On last weeks shark research trip, weSliver Tip Shark witnessed firsthand some of the challenges facing those who want to help save our sharks and our oceans. On our first day we came across two long-lines with thousands of yards of baited hooks. After pulling them out of the water, we came across two tuna fishing vessels and two search helicopters on the lookout for schools of tuna. All of this in areas where fishing is not permitted! Still, we conducted our research and successfully tagged sharks, set a new receiver and collected DNA samples from several Manta Rays. We had to pull two receivers for repairs but we will re-deploy them when we return this November. “The trip was incredible, said the guests. We dove with a variety of sharks and Manta’s on nearly every dive and we successfully deployed acoustic tags on Galapagos, Hammerhead and Silver Tip sharks.” This is in addition to the tags previously deployed on Whale Sharks. It’s important to note that all of this provides for necessary research. The sighting of juvenile Silver Tip sharks, at one of the islands, was very encouraging. “Let’s hope that they can only thrive and avoid the many obstacles that they face” stated Dr. Antonio.
