we say. And, far more importantly, what people hear. This study is a call to action. We intend to answer that call.

13.

t s e g g i b e h t is s k r a h s g n i c a f threat

SO WHAT? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

It’s probably no surprise that we found this research so interesting. Regular readers might be tiring of hearing us talk about the importance of focusing on overfishing. And the need to move on from finning as THE issue. We know from experience how important it is not to bind up policymakers time with things that feel good but make little difference to the big picture. We know how important credibility is when putting the case for reform. There’s no room for bad science if you’re serious about conservation.

WHY EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT SHARK CONSERVATION IS WRONG (IF YOU READ THE PAPERS!)

We feel very strongly about the importance of this. It goes right to the

KEY MESSAGES TO TAKEAWAY:

core of our beliefs about what we do.

By supporting us, you’re already going a long way to addressing the

THE “JAWS EFFECT” CREATED A FIRST WAVE OF MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT SHARKS. BUT ARE WE NOW IN THE GRIP OF A

01.

need to focus on science-based

SECOND WAVE. DIFFERENT BUT ARGUABLY JUST AS DAMAGING. DAVID SHIFFMAN PHD TELLS US ABOUT THE WORK HE’S BEEN

Shark finning is not the

see old arguments and misleading

DOING ON THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN SHAPING OUR VIEWS ON SHARK CONSERVATION.

main threat to sharks any

statistics recycled at the expense of

more – overfishing is.

genuine progress. In David’s paper he

By David Shiffman, Ph.D.

12.

new research paper I led Inaccurate and Biased Global Media Coverage Underlies Public Misunderstanding of Shark Conservation Threats and Solutions, looks at a major contributor to this large-scale misunderstanding. We looked at nearly 2,000 news articles about shark conservation from the Englishspeaking world. And we came to the inescapable conclusion that the way shark conservation is discussed in the news is shockingly inaccurate.

If you were learning about shark conservation exclusively from reading newspaper coverage of this topic, you might be convinced that shark finning is the largest - or only - threat to sharks.

It isn’t. And it hasn’t been for a long time! You also wouldn’t appreciate the significant and growing trade in shark meat. You’d probably wrongly believe that the only solution that exists for sharks is

banning the trade in shark fins. And you’d have little or no idea about sustainable fisheries management tools, which have much greater support from experts. And much more evidence showing that they work. You’d rarely hear about the most effective shark conservation organisations who could really use your help. And you’d have no idea what conservation issues are facing the shark species in greatest need of conservation attention.

In short, if you learned about shark conservation just from reading the news, you’d want to help. But you’d have no idea how to effectively do so.

Worse still, you probably wouldn’t know what you don’t know! If you want to help, it’s important to discover the reality of what’s happening from experts.

Unfortunately, our study shows that reading the newspaper is not an effective way to do that.

sharktrust.org

02.

Sustainable shark fisheries are possible. And evidence © CHARLES TAYLOR/SHUTTERSTOCK; ROBYN MACKENZIE/SHUTTERSTOCK.

S

ince scientific experts aren’t the ones who make laws, it’s important that concerned citizens and policymakers get the true picture on the world’s biggest environmental challenges. When we misunderstand what the problem is and what the available solutions are, we’re much less likely to be able to solve the problem in an effective, evidencebased manner. I’m a shark conservation biologist who studies not only how to effectively protect sharks, but what people know about this issue. And I’m here to tell you that we have a big problem on our hands!

While it’s great that more people than ever before care about sharks and want to help them, many are badly misinformed about what problems need to be solved.

And what the available solutions are! A

shows they can work.

conservation. And we need that support. We need everyone to be critical and to challenge what we read in the papers. Not just the stuff about “Monster Sharks”. But also where we

THE WAY SHARK CONSERVATION IS DISCUSSED IN THE NEWS IS SHOCKINGLY INACCURATE

talks about the danger of “crying wolf” – exaggerated claims and statistics quoted out of context can come back to haunt us.

In these pages we go to great lengths to ensure that everything we print can be backed up by evidence and presents an honest picture. We see way too many examples where this isn’t happening.

03.

The sharks that are most

We’ve been quietly (and not so quietly) campaigning on the need to change the narrative for a few years DOWNLOAD THE FULL

now. It’s a vital next step. Next year,

ARTICLE FOR FREE:

we’re gearing up to be far more vocal about this issue.

Everyone – scientists,

threatened are often the

conservationists, educators – has a

least well known.

role to play in being far more careful

For more info on how we talk about sharks check out Issue 62 p.19.

sharktrust.org

about what we say. And, far more importantly, what people hear. This study is a call to action. We intend to answer that call.

13.

SPECIES OF SHARKS AND RAYS HAD BEEN ASSESSED ON THE IUCN RED LIST IN 2014

116 PITA SKATE (CR)

127

EPAULETTE SHARK (LC)

45.5% 34.9% 12.2% 11.2%

4.3%

1.9%

FACT OR FACTOID DD

SHOVELNOSE GUITARFISH (NT)

We decided to dig into a

DATA DEFICIENT couple of

LC

NT

LEAST CONCERN

VU

EN

THERE’S DANGER IN “CRYING WOLF”?

CR

David Shiffman (p.12) suggests that if

CRITICALLY NEAR VULNERABLE ENDANGERED ENDANGERED THRETENED

we misrepresent or exaggerate data

the most quoted facts about sharks...

then we risk “crying wolf”. We create a situation where people don’t believe us

SOURCE: Global Shark and Ray Initiative (2015), based on Dulvy et. al. (2014)

when we later try to accurately describe a problem.

ARE SHARKS ENDANGERED?

That matters. It’s reason to be very

HOW MANY SHARKS ARE KILLED BY HUMANS EACH YEAR?

cautious when throwing numbers around

AS WITH ALL things shark, it’s not that

summary is from 2014. This shows that 65

categories describe the species most at risk.

WE’VE ALL SEEN the huge numbers. For many,

quoted? And how reliable are the statistics?

to make a case. Following the science

simple. The best answer is “some are,

species of sharks and rays were at that

But look at the almost half of species that

these statistics can be a persuasive call to

The answers lie in two major studies:

means being sticklers for accuracy. And,

some aren’t”.

time classed as Endangered or Critically

are Data Deficient. This shows the enormous

action. For others they might signal a hopeless

Endangered. With a further 116 in the other

uncertainty not only in estimating shark

situation, or even that there are too many

threatened category Vulnerable. These three

mortality but also in assessing status.

sharks in the sea!

We need to look to the IUCN Red List to answer this question. The latest published

But why do we see different numbers

1/4

GREAT HAMMERHEAD (EN)

An estimated 1/4 of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction and require action without delay.

FIN TRADE IN YEAR 2000

472 NURSE SHARK (DD)

SPECIES OF SHARK AND RAY HAD BEEN ASSESSED ON THE IUCN RED LIST IN 2014

Thanks to a huge effort over the last few years, we’re now eagerly awaiting

258

FISHING MORTALITY IN YEAR 2000

Million sharks killed for their fins

DD

LC

DATA DEFICIENT

LEAST CONCERN

NT

VU

4.3%

1.9%

EN

CR

FIN TRADE

FISHING MORTALITY

CRITICALLY NEAR VULNERABLE ENDANGERED ENDANGERED THRETENED

38M

73M

50M

100M

150M

200M

250M

300M 273M

63M LOWER

SOURCE: Global Shark and Ray Initiative (2015), based on Dulvy et. al. (2014)

2%

These estimates are based on data from 2000. This predates much of the progress that's been made on finning bans, fishing restrictions and trade measures.

UPPER

26M

0

8%

Research source: Boris Worm et. al. (2013)

MEDIAN

LOWER

45.5% 34.9% 12.2% 11.2%

63% 27%

Illegal and unreported

Published global estimates for 2000

PITA SKATE (CR)

Million sharks a year

Estimate made up of: Finned sharks

100

Recorded catch

116 127

exaggerate!

mortality (Worm et. al, 2013)

Research source: Shelly Clarke et. al. (2006) The study actually showed up to 73 million sharks 'traded' for their fins every year. So, not all were killed for their fins.

A subtle but important distinction.

45

EPAULETTE SHARK (LC)

are bad enough without needing to

A 2013 study estimating total fishing

Died after release

20

1,038

1.7M tonnes fins = 38M sharks

let’s face it, the problems facing sharks

Shark Fin Trade (Clarke et. al. 2006)

73

HKG

SHOVELNOSE GUITARFISH (NT)

1 2

A 2006 examination of the Hong Kong

UPPER

100M

the results of a full review of shark and ray conservation

THE NUMBERS we so often see were arrived

see inconsistency in how they’re used – e.g.

22% since 2000. But illegal and unreported

statuses. So very soon

at by (understandably) using assumptions

X sharks killed for their fins, X sharks killed by

fisheries still present a challenge. We can still

or estimates where solid information wasn’t

having fins removed, etc.

only estimate their impact.

we could have more

Factoid

accurate answers.

/’ˈfaktoiɔɪd/

available. That’s important in how we present

And be better placed

noun

them to the world. The fact they’re based on

the numbers themselves is the fact that we

of shark species are being caught at above

to set conservation

A piece of unreliable information believed to be true because of the way it is presented or repeated in print.

20-year-old data should signal caution when

still don’t KNOW. We do have accurate figures

sustainable levels and improved fisheries

representing the current situation. We also

for recorded catch. This has declined about

management is urgently needed.

priorities.

14.

sharktrust.org

sharktrust.org

Perhaps the more concerning thing than

Whatever the number, it seems the majority

15.

SPECIES OF SHARKS AND RAYS HAD BEEN ASSESSED ON THE IUCN RED LIST IN 2014

116 PITA SKATE (CR)

127

EPAULETTE SHARK (LC)

45.5% 34.9% 12.2% 11.2%

4.3%

1.9%

FACT OR FACTOID DD

SHOVELNOSE GUITARFISH (NT)

We decided to dig into a

DATA DEFICIENT couple of

LC

NT

LEAST CONCERN

VU

EN

THERE’S DANGER IN “CRYING WOLF”?

CR

David Shiffman (p.12) suggests that if

CRITICALLY NEAR VULNERABLE ENDANGERED ENDANGERED THRETENED

we misrepresent or exaggerate data

the most quoted facts about sharks...

then we risk “crying wolf”. We create a situation where people don’t believe us

SOURCE: Global Shark and Ray Initiative (2015), based on Dulvy et. al. (2014)

when we later try to accurately describe a problem.

ARE SHARKS ENDANGERED?

That matters. It’s reason to be very

HOW MANY SHARKS ARE KILLED BY HUMANS EACH YEAR?

cautious when throwing numbers around

AS WITH ALL things shark, it’s not that

summary is from 2014. This shows that 65

categories describe the species most at risk.

