Login
Username or email address *
Password *
Remember me
Log in
Lost your password?
No products in the cart.
Scuba News
November 20, 2023 by HAL
A new report highlights gaps in global shark and ray conservation efforts, revealing that many countries are not following through on their commitments to protect these vulnerable species. The primary issues include overfishing, misaligned policies, and inadequate reporting of catch statistics. It is essential for governments to improve their implementation of international agreements to ensure […]
Read more »
Tagged
November 14, 2023 by HAL
An online session hosted by the Shark Trust will discuss the current state of shark conservation. The session is aimed at aquarium staff and focuses on key facts, figures, and ways to engage the public in shark protection efforts. This event is scheduled for January 17, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Read the […]
November 8, 2023 by HAL
In August, significant advancements in shark research were reported. Silky sharks were studied using underwater cameras, revealing their habitats for better protection. A genetic study on reef manta rays showed that they tend to stay within local populations. Additionally, researchers tracked silvertip sharks diving deep in search of food, showcasing their adaptability in changing environments. […]
November 6, 2023 by HAL
The October news highlights important developments in shark conservation. A statement from the IUCN Commission promotes non-lethal management of sharks over culling. Additionally, a new ancient shark species was found in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, and studies reveal that sharks have low cancer rates due to their slow evolution, which also makes them less adaptable to […]
October 23, 2023 by HAL
Overfishing happens when fish, including sharks, are caught faster than they can reproduce. Because sharks grow slowly and have long pregnancies, they are especially vulnerable. This practice threatens ocean health by decreasing shark populations, which are crucial for maintaining balance in marine ecosystems. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
October 12, 2023 by HAL
The Oceanics Programme is focused on protecting oceanic sharks and rays, which are crucial for ocean health. These species are significantly threatened by overfishing, and immediate actions need to be taken to help their populations recover. Improving fisheries management is essential for ensuring the sustainability of these important marine animals. Read the full article at […]
October 11, 2023 by HAL
In July, experts began mapping important habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Additionally, researchers found that basking sharks can warm their bodies like great white sharks, making them an unusual exception among mostly cold-blooded fish species. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Recent studies highlight crucial discoveries about sharks. Great hammerhead sharks appear more often during full moons due to the lunar cycle’s impact on their behavior. Also, simpler methods could reduce ship strikes, a significant threat to whales and sharks. Lastly, bull sharks are adapting to unique freshwater habitats, showcasing their remarkable ability to thrive in […]
October 10, 2023 by HAL
Oceanic sharks are in danger due to poor fishing management in the high seas. New scuba divers can help by supporting sustainable practices to protect shark populations. Every effort counts, and spreading awareness about these issues is crucial for their recovery. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
September 27, 2023 by HAL
Mark Packer joined The Pelican of London for a two-week sailing adventure. He served as the Scientist in Residence, enjoying the vibrant ocean life of sun, seabirds, and the thrill of being at sea, all while marveling at the absence of sharks. This unique experience helped him connect more deeply with marine life and the […]
September 9, 2023 by HAL
In June, significant measures were announced to protect shark populations. A gillnet ban in the Great Barrier Reef by 2027 and a no-take policy for all hammerhead sharks in Queensland waters aim to conserve these species. Additionally, research highlighted that major reef sharks are facing extinction risks due to overfishing, with populations declining significantly. Read […]
September 5, 2023 by HAL
Sharks have complex brains that allow them to process various senses, including smell, sight, sound, touch, taste, and electroreception. They are highly skilled at detecting smells, such as blood from prey, with their sense of smell being the most developed. Sharks’ ability to sense electrical currents helps them locate prey that may be hidden or […]
Sharks have existed for about 400 million years, long before dinosaurs. They evolved from small, leaf-shaped fish into two main groups: bony fish and cartilaginous fish, which includes sharks. Sharks have survived many mass extinctions, but many species are currently threatened due to human activities. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
The Shark and Ray Entanglement Network engages divers and other community members in tracking and reporting sightings of sharks and rays. By collecting this data, participants help researchers understand the distribution and health of these species. This network encourages people to be active in conservation efforts while enjoying their time in the ocean. Read the […]
The Shark Trust is dedicated to improving shark conservation through a solutions-based approach. They aim to change how people understand and protect sharks globally. Their recent achievements focus on increasing awareness and promoting the welfare of sharks to prevent their extinction. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
September 4, 2023 by HAL
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) is a treaty aimed at protecting migratory species, including sharks and rays. The CMS Sharks Memorandum of Understanding focuses on the conservation of these species and includes action plans that countries should follow to improve their status. There are two appendices for species listing based on […]
International Angel Shark Day is celebrated every year on June 26. The day focuses on raising awareness about the 23 species of angel sharks worldwide through social media activities, educational resources, and conservation efforts by various researchers and groups. Scuba divers and ocean enthusiasts can engage by learning more about angel sharks and supporting their […]
CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, is a global agreement that regulates the trade of endangered animals and plants. It includes protections for over 35,000 species, including 46 types of sharks and rays. By controlling trade, CITES aims to prevent over-exploitation and ensure that trade in these species is sustainable and […]
The White Skate (Rostroraja alba) is a Critically Endangered species found in the Northeast Atlantic, ranging from the British Isles to South Africa. Though its eggcase can reach up to 28 cm in length, this species is rarely seen in British waters today. Most verified sightings of its eggcases are from southwest Ireland and South […]
The Blonde Ray, or Raja brachyura, can be found in the Northeast Atlantic, from Norway to Morocco and in parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Its eggcases are larger and have unique upper horns that distinguish them from similar species like the Thornback Ray. Verified sightings of these eggcases mainly come from southwest England and surrounding […]
The Blackmouth Catshark (Galeus melastomus) is a species found in deeper waters of the Eastern Atlantic, from Norway to Senegal, including the Mediterranean. They have eggcases that are about 5 centimeters long and are similar in shape to those of the Smallspotted Catshark. Since this species lives in deep waters, their eggcases are rarely found […]
The Blue Skate, formerly known as the Common Skate, is found in the Northeast Atlantic, ranging from Iceland to the southern British Isles. Its eggcases, up to 21 cm long, are often confused with those of the larger Flapper Skate. Scuba divers may encounter these eggcases in the water or on beaches in areas like […]
The Flapper Skate, also known as Dipturus intermedius, is a species found mainly in the Northeast Atlantic. Once widespread, its population has significantly declined, making it critically endangered in many areas. Eggcases from this species have mostly been found in Orkney, indicating their importance for conservation efforts. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
The Nursehound Catshark is a type of shark found in shallow waters of the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Divers often see this species close to rocky shores. Its eggcases are commonly found along the southwestern coast of England and Wales, highlighting its presence in these areas. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Join our mailing list for new Scuba Divers!
Learn all the things they don't teach you in class.
