Sharks

Sharks Why should you learn about sharks?

Sharks are a incredibly important animal within the ocean ecosystem. They act as predators that can cut down on overpopulated fish and help maintain structure in an ecosystem. They are also super cool to look act and are fascinating in so many ways. Think about it! Megalodon was once a species of shark who once roamed the oceans. Talk about scary and awesome! Sharks’ control over species below them in the food chain indirectly affects the economy. A study in North Carolina showed that the loss of the great sharks increased the ray populations below them. As a result, the hungry rays ate all the bay scallops, forcing the fishery to close. Without scallops to eat, the rays have moved on to other bivalves. The decline of the quahog, a key ingredient in clam chowder, is forcing many restaurants to remove this American classic from their menus. The disappearance of scallops and clams demonstrates that the elimination of sharks can cause harm to the economy in addition to ecosystems. Sharks are also influencing the economy through ecotourism. In the Bahamas, a single live reef shark is worth $250,000 as a result of dive tourism versus a one time value of $50 when caught by a fisherman. One whale shark in Belize can bring in $2 million over its lifetime.

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Sharks What are sharks?

Sharks are a group of elasmobranch fish characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. Sharks have been living in Earth’s oceans for 450 million years. Sharks are ectothermic (cold-blooded), which is like other fishes! There is also approximately 350 different species of sharks. I'll be sharing only a few sharks I find interesting along with some equally interesting facts about sharks.

This is a Nurse shark. They are bottom dwelling sharks. Unlike many sharks, the Nurse shark is non-migratory. The Nurse shark adapts to cold by becoming even less active. They remind me of a catfish especially with it's "whiskers" and being bottom dwellers.

Sharks Are they endangered?

Different and numerous shark species have decreased drastically due to fishing practices, overfishing, and bycatching. Unsustainble practices and improper fishing techniques not only affect sharks but many other species in the ocean. Most nets used for fishing drag across the ocean floor destroying habitats and killing many sea animals. Some shark species are critcally endagered and are expected to become extinct if nothing changes.

This is a Hammerhead shark. I do not know the exact type of Hammerhead shark, like if its a Galapagos Hammerhead or Great Hammerhead shark or any other of the same species. Hammerheads have been know to be cannibalistic, meaning they eat their own species! Nonetheless, they are my favorite type of shark and are so fascinating to look at.

Sharks What are some common misconceptions of sharks?

Did you know, that sharks sight is horrible? I mean horrible. They often mistake things for seals or other prey because they look similar. It's as if sharks need glasses. Shark attacks for humans are not common and are often exagerated into it being often. Only three species (white, tiger and bull) are responsible for the majority of all bites. So many species and only 3 are the ones to "worry" about. Another sad and important fact to know, is that shark fins don't grow back. Once they are cut off or damaged beyond repair they often cause the shark to bleed out and die because it can't swim anymore and it can't hunt food. Many people also assume that sharks are all terrifying meat tearing ferocius animals, but some aren't. According to oceana.org, Basking sharks and whale sharks, the two largest species of sharks, are filter feeders that feed on fish eggs and other tiny organisms.

Here is info on shark attacks!

Sharks to see in person can be found in aquairums or...

...near reefs, bottom of the sea, or middle of the sea. There's even a shark island! SPOOKY!

Sharks Why do I like sharks?

I think sharks are amazing and fascinating apex predators. The different species of sharks exhibit amazing effects of evolution and demonstrate how sharks can come in all different shapes and sizes. For example, the saw shark and hammerhead shark are in fact sharks, but look nothing alike to each other or even a great white shark. You can see their teeth, fins, and movements are similar to each other, but basic appearances are completely different. This is amazing! They move at unbelievable speeds and use scent as its main sense for searching for prey. Did you know, that sharks sight is horrible? I mean horrible. They often mistake things for seals or other prey because they look similar. It's as if sharks need glasses.

This is a saw shark. Weird to look at right?

This diver is near a feeding ground for these sharks. This can be very dangerous, especially if the sharks suspect them as potential prey. Divers who do this often have to be overly aware of their surrounding or a shark might try to nibble them to see if they are tasty. Pushing their noses deters them and moves them away so that's what most divers do.

Scary yet comforting at the same time.