WE’VE ALL SEEN the huge numbers. For many,

quoted? And how reliable are the statistics?

to make a case. Following the science

simple. The best answer is “some are,

species of sharks and rays were at that

But look at the almost half of species that

these statistics can be a persuasive call to

The answers lie in two major studies:

means being sticklers for accuracy. And,

some aren’t”.

time classed as Endangered or Critically

are Data Deficient. This shows the enormous

action. For others they might signal a hopeless

Endangered. With a further 116 in the other

uncertainty not only in estimating shark

situation, or even that there are too many

threatened category Vulnerable. These three

mortality but also in assessing status.

sharks in the sea!

We need to look to the IUCN Red List to answer this question. The latest published

But why do we see different numbers

1/4

GREAT HAMMERHEAD (EN)

An estimated 1/4 of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction and require action without delay.

FIN TRADE IN YEAR 2000

472 NURSE SHARK (DD)

SPECIES OF SHARK AND RAY HAD BEEN ASSESSED ON THE IUCN RED LIST IN 2014

Thanks to a huge effort over the last few years, we’re now eagerly awaiting

258

FISHING MORTALITY IN YEAR 2000

Million sharks killed for their fins

DD

LC

DATA DEFICIENT

LEAST CONCERN

NT

VU

4.3%

1.9%

EN

CR

FIN TRADE

FISHING MORTALITY

CRITICALLY NEAR VULNERABLE ENDANGERED ENDANGERED THRETENED

38M

73M

50M

100M

150M

200M

250M

300M 273M

63M LOWER

SOURCE: Global Shark and Ray Initiative (2015), based on Dulvy et. al. (2014)

2%

These estimates are based on data from 2000. This predates much of the progress that's been made on finning bans, fishing restrictions and trade measures.

UPPER

26M

0

8%

Research source: Boris Worm et. al. (2013)

MEDIAN

LOWER

45.5% 34.9% 12.2% 11.2%

63% 27%

Illegal and unreported

Published global estimates for 2000

PITA SKATE (CR)

Million sharks a year

Estimate made up of: Finned sharks

100

Recorded catch

116 127

exaggerate!

mortality (Worm et. al, 2013)

Research source: Shelly Clarke et. al. (2006) The study actually showed up to 73 million sharks 'traded' for their fins every year. So, not all were killed for their fins.

A subtle but important distinction.

45

EPAULETTE SHARK (LC)

are bad enough without needing to

A 2013 study estimating total fishing

Died after release

20

1,038

1.7M tonnes fins = 38M sharks

let’s face it, the problems facing sharks

Shark Fin Trade (Clarke et. al. 2006)

73

HKG

SHOVELNOSE GUITARFISH (NT)

1 2

A 2006 examination of the Hong Kong

UPPER

100M

the results of a full review of shark and ray conservation

THE NUMBERS we so often see were arrived

see inconsistency in how they’re used – e.g.

22% since 2000. But illegal and unreported

statuses. So very soon

at by (understandably) using assumptions

X sharks killed for their fins, X sharks killed by

fisheries still present a challenge. We can still

or estimates where solid information wasn’t

having fins removed, etc.

only estimate their impact.

we could have more

Factoid

accurate answers.

/’ˈfaktoiɔɪd/

available. That’s important in how we present

And be better placed

noun

them to the world. The fact they’re based on

the numbers themselves is the fact that we

of shark species are being caught at above

to set conservation

A piece of unreliable information believed to be true because of the way it is presented or repeated in print.

20-year-old data should signal caution when

still don’t KNOW. We do have accurate figures

sustainable levels and improved fisheries

representing the current situation. We also

for recorded catch. This has declined about

management is urgently needed.

priorities.

14.

sharktrust.org

sharktrust.org

Perhaps the more concerning thing than

Whatever the number, it seems the majority

15.

B

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

DISTRIBUTION: All

Prionace glauca

temperate and tropical

FAMILY: Carcharhinidae

waters. In tropical waters they’re found much

MAXIMUM SIZE: 3.8m

deeper, where it’s cooler.

DIET: Opportunistic

HABITAT: Often found

feeders. Diet

in the open ocean

predominately small © PETER DE MAAGT

L

fishes and squid, but will also eat cuttlefish, lobster, shrimp, carrion and sea birds.

from the surface to depths of 600m. Prefers temperatures of 12-20°C but can tolerate 8–30°C. STATUS: Near Threatened

U

E

S

H

A

R

K

B

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

DISTRIBUTION: All

Prionace glauca

temperate and tropical

FAMILY: Carcharhinidae

waters. In tropical waters they’re found much

MAXIMUM SIZE: 3.8m

deeper, where it’s cooler.

DIET: Opportunistic

HABITAT: Often found

feeders. Diet

in the open ocean

predominately small © PETER DE MAAGT

L

fishes and squid, but will also eat cuttlefish, lobster, shrimp, carrion and sea birds.

from the surface to depths of 600m. Prefers temperatures of 12-20°C but can tolerate 8–30°C. STATUS: Near Threatened

U

E

S

H

A

R

K

SHARK talk

Reef Sharks

Shortfin Mako

ALI HOOD

PAUL COX

DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION

MANAGING DIRECTOR

FACTS ARE the constant

WELL THAT’S A YEAR no-one

around which our work

is going to be sorry to wave

revolves.

goodbye to!

Thank you 2020 for

And, if you follow us on

showing us the true meaning

social media, particularly

of “working from home”. I’ve

Twitter, you’ll be used to our pleas to decision makers to ‘put science at the

always liked the odd day working at the dining

heart of shark conservation’.

room table. But six months is pushing it! It has to be said (again) that the team have done

While it’s a tenet of the work we do, it can

a great job under imperfect circumstances.

seem like a struggle in some fora.

We’re all looking forward to getting back to

Take Shortfin Mako. The fastest shark

our desks in the new year.

in the sea, and arguably one of the most

As I said in the last issue of Shark Focus,

pressing conservation crises for sharks in the Atlantic. The warning signs have been ignored

we’ve had some great efforts from our

for years. And now the scientific advice*

supporters. Working

couldn’t be clearer: prohibit retention of North

hard and playing

Atlantic Shortfin Mako without exception and

hard to raise much

restrict the South Atlantic catch. Despite the

needed funds for

projections showing sobering outcomes if

sharks. We’ve lost

fishing pressure continues, there are those

a whole year of

who wish to maintain the right to retain mako –

fundraising and it

the EU in particular.

looks like next year will also be a difficult

Only last year the EU championed mako sharks at the CITES conference. And the dire

one. So, all that

ICCAT scientific advice was pivotal to the

effort is very much

successful adoption of the CITES Appendix

appreciated.

to control international trade to ensure sustainability. Yet the EU continues to support retention of mako from the very population of Atlantic sharks on which the scientists recommend a ban. Nonsensical – from the scientific perspective. And as advocates this hypocrisy is intensely frustrating. The EU takes the lion’s share of Atlantic mako. So, their willingness to follow the science would result in significant conservation benefits for this exceptionally vulnerable species. But the reality is that it’s not only science that drives decision making. And in the case of Shortfin Mako, it seems its high value – predominantly for meat – drives decision making within the EU at this time.

But there’s room for optimism. Canada has

18.

“

But it’s not all bad news. As we head into taking shape. You might have noticed that

THERE IS ROOM FOR OPTIMISM...

PUT SCIENCE AT THE HEART OF SHARK CONSERVATION

”

with a slightly

WHAT WE SAY ABOUT SHARKS... INFLUENCES THE CHANGE WE WANT TO MAKE IN THE WORLD

the new year, we’ve got an exciting new project

”

different feel and focus. But all 100% Shark Trust.

If social media isn’t for you, then do sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep

the shark news trickling into your inbox. Visit the website and scroll to the bottom to add your name to our mailing list.

We’ll also be reaching out through

stepped up at ICCAT, championing the call

we’ve been talking about how we talk about

the power of Zoom to clubs, societies and

for a prohibition for North Atlantic mako. And

sharks quite a bit of late. Especially as part of

schools in the UK and further afield. So, if

the UK - having exited the EU - are now an

the theme of this issue. There’s a reason for

you want to share your love of sharks with

independent voice in a number of high-seas

that. We believe it really matters. What we say

friends, colleagues or pupils, get in touch

fisheries management organisations, including

about sharks not only allows us to get more

through the website.

ICCAT. Having previously championed the scientific advice for mako within the EU, to no avail. The UK’s first act as an ICCAT Party was to add their name to the science-based mako proposal led by Canada!

So, rest assured, we’ll continue to campaign for mako at ICCAT, throughout and beyond this November’s meeting. And we’ll always continue to put science at the heart of shark conservation.

© JAMES LEA; LUKAS WALTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.

II listing – which now requires countries

“

and Twitter – each

people interested and engaged. It also directly

It feels like we’re all appreciating the natural

in the world. So, we’re going to be doing a lot

world a little more. 2021 marks the beginning

more of it. More comment, more infographics,

of the United Nations Decade of Ocean

more videos, more championing of science-

Science for Sustainable Development. It can

based conservation. If you follow us on social

only be a good time to shout from the rooftops

media, you might have seen some changes

about the positive change we can achieve with

over the last few months. You’ll see a lot more

science-based shark conservation.

coming up next year. So, if you don’t follow us then please, give it a go. Instagram, Facebook sharktrust.org

Support for our work is growing all the time.

influences the change that we want to make

So, here’s to the New Year (hopefully a bit better than the old one)!

19.

SHARK talk

Reef Sharks

Shortfin Mako

ALI HOOD

PAUL COX

DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION

MANAGING DIRECTOR

FACTS ARE the constant

WELL THAT’S A YEAR no-one

around which our work

is going to be sorry to wave

revolves.

goodbye to!

Thank you 2020 for

And, if you follow us on

showing us the true meaning

social media, particularly

of “working from home”. I’ve

Twitter, you’ll be used to our pleas to decision makers to ‘put science at the

always liked the odd day working at the dining

heart of shark conservation’.

room table. But six months is pushing it! It has to be said (again) that the team have done

While it’s a tenet of the work we do, it can

a great job under imperfect circumstances.

seem like a struggle in some fora.

We’re all looking forward to getting back to

Take Shortfin Mako. The fastest shark

our desks in the new year.

in the sea, and arguably one of the most

As I said in the last issue of Shark Focus,

pressing conservation crises for sharks in the Atlantic. The warning signs have been ignored

we’ve had some great efforts from our

for years. And now the scientific advice*

supporters. Working

couldn’t be clearer: prohibit retention of North

hard and playing

Atlantic Shortfin Mako without exception and

hard to raise much

restrict the South Atlantic catch. Despite the

needed funds for

projections showing sobering outcomes if

sharks. We’ve lost

fishing pressure continues, there are those

a whole year of

who wish to maintain the right to retain mako –

fundraising and it

the EU in particular.

looks like next year will also be a difficult

Only last year the EU championed mako sharks at the CITES conference. And the dire

one. So, all that

ICCAT scientific advice was pivotal to the

effort is very much

successful adoption of the CITES Appendix

appreciated.

to control international trade to ensure sustainability. Yet the EU continues to support retention of mako from the very population of Atlantic sharks on which the scientists recommend a ban. Nonsensical – from the scientific perspective. And as advocates this hypocrisy is intensely frustrating. The EU takes the lion’s share of Atlantic mako. So, their willingness to follow the science would result in significant conservation benefits for this exceptionally vulnerable species. But the reality is that it’s not only science that drives decision making. And in the case of Shortfin Mako, it seems its high value – predominantly for meat – drives decision making within the EU at this time.

