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Scuba News
March 7, 2022 by HAL
This article highlights the popularity of staycations in the UK and encourages people to explore local wildlife, especially the Basking Shark. These impressive creatures are the second largest sharks and can be spotted from spring to summer while they feed on plankton. It’s essential to follow guidelines for observing them safely and respectfully, ensuring both […]
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Atlantic Shortfin Makos are facing a serious decline due to overfishing, primarily driven by the EU. Scientists have called for a ban on retaining these sharks to help them recover. The upcoming ICCAT meeting in July presents a crucial chance for nations, especially within the EU, to adopt better protections based on scientific evidence, helping […]
The UK government is banning the trade of detached shark fins to protect shark populations. This ban extends to products like shark fin soup and aims to reduce the pressure on endangered species, such as the shortfin mako and blue shark. By promoting shark conservation, this law supports the health of marine ecosystems and sends […]
Ali Hood, the Director of Conservation at the Shark Trust, received the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s Marine Conservation Award for her dedication to protecting sharks. Over her 20 years with the Shark Trust, she has worked to address the significant threat of overfishing and advocate for better management of vulnerable shark species. Ali appreciates […]
Conservationists celebrate a ban on catching North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks, aimed at rebuilding their declining population. This ban will be enforced in 2022 and 2023, but concerns remain about potential loopholes allowing future catches. Protecting sharks like these is essential for ocean health and maintaining balanced ecosystems. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
February 22, 2022 by HAL
The Mediterranean is facing a significant risk to its angel shark species, with many in danger of extinction. The Mediterranean Angel Sharks: Regional Action Plan aims to restore their populations by minimizing fishing-related deaths, protecting their habitats, and enforcing national regulations. This collaborative effort seeks to engage regional stakeholders to create effective SubRegional Action Plans […]
February 9, 2022 by HAL
The “60 Second Sharks” series by the Shark Trust offers quick and informative videos about sharks and their behaviors. Topics include tonic immobility, migration patterns of Blue Sharks, and different aspects of shark anatomy and taxonomy. This series is a great resource for scuba divers and those interested in understanding more about these fascinating ocean […]
Tonic immobility is a natural reflex that causes some animals, like sharks and rays, to become temporarily inactive, similar to a state of hypnosis. This phenomenon can be triggered in stressful situations or during encounters with predators. Understanding tonic immobility helps scuba divers appreciate the behavior of these creatures and enhances safe interactions with marine […]
Blue sharks are known for their extensive migrations across the ocean. Each year, they travel thousands of miles from warmer coastal waters to the colder depths of the ocean. This migration is vital for their feeding and breeding, making early summer a popular time for divers to observe them in certain areas. Read the full […]
February 7, 2022 by HAL
New species of sharks have been discovered recently, including an angel shark in Panama and a catshark in Japan. Additionally, climate change is affecting the migration patterns of tiger sharks in the Northwest Atlantic, which could impact their conservation status. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing research in understanding and protecting shark species. Read […]
January 26, 2022 by HAL
In December, important stories about shark conservation emerged, highlighting the threats sharks face from overfishing. A global assessment revealed that over 30% of over 1,000 shark and ray species are at risk of extinction. In South Africa, efforts are underway to protect 191 species, as researchers and communities explore effective methods such as Marine Protected […]
January 19, 2022 by HAL
The Starry Skate ID Guide helps divers identify the starry skate, a species of ray known for its unique appearance. It highlights important features such as its star-like spots, flattened body, and distinctive coloration. Understanding these traits can enhance the experience of observing and protecting this fascinating creature while scuba diving. Read the full article […]
January 18, 2022 by HAL
Tonic immobility is a reflex that causes sharks and rays to enter a temporary state of inactivity. This state can help researchers handle these animals safely, as it reduces their movement and stress. Some scientists believe tonic immobility might serve as a defense mechanism or be related to mating, but its exact purpose is still […]
December 16, 2021 by HAL
The Greenland shark, known for its long lifespan, was denied new protections by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). A proposal for a ban on retaining Greenland sharks was withdrawn after facing opposition from Iceland, despite support from multiple nations. Scientists warn that overfishing poses a significant risk to these vulnerable sharks, which can live […]
In October, notable shark news included the tagging of the smallest White Shark off Rhode Island, measuring just 1.09 meters, to help researchers understand their movements for conservation efforts. Madagascar’s Whale Shark tourism significantly boosts the local economy, generating $1.5 million, yet these sharks lack formal protection in the area. Additionally, research revealed two distinct […]
In November, several exciting discoveries related to sharks and rays were reported around the world. Notably, a Tentacled Butterfly Ray, presumed extinct, was rediscovered in Iran. Additionally, a large group of Leopard Sharks was spotted off California’s La Jolla Beach, and efforts to conserve sawfish populations in the Bay of Bengal are underway through educational […]
December 9, 2021 by HAL
Thresher sharks are unique and agile creatures found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. They are known for their long, whip-like tails, which they use to herd and stun small fish while hunting. All three species of thresher sharks face a high risk of extinction due to destructive fishing practices, and scuba divers may encounter […]
November 5, 2021 by HAL
In September, several significant measures were taken to protect shark and ray species globally. Bangladesh updated its wildlife laws to protect numerous threatened shark and ray species. A comprehensive assessment in Australia revealed that 12% of its sharks and rays are at an elevated extinction risk, prompting calls for action. Notably, researchers documented an increase […]
October 27, 2021 by HAL
In 2020, Canada took significant steps to protect endangered Atlantic Shortfin Mako Sharks. They proposed new catch limits and a complete retention ban in response to expert recommendations, aiming to aid the seriously overfished population in the North Atlantic. These initiatives come after a strong campaign by conservation groups advocating for shark protection. Read the […]
October 4, 2021 by HAL
In July, several exciting discoveries related to sharks were made. Scientists filmed a sixgill shark in Irish coastal waters for the first time and documented basking sharks displaying unusual swimming patterns. New species of catshark were identified in the Indian Ocean, and research highlighted the crucial role sharks play in ocean ecosystems and their potential […]
In August, several important shark-related news stories emerged. A Common Smoothhound Shark was born through a process called parthenogenesis, potentially confirming the first case for this species. The UK Government announced plans to ban the import and export of detached shark fins, supporting shark conservation efforts. Additionally, scientists found a deep-water shark nursery off the […]
September 29, 2021 by HAL
If you see shark meat or products for sale, remember that it may not always be illegal, and some species are managed under strict quotas. You can ask staff about the shark’s provenance and choose not to buy to help protect threatened sharks. Avoiding products from vulnerable species sends a strong message to retailers about […]
You can run the London Marathon for the Shark Trust, but they cannot provide Golden Bond tickets due to limited availability. Instead, you should enter through the regular ballot method, or you can join organized fundraising events to support shark conservation efforts. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
The Shark Trust is enthusiastic about meeting shark lovers and attending talks and educational events. They are open to giving talks but may not be able to attend every event due to their small team based in Plymouth, UK. Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
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