Contrary to any assumptions one might have, the idea behind Shark Awareness Day (Sun., July 14) is not to shout warnings at terrified swimmers when going to the beach this summer, despite the ocean of fun that can provide.
While it’s noteworthy to mention that sharks are extraordinary hunters + predators (sitting at the top of the marine food chain), the sad fact remains that they are more threatened by people than people are by sharks, which explains why their population is in rapid decline. The worldwide demand for shark-fin soup, shark-tooth medallions, and a lack of management for shark fishing, all combine to leave sharks at risk.
While we’re not suggesting you go out + hug one this Sunday, the least we can do is respect these creatures and let them be.
Sightings
🌊 Let’s get to know a few local sharks
- 10-ft., 2-in. White Shark Miss May was spotted off the coast of Daytona Beach on May 24. Then after a long swim up north, she was seen in Cape Cod, MA on July 8.
- 12-ft. Helena the White Shark was seen ~100 miles off the coast of Florida on March 26 but is now hanging with Miss May.
- 12-ft., 9-in. White Shark Caroline was by the Florida Keys on May 28 where she crossed paths with 12-ft., 5-in. Miss Costa, who then swam north after her interaction with Caroline and was found east of Virginia. Rumor has it that she too wants to meet the cool Miss May.
Incidents
🦈 Hear some jaw-some stats
According to the International Shark Attack File, only 66 shark bite incidents were recorded worldwide in 2018, of which 32 happened in U.S. waters. Only one was fatal, off the coast of Massachusetts, and the first fatal shark attack in the country since 2015.
Tracking
🔍 Sea them out of the blue
OCEARCH, an organization that collects data in the ocean, has a tracker for marine species ranging from sharks and turtles to dolphins and whales (even seals and alligators). Their research goes so far as to tag the large apex predator, ping their journey, give them a name, and track their growth.
Guy Harvey Research Institute leads scientific research in tracking sharks. Their map allows you to select a species (from Sailfish to Tiger Shark and White Marlin to Oceanic Whitetip Shark), see where its traveled + find its current status.
So in honor of sharks + our personal safety, here are 8 shark bite tips to get you through swimsuit season.
Tips
- Sharks often attack lone individuals so swim in a group close to shore.
- Avoid the water at night, dawn, or dusk when sharks are most active.
- Don’t wear shiny jewelry because the reflected light looks like shining fish scales. The mindset that fish are friends, not food, may not ring so true.
- Don’t enter the water if bleeding. Sharks can trace blood back to its source.
- Sharks like to hangout near sandbars or steep drop-offs...so maybe you shouldn’t hang there.
- Sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks because both have the same food cravings.
- Avoid waters with lots of bait fishes. #ProTip: Diving seabirds are good indicators of such activities.
- Also, keep your pets out of the water. Please.
Quiz
Please find the correct answer in The Wrap section of today’s newsletter.