But there’s room for optimism. Canada has

18.

“

But it’s not all bad news. As we head into taking shape. You might have noticed that

THERE IS ROOM FOR OPTIMISM...

PUT SCIENCE AT THE HEART OF SHARK CONSERVATION

”

with a slightly

WHAT WE SAY ABOUT SHARKS... INFLUENCES THE CHANGE WE WANT TO MAKE IN THE WORLD

the new year, we’ve got an exciting new project

”

different feel and focus. But all 100% Shark Trust.

If social media isn’t for you, then do sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep

the shark news trickling into your inbox. Visit the website and scroll to the bottom to add your name to our mailing list.

We’ll also be reaching out through

stepped up at ICCAT, championing the call

we’ve been talking about how we talk about

the power of Zoom to clubs, societies and

for a prohibition for North Atlantic mako. And

sharks quite a bit of late. Especially as part of

schools in the UK and further afield. So, if

the UK - having exited the EU - are now an

the theme of this issue. There’s a reason for

you want to share your love of sharks with

independent voice in a number of high-seas

that. We believe it really matters. What we say

friends, colleagues or pupils, get in touch

fisheries management organisations, including

about sharks not only allows us to get more

through the website.

ICCAT. Having previously championed the scientific advice for mako within the EU, to no avail. The UK’s first act as an ICCAT Party was to add their name to the science-based mako proposal led by Canada!

So, rest assured, we’ll continue to campaign for mako at ICCAT, throughout and beyond this November’s meeting. And we’ll always continue to put science at the heart of shark conservation.

© JAMES LEA; LUKAS WALTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.

II listing – which now requires countries

“

and Twitter – each

people interested and engaged. It also directly

It feels like we’re all appreciating the natural

in the world. So, we’re going to be doing a lot

world a little more. 2021 marks the beginning

more of it. More comment, more infographics,

of the United Nations Decade of Ocean

more videos, more championing of science-

Science for Sustainable Development. It can

based conservation. If you follow us on social

only be a good time to shout from the rooftops

media, you might have seen some changes

about the positive change we can achieve with

over the last few months. You’ll see a lot more

science-based shark conservation.

coming up next year. So, if you don’t follow us then please, give it a go. Instagram, Facebook sharktrust.org

Support for our work is growing all the time.

influences the change that we want to make

So, here’s to the New Year (hopefully a bit better than the old one)!

19.

PROJECT update PROJECT UPDATE:

FALKLAND ISLANDS Working towards species-specific reporting and sustainable fisheries management for sharks, skates and rays in the Falklands...

Toni & Georgina (FIFD) receive ID placards

IN 2017 we launched a collaborative project with the Falkland Islands Fisheries Department (FIFD), with funding from the John Ellerman Foundation.

PROJECT UPDATE:

Our aim? To work

ANGLING FOR BETTER

together towards species-specific reporting and

BEST PRACTICE

20.

“

”

sharktrust.org/anglers

observe changes in

rays around the

species diversity and

Falkland Islands.

distribution.

Falklands waters

Over the past

“

OUR PLACARDS HAVE BEEN TRANSLATED INTO SPANIAH AND KOREAN

”

few years, with local

Our two-sided

partners, we’ve been

started looking

18 skates, one ray

digital poster

They also support a

compiling research

at eggcases! This

and six sharks. And

foreign fleet fishery

and cataloguing

year, we launched

includes examples of

managed by the FIFD,

information from

two identification

eggcases. These have

where trawlers and

fisheries observers.

placards and a

been distributed to

longliners catch and

Using this, we then

comprehensive ID

the Falkland Islands,

land large volumes

developed a range

guide. The placards

enabling important

of skate and ray. The

of resources to help

are designed for

species-specific data

first step to managing

identify species.

mounting aboard

to be gathered.

release sharks responsibly.

fisheries responsibly

© MPH PHOTOS/SHUTTERSTOCK

T

Enabling us to

sharks, skates and

elasmobranchs.

anglers catch and

encounters. for catch and release, Providing us with a encouraging releasing OUR AIM? TO WORK wealth of valuable from the side of the WITH ANGLERS TO information. We boat. And the current now hope to bring conservation status PROTECT THREATENED together data (prohibited/restricted SPECIES from all corners catch limits etc.) of key of the UK to help elasmobranch species. improve our understanding of sharks, skates By working together, we’re able to reach and rays. And identify localised population and involve a wider network of recreational trends. This year, we produced a new set of anglers in citizen science and responsible advisory materials on responsible shark and angling. We’ll continue to expand our ray angling. And we shared and distributed collaborative efforts. To encourage citizen a poster to anglers. Including through the science reporting, best practice code of Cefas ‘Sea Angler Diary’ - another recording conduct, and responsible angling. All of which platform for fishers to record their catch. will help us reach our goal of a sustainable This outlines ‘best practice’ handling advice future for all sharks, skates and rays.

by species is vital.

management for

are a hotspot for

has helped many

here are around one million recreational sea-anglers in the UK. Forming an important part of coastal communities, anglers are uniquely placed to observe and collect ‘real-time’ information on sharks, skates and rays. The UK boasts an incredible diversity of elasmobranchs. But, more than a quarter of species found in UK and Irish waters are threatened. Our aim? To work with anglers to protect threatened species. And to preserve the diversity of elasmobranchs for future generations.

Over the years, we’ve provided resources and advice for responsible angling. Our Angling Recording Project also enables anglers to record their catch and release

sustainable fisheries

sharktrust.org/falklands

Since this project

fishing vessels. They

Eggcases from the

is to know about

began we’ve rapidly

differentiate between

Falklands could also

the species being

expanded our range

the most commonly

provide important

caught. But here

of ID materials.

caught and similar

information about the

lies a problem. With

Initially they were

skate species. And

distribution of these

more than 18 species

tailored for skates

have been translated

less-understood

of skate and ray,

caught as bycatch

into Spanish and

egg-laying

identification can

in the Patagonian

Korean - the main

elasmobranchs. So,

be tricky. Currently,

Toothfish Longline

languages used by

we look forward to

they’re reported as a

Fishery. Then, in

the fishery. The 32-

receiving eggcase

single mixed species

2018, we included

page ID guide advises

reports from the

assemblage, such

other elasmobranchs

on biology, ecology

Falkland Islands

as ‘ray’. Reporting

encountered and

and morphology of

community soon!

21.

PROJECT update PROJECT UPDATE:

FALKLAND ISLANDS Working towards species-specific reporting and sustainable fisheries management for sharks, skates and rays in the Falklands...

Toni & Georgina (FIFD) receive ID placards

IN 2017 we launched a collaborative project with the Falkland Islands Fisheries Department (FIFD), with funding from the John Ellerman Foundation.

PROJECT UPDATE:

Our aim? To work

ANGLING FOR BETTER

together towards species-specific reporting and

BEST PRACTICE

20.

“

”

sharktrust.org/anglers

observe changes in

rays around the

species diversity and

Falkland Islands.

distribution.

Falklands waters

Over the past

“

OUR PLACARDS HAVE BEEN TRANSLATED INTO SPANIAH AND KOREAN

”

few years, with local

Our two-sided

partners, we’ve been

started looking

18 skates, one ray

digital poster

They also support a

compiling research

at eggcases! This

and six sharks. And

foreign fleet fishery

and cataloguing

year, we launched

includes examples of

managed by the FIFD,

information from

two identification

eggcases. These have

where trawlers and

fisheries observers.

placards and a

been distributed to

longliners catch and

Using this, we then

comprehensive ID

the Falkland Islands,

land large volumes

developed a range

guide. The placards

enabling important

of skate and ray. The

of resources to help

are designed for

species-specific data

first step to managing

identify species.

mounting aboard

to be gathered.

release sharks responsibly.

fisheries responsibly

© MPH PHOTOS/SHUTTERSTOCK

T

Enabling us to

sharks, skates and

elasmobranchs.

anglers catch and

encounters. for catch and release, Providing us with a encouraging releasing OUR AIM? TO WORK wealth of valuable from the side of the WITH ANGLERS TO information. We boat. And the current now hope to bring conservation status PROTECT THREATENED together data (prohibited/restricted SPECIES from all corners catch limits etc.) of key of the UK to help elasmobranch species. improve our understanding of sharks, skates By working together, we’re able to reach and rays. And identify localised population and involve a wider network of recreational trends. This year, we produced a new set of anglers in citizen science and responsible advisory materials on responsible shark and angling. We’ll continue to expand our ray angling. And we shared and distributed collaborative efforts. To encourage citizen a poster to anglers. Including through the science reporting, best practice code of Cefas ‘Sea Angler Diary’ - another recording conduct, and responsible angling. All of which platform for fishers to record their catch. will help us reach our goal of a sustainable This outlines ‘best practice’ handling advice future for all sharks, skates and rays.

by species is vital.

management for

are a hotspot for

has helped many

here are around one million recreational sea-anglers in the UK. Forming an important part of coastal communities, anglers are uniquely placed to observe and collect ‘real-time’ information on sharks, skates and rays. The UK boasts an incredible diversity of elasmobranchs. But, more than a quarter of species found in UK and Irish waters are threatened. Our aim? To work with anglers to protect threatened species. And to preserve the diversity of elasmobranchs for future generations.

Over the years, we’ve provided resources and advice for responsible angling. Our Angling Recording Project also enables anglers to record their catch and release

sustainable fisheries

sharktrust.org/falklands

Since this project

fishing vessels. They

Eggcases from the

is to know about

began we’ve rapidly

differentiate between

Falklands could also

the species being

expanded our range

the most commonly

provide important

caught. But here

of ID materials.

caught and similar

information about the

lies a problem. With

Initially they were

skate species. And

distribution of these

more than 18 species

tailored for skates

have been translated

less-understood

of skate and ray,

caught as bycatch

into Spanish and

egg-laying

identification can

in the Patagonian

Korean - the main

elasmobranchs. So,

be tricky. Currently,

Toothfish Longline

languages used by

we look forward to

they’re reported as a

Fishery. Then, in

the fishery. The 32-

receiving eggcase

single mixed species

2018, we included

page ID guide advises

reports from the

assemblage, such

other elasmobranchs

on biology, ecology

Falkland Islands

as ‘ray’. Reporting

encountered and

and morphology of

community soon!

21.

FUN draising

FUN draising

2021

L VE SHARKS CALENDAR

SHARK CALENDAR

ALL SHARKS – bright and beautiful, great and small, weird and wonderful – we love them all.

And this year we’re excited to be launching our limited-edition calendar, which celebrates them in style.

Over the years we’ve received lots of requests for a Shark Trust calendar. And, this year we finally had the perfect opportunity to create one. So, over the past few months we’ve been busy working to bring you our LOVE SHARKS Calendar for 2021. It’s fun, colourful, and created specially for shark nuts everywhere!

With the designs almost complete, all

T H E U LT I M AT E C A L E N D A R F O R S H A R K N U T S !

we needed to bring this project to life was funding to cover our printing costs. So, early in September, we launched a six-week

James Lea tagging a Tiger Shark in the Seychelles

Kickstarter campaign to raise £2,500.

We were delighted to reach our target with time to spare! Thank you so much to everyone

A NEW ERA OF FUNDRAISING Adapting to the challenge in a strange new COVID-19 world...

22.

“

enjoying your rewards.

This Shark Trust calendar was created for shark supporters JANUARY

UNDULATE RAY

Thursday

Friday

1

Saturday

2

SMALL-EYED RAY Raja microocellata

Raja undulata

everywhere, to help you keep track of important dates throughout the year. It also includes all the jawsome holidays relating to sharks. So you’ll never miss out on an opportunity to celebrate these incredible animals.

Each month showcases a different shark and is packed full of fun facts to brighten even those darker, gloomier months.

Wednesday

AUGUST

MAY

Whale Sharks are often accompanied by pilot fish. Their relationship is a mutualistic one. In exchange for food and protection, pilot fish keep their shark free from parasites.

These welcome travelling companions are very particular when choosing which shark to follow and form a close bond with their guardian.

Monday Monday

Sunday

Tuesday Tuesday

Wednesday Wednesday

Thursday Thursday

3

Friday Friday

1

A WALKING SHARK?

Saturday Saturday

13

2

While capable of swimming, the Epaulette Shark (below) seems to prefer walking! Using their muscular pectoral fins they’re often seen ‘strolling’ over coral and between rock pools in search of food.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

HOORAY! BASKING SHARK SEASON BEGINS (UK)

PHENOMENAL PLANTS

Keep an eye out for these magnificent giants over the next few months. If you’re lucky enough to spot one remember to record your sighting to our Basking Shark Project at www.baskingsharks.org

Phytoplankton sustains zooplankton, which is primarily what Basking Sharks eat. These incredible plants are also responsible for 70% of the world’s oxygen!

Basking Sharks are often seen at these well known hot-spots: Hebrides (Skye), Hebrides (Mull), Isle of Man, Malin Head and Southwest England (Devon & Cornwall).

THORNBACK RAY Raja clavata

CUCKOO RAY

SPOTTED RAY Raja montagui

STARRY SKATE Amblyraja radiata

Leucoraja naevus

DECEMBER

SMALLSPOTTED CAT SH AR K

The world’s 2nd biggest fish can reach up to 12m long! Yet they feed on plankton - tiny microscopic plants and animals that get carried on the ocean currents. Equipped with a large mouth and huge gills, the Basking Shark is able to trap and filter plankton from the water, using long comb-like structures. These are known as gill-rakers and can strain up to 2000 tonnes of water per hour!

Sunday Sunday

Saturday

1

Scyliorhinusthey canicula The incredible Greenland Shark thrives in one of the coldest places on earth. It’s the slowest shark on record, as well as the longest living. On average cruise around 0.34m per second, yet they’re capable of short bursts of speed. By measuring amounts of the radioactive isotope Carbon-14 (partly a by-product of nuclear bomb detonations) in Greenland Sharks, scientists have discovered that they can live ~400 years!

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1

2

Thursday

Friday

2

Saturday

3

4

”

THANK YOU, YOU WERE A FANTASTIC AUDIENCE!

THANK YOU. You were a fantastic audience!

To celebrate the evening, SHARK SUPs kindly donated an all-round paddleboard for us to give away. Complete with all the accessories.

Congratulations go to our winner - Trevor! We hope you enjoy!

Over the next six months we’ll be reviewing our fundraising events and looking at how we can move forward into this new COVID-19 world. We’ll be very much adapting to the challenge. Whatever those changes might be. And we hope that you - our valued, enthusiastic fundraisers - will change with us. Together we can keep making a positive change for sharks.

5

6

7

We’re delighted to still

11

12

13

be a charity partner for

18

19

20

the South West Coast

25

26

27

HOLIDAY (SCT, NZL)

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY (USA)

2 Coast challenge next

BURNS NIGHT (SCT)

July. And we’d love you to join team shark! Visit sharktrust.org/events

AUSTRALIA DAY (AUS)

8

9

10

3

4

5

6

7

8

5

6

7

8

9

10

HOLIDAY (SCT, IRL)

JANUARY

9

10

14

15

16

17

11

12

16

17

18

21

22

23

24

18

19

20

23

24

25

28

29

30

31

25 30

26 31

27

4

5

FEBRUARY

6

7

12

13

14

15

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

28

29

30

31

10

11

17

18

8

9

Dipturus intermedius

BLONDE RAY Raja brachyura

BLUE SKATE

WORLD WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY

Dipturus batis

10

11

12

yourself a copy, you can still order one from

16

17

18

19

our online shop. Visit our website to find out

22

23

24

25

26

12

19

13

14

25

29

30

31

7

8

13

14

15

20

21

27

28

HOLIDAY (UK, IRL, CAN, AUS, NZL)

HOLIDAY (UK, IRL, CAN, AUS, NZL)

MARCH

20

21

15

22

26

27

28

29

9

APRIL

16

23

ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY

24

6

MOTHER’S DAY (USA, CAN, AUS, NZL)

HOLIDAY (UK, IRL)

11

13

more. You can also discover more about the

30 BOXING DAY CHRISTMAS EVE

VICTORIA DAY (CAN)

INTERNATIONAL WHALE SHARK DAY

31

The Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark in the world. Reaching estimated speeds of 46mph. Possibly more! Sadly, they’re caught with equal speed by fishing vessels and are now one of the most endangered species on our planet.

MEMORIAL DAY (USA)

HOLIDAY (ENG, NIR, WAL)

NEW YEAR’S EVE

HOLIDAY (UK)

2021 SHARK TRUST CALENDAR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ST STEPHEN’S DAY

inspiration behind the designs in our blog at sharktrust.org/behind-the-designs.

AUGUST

“WE DID IT FOR THE SHARKS” ON SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST,

his family in all things shark

were a few swim invasions

All proceeds from Bertie Maguire (age 5), his

and taught them to love and

plus some near misses by

calendar goes sisters Rosa and ShebaSEPTEMBER (age

respect sharks. He’s aNOVEMBER member OCTOBER

Cambridge DECEMBERpunts. Everyone

10 8)Soand their Aunty, Rosa our & work.

of the Shark Trust and wants to

had blue toes by the end of it.

you’ll also be Aers (age 40!), swam 200

do something to help protect

But it felt amazing to be able

widths of the River Cam in conservation.

Established in 1997 to safegurad future ofmoney sharks and save sharks. So he and his totheraise for the Shark

Cambridge.

It was, apparently Discover more about

science, action. Bertie’s sister Sheba Aunty came up with theeducation, river influence and Trust.

sharks at freezing cold”. But they “pretty

Registered Charity No. 1064185 | Registered Company No. 3396164 swim plan. As Bertie says: “IShark Trust said “We all had fun” and his © Hannah Tarrant/The

did it to raise money for the

love sharks”.

the sale of this

towards supporting

sharktrust.org/fundraise

3

backers in November. We also did an extra print run. So, if you missed out on getting

Scyliorhinus stellaris

FLAPPER SKATE

WHITE SKATE Rostroraja alba

2 4

Sunday

5

NURSEHOUND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

4

hang on your wall, our calendars went out to

BLACKMOUTH CATSHARK Galeus melastomus

But, when they spot a patrolling Tiger Shark, they’ll quickly move on to another area to graze. Ensuring healthy underwater meadows for many marine animals to thrive.

Tuesday

Printed on recycled paper and ready to

KNOW YOUR EGGCASES

Tiger Sharks do a fantastic job of protecting seagrass from Sea Turtles. When left unchecked, these voracious grazers would happily gobble up every blade of grass in their sights.

Monday

© RYAN DALY; ACTION CHALLENGE

O

ver the last six months we’ve been adapting to working at home.

Getting to grips with online team working. And, considering the way we fundraise in the future.

Throughout this time we’ve had some awesome fundraisers, who’ve taken on a variety of challenges. Climbing up and down the stairs, swimming widths of a river, sponsored walks in shark outfits, and selling things online. Big efforts such as these, make a big difference to us. As does every other bit of support you provide.

We also ran our online event For the Love of Sharks in September. Although we’d (of course) loved to have had everyone in the same room, it was a great success. We thoroughly enjoyed the talks by our incredible speakers; Paul Rose, Ali Hood, Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown, and Dr James Lea. And, for those of you who attended:

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021...

who supported our campaign. We hope you’re

C R E AT E D S P E C I A L LY F O R S H A R K N U T S E V E R Y W H E R E . . .

ABOUT THIS CALENDAR

contributing to shark

www.sharktrust.org

Shark Trust. Bertie is a massive shark fan and has educated

sharktrust.org/fundraise

through positive change. We achieve this through

The swim took an hour and a half to complete, and there

biggest sister Rosa concluded “We did it for the sharks”.

Lydia (Mum)

23.

FUN draising

FUN draising

2021

L VE SHARKS CALENDAR

SHARK CALENDAR

ALL SHARKS – bright and beautiful, great and small, weird and wonderful – we love them all.

And this year we’re excited to be launching our limited-edition calendar, which celebrates them in style.

Over the years we’ve received lots of requests for a Shark Trust calendar. And, this year we finally had the perfect opportunity to create one. So, over the past few months we’ve been busy working to bring you our LOVE SHARKS Calendar for 2021. It’s fun, colourful, and created specially for shark nuts everywhere!

With the designs almost complete, all

T H E U LT I M AT E C A L E N D A R F O R S H A R K N U T S !

we needed to bring this project to life was funding to cover our printing costs. So, early in September, we launched a six-week

James Lea tagging a Tiger Shark in the Seychelles

Kickstarter campaign to raise £2,500.

We were delighted to reach our target with time to spare! Thank you so much to everyone

A NEW ERA OF FUNDRAISING Adapting to the challenge in a strange new COVID-19 world...

22.

“

enjoying your rewards.

This Shark Trust calendar was created for shark supporters JANUARY

UNDULATE RAY

Thursday

Friday

1

Saturday

2

SMALL-EYED RAY Raja microocellata

Raja undulata

everywhere, to help you keep track of important dates throughout the year. It also includes all the jawsome holidays relating to sharks. So you’ll never miss out on an opportunity to celebrate these incredible animals.

Each month showcases a different shark and is packed full of fun facts to brighten even those darker, gloomier months.

Wednesday

AUGUST

MAY

Whale Sharks are often accompanied by pilot fish. Their relationship is a mutualistic one. In exchange for food and protection, pilot fish keep their shark free from parasites.

These welcome travelling companions are very particular when choosing which shark to follow and form a close bond with their guardian.

Monday Monday

Sunday

Tuesday Tuesday

Wednesday Wednesday

Thursday Thursday

3

Friday Friday

1

A WALKING SHARK?

Saturday Saturday

13

2

While capable of swimming, the Epaulette Shark (below) seems to prefer walking! Using their muscular pectoral fins they’re often seen ‘strolling’ over coral and between rock pools in search of food.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

HOORAY! BASKING SHARK SEASON BEGINS (UK)

PHENOMENAL PLANTS

Keep an eye out for these magnificent giants over the next few months. If you’re lucky enough to spot one remember to record your sighting to our Basking Shark Project at www.baskingsharks.org

Phytoplankton sustains zooplankton, which is primarily what Basking Sharks eat. These incredible plants are also responsible for 70% of the world’s oxygen!

Basking Sharks are often seen at these well known hot-spots: Hebrides (Skye), Hebrides (Mull), Isle of Man, Malin Head and Southwest England (Devon & Cornwall).

THORNBACK RAY Raja clavata

CUCKOO RAY

SPOTTED RAY Raja montagui

STARRY SKATE Amblyraja radiata

Leucoraja naevus

DECEMBER

SMALLSPOTTED CAT SH AR K

The world’s 2nd biggest fish can reach up to 12m long! Yet they feed on plankton - tiny microscopic plants and animals that get carried on the ocean currents. Equipped with a large mouth and huge gills, the Basking Shark is able to trap and filter plankton from the water, using long comb-like structures. These are known as gill-rakers and can strain up to 2000 tonnes of water per hour!

Sunday Sunday

Saturday

1

Scyliorhinusthey canicula The incredible Greenland Shark thrives in one of the coldest places on earth. It’s the slowest shark on record, as well as the longest living. On average cruise around 0.34m per second, yet they’re capable of short bursts of speed. By measuring amounts of the radioactive isotope Carbon-14 (partly a by-product of nuclear bomb detonations) in Greenland Sharks, scientists have discovered that they can live ~400 years!

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1

2

Thursday

Friday

2

Saturday

3

4

”

THANK YOU, YOU WERE A FANTASTIC AUDIENCE!

THANK YOU. You were a fantastic audience!

To celebrate the evening, SHARK SUPs kindly donated an all-round paddleboard for us to give away. Complete with all the accessories.

Congratulations go to our winner - Trevor! We hope you enjoy!

Over the next six months we’ll be reviewing our fundraising events and looking at how we can move forward into this new COVID-19 world. We’ll be very much adapting to the challenge. Whatever those changes might be. And we hope that you - our valued, enthusiastic fundraisers - will change with us. Together we can keep making a positive change for sharks.

5

6

7

We’re delighted to still

11

12

13

be a charity partner for

18

19

20

the South West Coast

25

26

27

HOLIDAY (SCT, NZL)

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY (USA)

2 Coast challenge next

BURNS NIGHT (SCT)

July. And we’d love you to join team shark! Visit sharktrust.org/events

AUSTRALIA DAY (AUS)

8

9

10

3

4

5

6

7

8

5

6

7

8

9

10

HOLIDAY (SCT, IRL)

JANUARY

9

10

14

15

16

17

11

12

16

17

18

21

22

23

24

18

19

20

23

24

25

28

29

30

31

25 30

26 31

27

4

5

FEBRUARY

6

7

12

13

14

15

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

28

29

30

31

10

11

17

18

8

9

Dipturus intermedius

BLONDE RAY Raja brachyura

BLUE SKATE

WORLD WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY

Dipturus batis

10

11

12

yourself a copy, you can still order one from

16

17

18

19

our online shop. Visit our website to find out

22

23

24

25

26

12

19

13

14

25

29

30

31

7

8

13

14

15

20

21

27

28

HOLIDAY (UK, IRL, CAN, AUS, NZL)

HOLIDAY (UK, IRL, CAN, AUS, NZL)

MARCH

20

21

15

22

26

27

28

29

9

APRIL

16

23

ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY

24

6

MOTHER’S DAY (USA, CAN, AUS, NZL)

HOLIDAY (UK, IRL)

11

13

more. You can also discover more about the

30 BOXING DAY CHRISTMAS EVE

VICTORIA DAY (CAN)

INTERNATIONAL WHALE SHARK DAY

31

The Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark in the world. Reaching estimated speeds of 46mph. Possibly more! Sadly, they’re caught with equal speed by fishing vessels and are now one of the most endangered species on our planet.

MEMORIAL DAY (USA)

HOLIDAY (ENG, NIR, WAL)

NEW YEAR’S EVE

HOLIDAY (UK)

2021 SHARK TRUST CALENDAR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ST STEPHEN’S DAY

inspiration behind the designs in our blog at sharktrust.org/behind-the-designs.

AUGUST

“WE DID IT FOR THE SHARKS” ON SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST,

his family in all things shark

were a few swim invasions

All proceeds from Bertie Maguire (age 5), his

and taught them to love and

plus some near misses by

calendar goes sisters Rosa and ShebaSEPTEMBER (age

respect sharks. He’s aNOVEMBER member OCTOBER

Cambridge DECEMBERpunts. Everyone

10 8)Soand their Aunty, Rosa our & work.

of the Shark Trust and wants to

had blue toes by the end of it.

you’ll also be Aers (age 40!), swam 200

do something to help protect

But it felt amazing to be able

widths of the River Cam in conservation.

Established in 1997 to safegurad future ofmoney sharks and save sharks. So he and his totheraise for the Shark

Cambridge.

It was, apparently Discover more about

science, action. Bertie’s sister Sheba Aunty came up with theeducation, river influence and Trust.

sharks at freezing cold”. But they “pretty

Registered Charity No. 1064185 | Registered Company No. 3396164 swim plan. As Bertie says: “IShark Trust said “We all had fun” and his © Hannah Tarrant/The

did it to raise money for the

love sharks”.

the sale of this

towards supporting

sharktrust.org/fundraise

3

backers in November. We also did an extra print run. So, if you missed out on getting

Scyliorhinus stellaris

FLAPPER SKATE

WHITE SKATE Rostroraja alba

2 4

Sunday

5

NURSEHOUND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

4

hang on your wall, our calendars went out to

BLACKMOUTH CATSHARK Galeus melastomus

But, when they spot a patrolling Tiger Shark, they’ll quickly move on to another area to graze. Ensuring healthy underwater meadows for many marine animals to thrive.

Tuesday

Printed on recycled paper and ready to

KNOW YOUR EGGCASES

Tiger Sharks do a fantastic job of protecting seagrass from Sea Turtles. When left unchecked, these voracious grazers would happily gobble up every blade of grass in their sights.

Monday

© RYAN DALY; ACTION CHALLENGE

O

ver the last six months we’ve been adapting to working at home.

Getting to grips with online team working. And, considering the way we fundraise in the future.

Throughout this time we’ve had some awesome fundraisers, who’ve taken on a variety of challenges. Climbing up and down the stairs, swimming widths of a river, sponsored walks in shark outfits, and selling things online. Big efforts such as these, make a big difference to us. As does every other bit of support you provide.

We also ran our online event For the Love of Sharks in September. Although we’d (of course) loved to have had everyone in the same room, it was a great success. We thoroughly enjoyed the talks by our incredible speakers; Paul Rose, Ali Hood, Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown, and Dr James Lea. And, for those of you who attended:

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021...

who supported our campaign. We hope you’re

C R E AT E D S P E C I A L LY F O R S H A R K N U T S E V E R Y W H E R E . . .

ABOUT THIS CALENDAR

contributing to shark

www.sharktrust.org

Shark Trust. Bertie is a massive shark fan and has educated

sharktrust.org/fundraise

through positive change. We achieve this through

The swim took an hour and a half to complete, and there

biggest sister Rosa concluded “We did it for the sharks”.

Lydia (Mum)

23.

THE blowfish

Sandtiger Shark

Bull Shark

TOM ‘THE BLOWFISH’ HIRD’S SCIENTIFIC BREAKDOWN

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

THE UNUSUAL EYES OF THE WHALE SHARK

Carcharhinus leucas MAXIMUM SIZE: 4m

CREATURE FEATURE

BULL SHARK Generally solitary animals, Bull Sharks like to be left alone and can be very territorial.

They’re also known to ram their

prey, or potential rivals. Adopting a hunting strategy known as bump-and-bite.

When food is scarce, Bull Sharks can slow

down their digestion, enabling them to eat less at a time. To avoid being eaten by predators, they also have a neat little escape plan. They’ll regurgitate their food to act as a distraction, while they make a hasty get-away.

Probably one of the most incredible things about Bull Sharks is their remarkable ability to survive in freshwater. Only around 5% of shark species can, and most of them only for a short time. Yet the Bull Shark may live in freshwater for years. They can travel huge distances up rivers and have been found as far as 2,500 miles from the sea up the Amazon River.

The biggest issue marine sharks face when

24.

IT’S WELL

armour plates. This study also

Primarily fish but

KNOWN

showed how much Whale

will also eat crabs,

among shark

Sharks can retract their eyes

will begin to unravel this

shrimp, starfish, sea-

and ray fans

into their body. Comparable

mystery, I myself wonder if

urchins, turtles, birds

that the

to the retraction seen when

the denticles are there as

and dolphins.

skin of our

frogs pull their eyes right back

protection from plankton?

RANGE: Worldwide

favourite critters is pretty darn

into their sockets. That’s one

Any biker will tell you that

in warm, shallow

impressive. Dermal denticles

mighty pull!

speeding along and having

waters along coasts

provide incredible protection

and in rivers.

and streamlining. But the

mean? Well essentially, it

is hardly a nice event. So,

Whale Shark has been found to

means that the eyes of the

helmets come with a visor. Is

have an unusual use for these

Whale Shark are tougher

that what we’re seeing here?

little teeth.

than a $2 steak! The dermal

Plankton, when viewed under

denticles covering the eye

a microscope, is a hellish

sharks, Whale Sharks, it seems,

protect it from abrasion and

nightmare of hard spines

STATUS: Near

have dermal denticles on the

scouring. While the retraction

and defensive ridges. If you

Threatened

surface of their eyes. Now,

and rotation of the eyeball,

ram your head into that all

this isn’t some kind of eyelid,

protects from any out-and-out

day long, you’d want some

this is the actual eye. Think a

attacks, punctures, or impacts.

kind of protection! Plus, on

contact lens. But made from

What seems to really have

the occasions that Whale

baffled the scientists involved

Sharks feed on huge balls of

is why? A White Shark might

fish, scales themselves are

go to such lengths to protect

like armour. So, once again,

its eyes. It’s an apex predator

sticking your head into a

after all, and sight plays a key

writhing mass of small but

role in its hunting strategy. But

muscular, panicking fish

Whale Sharks cruise along,

would be a lot nicer if you

mouths wide, sucking up the

could protect your eyes. This

smallest morsels from the

is where the eye retraction may

plankton. And – occasionally

play a role, enabling them to

– ramming huge balls of small

pull away from the thrashing

schooling fish. This conundrum

bait balls.

0-150m deep, but usually no deeper than 30m.

entering freshwater

sharktrust.org/creature-feature

Whale Shark

Perhaps uniquely among

So, what does all this

is compounded by the fact that

much for survival.

Well, while new studies

a bug smash into your face

So, why are these beautiful

the area of the Whale Shark’s

giants still so protective of

brain associated with sight

their ocular abilities? Well,

is pretty small. And they’ve

further research is needed. But

THINK A CONTACT LENS. BUT MADE FROM ARMOUR PLATES...

© STEVEN MILLER

snout and cantankerous nature.

Their age determines where they live. is maintaining the {THEY} ADOPT A HUNTING Estuaries and freshwater correct balance of STRATEGY KNOWN AS water and salt in their habitats provide relative body. To prevent safety for young pups BUMP-AND-BITE massive water intake to develop. Here they’re through osmosis, their out of reach from body must quickly remove excess many predators, such as other shark species salts. Otherwise, they could swell to the and larger Bull Sharks. As they get older, point of bursting.

Bull Sharks develop more of a tolerance for Key to the Bull Shark’s ability to thrive in saltwater and start venturing out to sea. these two environments are their: Reproduction is one of the main reasons KIDNEYS - these produce large amounts of urine, Bull Sharks travel into rivers. Females will enabling the rapid removal of salts and excess often give birth here or in estuaries by river water. When in freshwater the Bull Shark will mouths. Bull Sharks have been seen leaping urinate over 20 times more than in the sea. up river rapids, just like salmon do, to reach LIVER – produces urea as required depending inland lakes. on the salinity of the environment.

They give birth to live young every two Yet even Bull Sharks have their limits. A years in late spring and summer. Although, recent study discovered that they can only in warmer places this may take place survive in a freshwater habitat for 4 years. year-round. Females mature at 18 years, This is likely due to a lack of food. Clearly both males at 14-15 years. And they can live up to habitats are important to their life cycle.

24 years in the wild.

DIET: Varied.

HABITAT: Found at

© FOODIES ACADEMY/SHUTTERSTOCK

S

o named for their short, blunt

When we heard that Whale Sharks had eyes like frogs, we had to know more...

long been

one thing’s for sure...the

considered

world’s biggest fish will be

not to rely

catching the eye of scientists

on their eyes

for years to come!

FOR MORE ON THIS STUDY SEARCH FOR ARMOURED EYES & TOMITA

sharktrust.org

25.

THE blowfish

Sandtiger Shark

Bull Shark

TOM ‘THE BLOWFISH’ HIRD’S SCIENTIFIC BREAKDOWN

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

THE UNUSUAL EYES OF THE WHALE SHARK

Carcharhinus leucas MAXIMUM SIZE: 4m

CREATURE FEATURE

BULL SHARK Generally solitary animals, Bull Sharks like to be left alone and can be very territorial.

They’re also known to ram their

prey, or potential rivals. Adopting a hunting strategy known as bump-and-bite.

When food is scarce, Bull Sharks can slow

down their digestion, enabling them to eat less at a time. To avoid being eaten by predators, they also have a neat little escape plan. They’ll regurgitate their food to act as a distraction, while they make a hasty get-away.

Probably one of the most incredible things about Bull Sharks is their remarkable ability to survive in freshwater. Only around 5% of shark species can, and most of them only for a short time. Yet the Bull Shark may live in freshwater for years. They can travel huge distances up rivers and have been found as far as 2,500 miles from the sea up the Amazon River.

The biggest issue marine sharks face when

24.

IT’S WELL

armour plates. This study also

Primarily fish but

KNOWN

showed how much Whale

will also eat crabs,

among shark

Sharks can retract their eyes

will begin to unravel this

shrimp, starfish, sea-

and ray fans

into their body. Comparable

mystery, I myself wonder if

urchins, turtles, birds

that the

to the retraction seen when

the denticles are there as

and dolphins.

skin of our

frogs pull their eyes right back

protection from plankton?

RANGE: Worldwide

favourite critters is pretty darn

into their sockets. That’s one

Any biker will tell you that

in warm, shallow

impressive. Dermal denticles

mighty pull!

speeding along and having

waters along coasts

provide incredible protection

and in rivers.

and streamlining. But the

mean? Well essentially, it

is hardly a nice event. So,

Whale Shark has been found to

means that the eyes of the

helmets come with a visor. Is

have an unusual use for these

Whale Shark are tougher

that what we’re seeing here?

little teeth.

than a $2 steak! The dermal

Plankton, when viewed under

denticles covering the eye

a microscope, is a hellish

sharks, Whale Sharks, it seems,

protect it from abrasion and

nightmare of hard spines

STATUS: Near

have dermal denticles on the

scouring. While the retraction

and defensive ridges. If you

Threatened

surface of their eyes. Now,

and rotation of the eyeball,

ram your head into that all

this isn’t some kind of eyelid,

protects from any out-and-out

day long, you’d want some

this is the actual eye. Think a

attacks, punctures, or impacts.

kind of protection! Plus, on

contact lens. But made from

What seems to really have

the occasions that Whale

baffled the scientists involved

Sharks feed on huge balls of

is why? A White Shark might

fish, scales themselves are

go to such lengths to protect

like armour. So, once again,

its eyes. It’s an apex predator

sticking your head into a

after all, and sight plays a key

writhing mass of small but

role in its hunting strategy. But

muscular, panicking fish

Whale Sharks cruise along,

would be a lot nicer if you

mouths wide, sucking up the

could protect your eyes. This

smallest morsels from the

is where the eye retraction may

plankton. And – occasionally

play a role, enabling them to

– ramming huge balls of small

pull away from the thrashing

schooling fish. This conundrum

bait balls.

0-150m deep, but usually no deeper than 30m.

entering freshwater

sharktrust.org/creature-feature

Whale Shark

Perhaps uniquely among

So, what does all this

is compounded by the fact that

much for survival.

Well, while new studies

a bug smash into your face

So, why are these beautiful

the area of the Whale Shark’s

giants still so protective of

brain associated with sight

their ocular abilities? Well,

is pretty small. And they’ve

further research is needed. But

THINK A CONTACT LENS. BUT MADE FROM ARMOUR PLATES...

© STEVEN MILLER

snout and cantankerous nature.

Their age determines where they live. is maintaining the {THEY} ADOPT A HUNTING Estuaries and freshwater correct balance of STRATEGY KNOWN AS water and salt in their habitats provide relative body. To prevent safety for young pups BUMP-AND-BITE massive water intake to develop. Here they’re through osmosis, their out of reach from body must quickly remove excess many predators, such as other shark species salts. Otherwise, they could swell to the and larger Bull Sharks. As they get older, point of bursting.

Bull Sharks develop more of a tolerance for Key to the Bull Shark’s ability to thrive in saltwater and start venturing out to sea. these two environments are their: Reproduction is one of the main reasons KIDNEYS - these produce large amounts of urine, Bull Sharks travel into rivers. Females will enabling the rapid removal of salts and excess often give birth here or in estuaries by river water. When in freshwater the Bull Shark will mouths. Bull Sharks have been seen leaping urinate over 20 times more than in the sea. up river rapids, just like salmon do, to reach LIVER – produces urea as required depending inland lakes. on the salinity of the environment.

They give birth to live young every two Yet even Bull Sharks have their limits. A years in late spring and summer. Although, recent study discovered that they can only in warmer places this may take place survive in a freshwater habitat for 4 years. year-round. Females mature at 18 years, This is likely due to a lack of food. Clearly both males at 14-15 years. And they can live up to habitats are important to their life cycle.

24 years in the wild.

DIET: Varied.

HABITAT: Found at

© FOODIES ACADEMY/SHUTTERSTOCK

S

o named for their short, blunt

When we heard that Whale Sharks had eyes like frogs, we had to know more...

long been

one thing’s for sure...the

considered

world’s biggest fish will be

not to rely

catching the eye of scientists

on their eyes

for years to come!

FOR MORE ON THIS STUDY SEARCH FOR ARMOURED EYES & TOMITA

sharktrust.org

25.

4

THINGS WE NOW KNOW A B O U T BASKING S H A R K S

NAME: Matthew Witt JOB TITLE & ORGANISATION:

Matthew Witt

Associate Professor in CURRENT POSITION?

University of

I have an MSc in Oceanography (Southampton), MRes in Marine Biology (Plymouth), and PhD in Biological Sciences (Exeter). After completing these degrees, I managed to secure a post-doctoral position investigating biodiversity around renewable energy devices (wave machines, wind farms and tidal arrays) and how to manage these installations to harness low-carbon energy and enhance the local environment. After that position I managed to secure a Lectureship at the University of Exeter, and now work at their Streatham Campus. My team are based at the Penryn Campus too, where I first started my PhD.

group works at the intersection of marine ecology and human-wildlife conflict. Studying the distribution and behaviour of marine species is often challenging. So we use a wide range of technologies, including satellite tracking and video

Matt and his team are well known for their work on Basking Sharks

MATT’S TEAM)

Natural Environment, Exeter. My research

recording systems.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN WHEN STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?

HIGHS - WHAT’S THE BEST THING

DAY LOOK LIKE?

ABOUT YOUR JOB?

A normal day at University is typically very diverse. It’ll include discussions with people in our research group, helping to guide their work, and deciding on best strategies for analysis of data and publishing. In a normal day I’ll also supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research students for their projects. As well as teach students at all levels across a range of topics including conservation biology and marine ecology. My day will also involve a whole range of other tasks, such as ordering equipment, fieldwork logistics, animal ethics and welfare. I’ll also spend time working with current and potential funders to develop grant ideas.

Revealing new behaviours of the animals we work on. I’m incredibly motivated by the process of ‘finding things out’. This ranges from the animals we work on, to the technologies we use, to the methods used to analyse data. My job allows me to find ways that we can use technology and data to improve marine conservation and stewardship of our environment.

26.

LOWS – WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Seeing my workplace environment (the sea) decline, driven by climate change, overfishing and other human activity in the sea.

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST THING

migration. A few months later it washed up on a beach on the French coast and we physically got it back. It was only when we had the full dataset, having downloaded it off the tag, that we realised what had happened. Quite the journey for the tag, the fish and the orca.

I’M INSPIRED BY THE BLUENESS AND REMOTENESS OF OUR OCEANS

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE TO HAPPEN IN YOUR JOB?

Having an orca eat one of our study Atlantic bluefin tuna with its electronic tag still attached. We tagged the fish off Falmouth, the fish went to the Mediterranean, most likely to breed, left the Mediterranean, and then was eaten by an orca. The orca then ejected the tag after two weeks having swam from Portugal to northern France. The tag then switched on and transmitted all the data back about the sharktrust.org/careers

© MARTIN PROCHAZKACZ/SHUTTERSTOCK

WHAT DOES A ‘TYPICAL’ WORKING

THIS CAREER?

My fascination of science and technology in the marine realm. I’m inspired by the blueness and remoteness of our oceans. Underwater robotics, submersibles, earth observing satellites, deep-water camera and animal tracking systems, all alongside the beauty of our planet and the amazing life histories of marine animals, inspire me.

HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR sharktrust.org/careers

(THANKS TO

That it’s OK to fail. Failures can be more useful than successes in the process of learning.

1

Basking Sharks can return to the same

places each year for feeding, breeding and overwintering – a behaviour known as seasonal site fidelity.

2

They can dive to nearly 1500m, though spend

much of their year within the upper 200m of the water column.

3

While many sharks in the northeast

Atlantic spend time wintering to the west

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE

of Ireland, others will

YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

travel as far south as

Be aspirational and know that there will always be work to do – so don’t let those feelings of being overwhelmed by work overtake you. Find the happy balance between being led and moulded by those around you, while being who you want to be.

north Africa.

4

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE

to the surface. They

SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON THIS

then begin to progress

CAREER PATH? Persistence, tenacity and

northwards while

using the power of the internet to find the science that needs doing. Keep asking ‘why?’ and digging through materials until you get to the truth of a matter.

looking for their

In the early spring Basking Sharks move

from deeper waters

planktonic prey.

27.

4

THINGS WE NOW KNOW A B O U T BASKING S H A R K S

NAME: Matthew Witt JOB TITLE & ORGANISATION:

Matthew Witt

Associate Professor in CURRENT POSITION?

University of

I have an MSc in Oceanography (Southampton), MRes in Marine Biology (Plymouth), and PhD in Biological Sciences (Exeter). After completing these degrees, I managed to secure a post-doctoral position investigating biodiversity around renewable energy devices (wave machines, wind farms and tidal arrays) and how to manage these installations to harness low-carbon energy and enhance the local environment. After that position I managed to secure a Lectureship at the University of Exeter, and now work at their Streatham Campus. My team are based at the Penryn Campus too, where I first started my PhD.

group works at the intersection of marine ecology and human-wildlife conflict. Studying the distribution and behaviour of marine species is often challenging. So we use a wide range of technologies, including satellite tracking and video

Matt and his team are well known for their work on Basking Sharks

MATT’S TEAM)

Natural Environment, Exeter. My research

recording systems.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN WHEN STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?

HIGHS - WHAT’S THE BEST THING

DAY LOOK LIKE?

ABOUT YOUR JOB?

A normal day at University is typically very diverse. It’ll include discussions with people in our research group, helping to guide their work, and deciding on best strategies for analysis of data and publishing. In a normal day I’ll also supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research students for their projects. As well as teach students at all levels across a range of topics including conservation biology and marine ecology. My day will also involve a whole range of other tasks, such as ordering equipment, fieldwork logistics, animal ethics and welfare. I’ll also spend time working with current and potential funders to develop grant ideas.

Revealing new behaviours of the animals we work on. I’m incredibly motivated by the process of ‘finding things out’. This ranges from the animals we work on, to the technologies we use, to the methods used to analyse data. My job allows me to find ways that we can use technology and data to improve marine conservation and stewardship of our environment.

26.

LOWS – WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Seeing my workplace environment (the sea) decline, driven by climate change, overfishing and other human activity in the sea.

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST THING

migration. A few months later it washed up on a beach on the French coast and we physically got it back. It was only when we had the full dataset, having downloaded it off the tag, that we realised what had happened. Quite the journey for the tag, the fish and the orca.

I’M INSPIRED BY THE BLUENESS AND REMOTENESS OF OUR OCEANS

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE TO HAPPEN IN YOUR JOB?

Having an orca eat one of our study Atlantic bluefin tuna with its electronic tag still attached. We tagged the fish off Falmouth, the fish went to the Mediterranean, most likely to breed, left the Mediterranean, and then was eaten by an orca. The orca then ejected the tag after two weeks having swam from Portugal to northern France. The tag then switched on and transmitted all the data back about the sharktrust.org/careers

© MARTIN PROCHAZKACZ/SHUTTERSTOCK

WHAT DOES A ‘TYPICAL’ WORKING

THIS CAREER?

My fascination of science and technology in the marine realm. I’m inspired by the blueness and remoteness of our oceans. Underwater robotics, submersibles, earth observing satellites, deep-water camera and animal tracking systems, all alongside the beauty of our planet and the amazing life histories of marine animals, inspire me.

HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR sharktrust.org/careers

(THANKS TO

That it’s OK to fail. Failures can be more useful than successes in the process of learning.

1

Basking Sharks can return to the same

places each year for feeding, breeding and overwintering – a behaviour known as seasonal site fidelity.

2

They can dive to nearly 1500m, though spend

much of their year within the upper 200m of the water column.

3

While many sharks in the northeast

Atlantic spend time wintering to the west

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE

of Ireland, others will

YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

travel as far south as

Be aspirational and know that there will always be work to do – so don’t let those feelings of being overwhelmed by work overtake you. Find the happy balance between being led and moulded by those around you, while being who you want to be.

north Africa.

4

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE

to the surface. They

SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON THIS

then begin to progress

CAREER PATH? Persistence, tenacity and

northwards while

using the power of the internet to find the science that needs doing. Keep asking ‘why?’ and digging through materials until you get to the truth of a matter.

looking for their

In the early spring Basking Sharks move

from deeper waters

planktonic prey.

27.

FANTASTIC!

STAR LETTER

Deep Dive

A

YOUR LETTERS

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! WRITE TO US AT FOCUS@SHARKTRUST.ORG AND YOU MAY APPEAR IN OUR NEXT ISSUE…

ANDREW, AGE 8

Sea house in Newcastle up to Deep “We went to Scotland from our birthday a as ce rien expe ght me a dive World. My mam and Dad had bou ted! exci so was much I love sharks! I present because they know how cold! so the water with the sharks. It was ...I got suited up and went into ine how if Sandtigers are this big, imag They were huge! I was thinking gh they thou even and out h were sticking big a Great White is! Their teet calm and curious looked a bit scary, they were very a look at me. have to and kept swimming very close they’re ause ks bec They were awesome! I love shar sorry for them great to watch in the water. I feel ng or hunting fishi from because a lot of them die ds frien are scared of and it’s not right... Some of my don’t need to be. sharks but I always tell them they know too. Because I like to tell them all the facts I they are! The more cool I want them to realise how are, the more people realise how awesome they n I’m older I want to people will protect them. Whe ple about them and study sharks more and teach peo t Whites! my big goal is to dive with Grea ce Andrew!! rien expe Wow! What an amazing ledge know your ing Thanks so much for shar and passion for sharks.

THE BLOWFISH SAYS

G N I L E FE H S E R F HWATER... THIS IS ES FR D AN Y LT SA TH BO IN E LIV TO Y GENIOUS SHARKS HAVE FOUND A WA

HOW THEY DO IT...

OUR IN

W

e all know sharks are the RULERS of the seas. From the coldest and deepest parts of the planet, to the sunny waters around coral reefs and mangroves. You can find them almost anywhere. Even...

FIN-TASTIC! Big thanks to Oscar for raising an incredible £156. Well and truly beating his goal of £100. Fintastic job Oscar! This will help support our Stop Shark Finning campaign.

OSCAR (AGE 7)

FRESHWATER! While you’re unlikely to find a White Shark in your DUCK POND, around 5% of shark and ray species can be found in the waters of some LAKES and RIVERS. Most can only tolerate freshwater for a short time. But there are exceptions.

Like the BULL SHARK. Who can live for years in either environment. Although, many wouldn’t consider them a ‘true’ freshwater shark, as it’s unlikely they reproduce in freshwater.

Currently the only known shark to do this is the

A WOW!

SUPER SHARKS Check out the amazing art below, showcasing imagined sharks with some incredible superpowers. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if these really existed? Big thanks to Angelo, Tommy and Leonardo for sending in their work.

ONE WAY OUR FRIENDS ADAPT... IS TO PEE. A LOT!

CORAL SHARK BY ANGELO (AGE 8) Superpower: Sucks up and digests plastic, turning it into healthy coral reefs.

29.

GLASS SPEARHEAD SHARK BY TOMMY (AGE 9) Superpower: Clear skin, so can blend into the environment.

CRABNARDON BY LEONARDO (AGE 10) Superpower: Locates animals in danger from plastic and pollution. Then uses its crab arms to free animals trapped in nets and rubbish.

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

© SHANE GROSS/SHUTTERSTOCK

GANGES RIVER SHARK. Having adapted so well to freshwater they’ve set up permanent home here. Other species of river shark spend a lot of time in rivers thus their name - but will also venture into estuaries. They’re a very SECRETIVE bunch though, so there could be more like the Ganges River Shark waiting to be discovered.

But it’s the freshwater RAYS that have truly mastered the freshwater environment. In fact, this group of rays have adapted so well that they’re now unable to return to the SEA. When you think about it this is all

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

rather amazing, as the water

CHEMISTRY of fresh and salt water is so very different. Being adapted to one makes it unlikely you can survive the other.

But our INGENIOUS SHARKS have found a way!

One of the biggest problems to overcome is the difference in salt concentration. Marine sharks have a high level of SALTS in their body, which is equal to the water surrounding them.

Perfect for being in saltwater, as it helps

them retain water. But this is a big problem in freshwater. Their porous skin rapidly absorbs water through the process of osmosis. Being so salty, the shark’s body would SWELL to the point of BURSTING! Luckily, our clever friends have several adaptations to help with this.

One of which is to PEE. A lot! Enabling them to quickly remove salt from their body. Their much simpler kidney structure can expel urea 20X faster than marine sharks. Now that’s impressive!

28.

FANTASTIC!

STAR LETTER

Deep Dive

A

YOUR LETTERS

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! WRITE TO US AT FOCUS@SHARKTRUST.ORG AND YOU MAY APPEAR IN OUR NEXT ISSUE…

ANDREW, AGE 8

Sea house in Newcastle up to Deep “We went to Scotland from our birthday a as ce rien expe ght me a dive World. My mam and Dad had bou ted! exci so was much I love sharks! I present because they know how cold! so the water with the sharks. It was ...I got suited up and went into ine how if Sandtigers are this big, imag They were huge! I was thinking gh they thou even and out h were sticking big a Great White is! Their teet calm and curious looked a bit scary, they were very a look at me. have to and kept swimming very close they’re ause ks bec They were awesome! I love shar sorry for them great to watch in the water. I feel ng or hunting fishi from because a lot of them die ds frien are scared of and it’s not right... Some of my don’t need to be. sharks but I always tell them they know too. Because I like to tell them all the facts I they are! The more cool I want them to realise how are, the more people realise how awesome they n I’m older I want to people will protect them. Whe ple about them and study sharks more and teach peo t Whites! my big goal is to dive with Grea ce Andrew!! rien expe Wow! What an amazing ledge know your ing Thanks so much for shar and passion for sharks.

THE BLOWFISH SAYS

G N I L E FE H S E R F HWATER... THIS IS ES FR D AN Y LT SA TH BO IN E LIV TO Y GENIOUS SHARKS HAVE FOUND A WA

HOW THEY DO IT...

OUR IN

W

e all know sharks are the RULERS of the seas. From the coldest and deepest parts of the planet, to the sunny waters around coral reefs and mangroves. You can find them almost anywhere. Even...

FIN-TASTIC! Big thanks to Oscar for raising an incredible £156. Well and truly beating his goal of £100. Fintastic job Oscar! This will help support our Stop Shark Finning campaign.

OSCAR (AGE 7)

FRESHWATER! While you’re unlikely to find a White Shark in your DUCK POND, around 5% of shark and ray species can be found in the waters of some LAKES and RIVERS. Most can only tolerate freshwater for a short time. But there are exceptions.

Like the BULL SHARK. Who can live for years in either environment. Although, many wouldn’t consider them a ‘true’ freshwater shark, as it’s unlikely they reproduce in freshwater.

Currently the only known shark to do this is the

A WOW!

SUPER SHARKS Check out the amazing art below, showcasing imagined sharks with some incredible superpowers. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if these really existed? Big thanks to Angelo, Tommy and Leonardo for sending in their work.

ONE WAY OUR FRIENDS ADAPT... IS TO PEE. A LOT!

CORAL SHARK BY ANGELO (AGE 8) Superpower: Sucks up and digests plastic, turning it into healthy coral reefs.

29.

GLASS SPEARHEAD SHARK BY TOMMY (AGE 9) Superpower: Clear skin, so can blend into the environment.

CRABNARDON BY LEONARDO (AGE 10) Superpower: Locates animals in danger from plastic and pollution. Then uses its crab arms to free animals trapped in nets and rubbish.

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

© SHANE GROSS/SHUTTERSTOCK

GANGES RIVER SHARK. Having adapted so well to freshwater they’ve set up permanent home here. Other species of river shark spend a lot of time in rivers thus their name - but will also venture into estuaries. They’re a very SECRETIVE bunch though, so there could be more like the Ganges River Shark waiting to be discovered.

But it’s the freshwater RAYS that have truly mastered the freshwater environment. In fact, this group of rays have adapted so well that they’re now unable to return to the SEA. When you think about it this is all

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

rather amazing, as the water

CHEMISTRY of fresh and salt water is so very different. Being adapted to one makes it unlikely you can survive the other.

But our INGENIOUS SHARKS have found a way!

One of the biggest problems to overcome is the difference in salt concentration. Marine sharks have a high level of SALTS in their body, which is equal to the water surrounding them.

Perfect for being in saltwater, as it helps

them retain water. But this is a big problem in freshwater. Their porous skin rapidly absorbs water through the process of osmosis. Being so salty, the shark’s body would SWELL to the point of BURSTING! Luckily, our clever friends have several adaptations to help with this.

One of which is to PEE. A lot! Enabling them to quickly remove salt from their body. Their much simpler kidney structure can expel urea 20X faster than marine sharks. Now that’s impressive!

28.

Shark Super Powers

BOOK REVIEW

BY ALFIE GORDON, AGE 9 of Shark Super Powers has loads that know ’t didn I ! facts really cool that Swell Sharks glow in the dark or intro The fart! can ks Shar Sandtiger too.

by Steve Backshall is really cool the in re whe you tells book The

facts world each shark lives and the makes that way fun a in d ente are pres that facts fast ’re they – read to t it grea r. mbe reme to are easy is My favourite shark in the book er pow its use beca o Mak tfin the Shor d! spee r is supe

S K R A H S S

TOP 7 MOST THREATENED

S Y A R D AN

harks are one of the most

threatened groups of animals on

our planet. But some species are

more endangered than others. So,

which need our help the most?

The IUCN Red List holds the key. This is a

FRESHWATER STINGRAYS 28 SPECIES

Many of these species live in the rivers of South America.

They have long slender tails and a venomous stinging spine, which they use to defend themselves.

treasure trove of information about animals all around the world. It gathers together what we know about every shark species. Such as

WORDSEARCH

where and how they live, and what threats

3

they face. Then gives them a “status” based

Hidden in the wordsearch below are 20 of the most

on how threatened they are. Without this

endangered sharks, skates, and rays in the world.

valuable information we wouldn’t know what

Can you find them all?

species are in the biggest trouble. Or how to go about protecting them. Science is key.

We’ve still got so much to discover

ANGEL SHARKS

about sharks. Further research is vital to

BIGEYE THRESHER

their conservation. But, based on what we

BLUE SKATE

do know, here’s 7 of the most threatened sharks and rays…

COMMON THRESHER DAGGERNOSE FLAPPER SKATE FRESHWATER STINGRAYS GIANT GUITARFISHES GREAT HAMMERHEAD

in soft mud or sand. They

22 SPECIES

threatened - swiftly dealing

Masters of camouflage, these

unsuspecting prey that ventures too close.

SAWFISHES

SAWFISHES

end of their snout.

2

5. WEDGEFISHES 10 SPECIES & GIANT GUITARFISHES 6 SPECIES Collectively named the Rhino Rays, tropical shallow waters by the coast.

saw-like blade at the Studded with sharp pointy teeth, they use these like a club to stun their prey.

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

The tail of a thresher shark When hunting they’ll herd

after their pointy snouts. Mostly found in

SLEEPER RAYS

THRESHER SHARKS 3 SPECIES can be up to 3m long!

These large shark-like rays wield an impressive

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

strong electric shock.

5 SPECIES

SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD STRIPED SMOOTHHOUND

31.

with attackers by delivering a

powerful trap-like jaws they’ll snap up any

PONDICHERRY

WHITEFIN SWELLSHARK

pack a powerful punch when

in wait... With an unusually flexible ‘neck’ and

PELAGIC THRESHER

WEDGEFISHES

These oval or pear-shaped

1. ANGEL SHARKS

OCEANIC WHITETIP

TOPE

11 SPECIES rays are often found buried

large flat sharks will lie patiently

GANGES

4. SLEEPER RAYS

6

small fish together, then stun them using their tail like a whip.

7

OCEANIC WHITETIP Generally found in deep open-water. These sharks are curious, bold, and opportunistic. In the Bahamas, they have a reputation for stealing fish off the lines of fishermen.

30.

Shark Super Powers

BOOK REVIEW

BY ALFIE GORDON, AGE 9 of Shark Super Powers has loads that know ’t didn I ! facts really cool that Swell Sharks glow in the dark or intro The fart! can ks Shar Sandtiger too.

by Steve Backshall is really cool the in re whe you tells book The

facts world each shark lives and the makes that way fun a in d ente are pres that facts fast ’re they – read to t it grea r. mbe reme to are easy is My favourite shark in the book er pow its use beca o Mak tfin the Shor d! spee r is supe

S K R A H S S

TOP 7 MOST THREATENED

S Y A R D AN

harks are one of the most

threatened groups of animals on

our planet. But some species are

more endangered than others. So,

which need our help the most?

The IUCN Red List holds the key. This is a

FRESHWATER STINGRAYS 28 SPECIES

Many of these species live in the rivers of South America.

They have long slender tails and a venomous stinging spine, which they use to defend themselves.

treasure trove of information about animals all around the world. It gathers together what we know about every shark species. Such as

WORDSEARCH

where and how they live, and what threats

3

they face. Then gives them a “status” based

Hidden in the wordsearch below are 20 of the most

on how threatened they are. Without this

endangered sharks, skates, and rays in the world.

valuable information we wouldn’t know what

Can you find them all?

species are in the biggest trouble. Or how to go about protecting them. Science is key.

We’ve still got so much to discover

ANGEL SHARKS

about sharks. Further research is vital to

BIGEYE THRESHER

their conservation. But, based on what we

BLUE SKATE

do know, here’s 7 of the most threatened sharks and rays…

COMMON THRESHER DAGGERNOSE FLAPPER SKATE FRESHWATER STINGRAYS GIANT GUITARFISHES GREAT HAMMERHEAD

in soft mud or sand. They

22 SPECIES

threatened - swiftly dealing

Masters of camouflage, these

unsuspecting prey that ventures too close.

SAWFISHES

SAWFISHES

end of their snout.

2

5. WEDGEFISHES 10 SPECIES & GIANT GUITARFISHES 6 SPECIES Collectively named the Rhino Rays, tropical shallow waters by the coast.

saw-like blade at the Studded with sharp pointy teeth, they use these like a club to stun their prey.

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

The tail of a thresher shark When hunting they’ll herd

after their pointy snouts. Mostly found in

SLEEPER RAYS

THRESHER SHARKS 3 SPECIES can be up to 3m long!

These large shark-like rays wield an impressive

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

strong electric shock.

5 SPECIES

SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD STRIPED SMOOTHHOUND

31.

with attackers by delivering a

powerful trap-like jaws they’ll snap up any

PONDICHERRY

WHITEFIN SWELLSHARK

pack a powerful punch when

in wait... With an unusually flexible ‘neck’ and

PELAGIC THRESHER

WEDGEFISHES

These oval or pear-shaped

1. ANGEL SHARKS

OCEANIC WHITETIP

TOPE

11 SPECIES rays are often found buried

large flat sharks will lie patiently

GANGES

4. SLEEPER RAYS

6

small fish together, then stun them using their tail like a whip.

7

OCEANIC WHITETIP Generally found in deep open-water. These sharks are curious, bold, and opportunistic. In the Bahamas, they have a reputation for stealing fish off the lines of fishermen.

30.

Pu p’s b ! u l C

BULL SHARKS’

THE BL OWFISH

© ALEXANDER MA CHULSKIY/SHU

7

TTERSTOCK

SECRET SURVIVAL SKILLS REVEALED

MOST THREATENED SHARKS

YOU’RE AMAZING

All YOUR news and achievements!!

BOOK REVIEW...

SUPER SHARK POWERS

PUZZLES & GAMES