Beyond Blue by Fiona Ayerst

Photo by Fiona Ayerst

Contents Features The Secret Shark Pits Critical Habitat Under Threat

Turtle 911

Regulars 7

Spotlight on the Oceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Myths

Healing Ambassadors for the Oceans

Sharks of French Polynesia

Sharks, Lies & Microscopes

Get Involved

Sneaking into the intimacy of reef sharks

Tiger Central - Playing with Tiger Sharks

Spotlight

Latest Marine Documentaries Reviewed

Breaking news from the Marine World

Spring 2008

The Big Melt

Into the global warming debate

Readers Challenge

Make your Footprint Green

Conservation Endangered Animals

Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphin

Sharklife Campaign Slide Fishing - Anglers off the hook?

Evaluating Telemetry

Really Short Snippets

Experts on the Oceans

Our Choice Of Products

Empowerment Petitions, Campaigns and Causes

Marine Phenomena Catalogue

Marine Cinema

Volunteer and make a difference

Latest

Picked from the current

Lawyer delves into Shark Research

Be Drawn In

Species ID - Reef Sharks Exposed

On the Horizon

Clearing the Shroud of Sience

My Life Inside Research

Un-Science Me

Shark Netting

31 35

On Australian Beaches

Beyond Blue 3

From the Editor Welcome to this first edition of our new magazine Beyond Blue. It has been such an exciting project to work on. I love working with enthusiastic people who both know what they are talking about and who care about the state of our oceans. With people like that supporting it, this magazine will go from strength to strength. I look forward to hearing what you- the reader- want to see here and what you think about our first issue? (your letters to me, the editor can be sent to fiona@beyondbluemag.com) Beyond Blue has been founded to be the voice of the oceans. It brings its readers a fresh approach to scientific writing and current information on all topics relating to the sea. The magazine intends to tackle difficult conservation issues with an in-depth investigatory approach. Beyond Blue is fun and funky, fresh and invigorating. We have designed it to awaken your interest and to educate you further on current topical issues regarding all things “ oceanic”. The magazine is written by energetic, passionate and involved people and is designed for you- the reader who wants to know what is happening in an up-to-date, interesting and easy to read format. It is a magazine for people who want to be involved. Beyond Blue will always endeavour to blend incredible imagery with cutting edge reporting and style. Each issue of Beyond Blue will continue to contain all the things that you love to read, including features from our internationally roaming explorers who constantly have their “antennae” up- watching and listening- waiting to bring you the latest in international oceanic news.

Fiona Ayerst I invite you to get your favourite beverage; sit in a comfy chair; sit back and enjoy! Savour this – the first offering from the Beyond Blue team and that which the oceans have decided to wash up for you in this - our inaugural issue!

Editor-in-Chief, Beyond Blue September 2008

Welcome to Beyond Blue.

This Months Explorers

Courtney Graham Natalie Harrison

Johann Mourier

Mark Addison

Fiona Ayerst

Ryan Johnson

Courtney Graham is a law student at the Brandeis School of Law in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). Her passion for scuba diving and motivation for getting stamps on her passport has taken her on adventures around the world. She is a selfproclaimed adrenaline junkie and is working towards a career in shark and marine conservation.

Intrigued by shark behaviour from a young age, Johann became a French engineer (MSc Fishery Biology). He joined APECS (French Shark Conservation Association) and investigated the basking shark's behaviour. In January 2008 he started his PhD project, focusing on the behavioural ecology of reef sharks in French Polynesia.

Mark brings a multidisciplinary approach to all his work and it is this inclusive philosophy that has pushed the science and cinematography of the South African Coast to new levels. His approach is to amalgamate his fieldwork with the relevant scientists and integrate this science into the filming and photographic projects that his company facilitates. The current projects centre on the shark fauna at Shark Park.

Fiona Ayerst is a freelance adventure sport and underwater photographer and journalist. Fiona is a prolific author, and has established an international reputation for her articles on ocean conservation in various publications. Fiona’s love for all things " water " show in her passion for this medium that she has the privilege to work in daily.

Ryan is a marine biologist specializing in uncovering the hidden lives of sharks. In recent years he has worked as a scientific host for National Geographic exploring and researching marine wonders from around the world. In Beyond Blue he puts to print the inside story of these remarkable adventures.

Spring 2008

Natalie Harrison is an undergraduate student at Duke University, in North Carolina in the US, studying Marine Biology and Classics. A former SAMPLA intern, she first recognized her love for the sea several years ago while capturing, tagging, and releasing juvenile sea turtles for a population monitoring project. She hopes to have an exciting career discovering and protecting the marine environment and its mysterious, but magnificent creatures.

Beyond Blue 4

Publisher

Photographers

South African Marine Predator Lab

Fiona Ayerst

Fiona Ayerst Hughes Vitry Stefania Muller Kimi Stewart

Production Manager

Get in Touch with Beyond Blue

Editor-in-Chief

Lezanne Brits

Design and Layout Eugene Kruger

Website: www.beyondbluemag.com Email: info@beyondbluemag.com Tel: +27 (044) 690 5799

Explorers Johann Mourier Natalie Harrison Ryan Johnson Courtney Graham Mark Addison Fiona Ayerst

Contributors Moynene Baumann Lawrence Bellini Lezanne Brits Diane van Vuuren Enrico Gennari Toby Keswick Simone Lewis-Koskinen Neil Crooks Celeste Steyn

Website David Edwards

Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id= 653760842#/group.php?gid=28615938134

Disclaimer & Copyrights Opinions expressed within this magazine do not reflect those of Beyond Blue or any project related to Beyond Blue. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Beyond Blue cannot be held liable for inadvertent mistakes. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.

Acknowledgments Thanks to Spotbit.com for creating the Beyond Blue E-book.

At a Glance The vast emptiness of the pit, and his role in its destruction, are clearly evident in the tearstreaked green eyes of this passionate Mauritian. page 7 - Secret Shark Pits Sharkwater is probably one of the most important documentaries ever made. It is essentially JAWS, starring MAN as the villainous predator. page 29 - Cinema Marine With so many scientists admitting that little is known about the marine environment concerns are growing that many species could soon become extinct before we really get to understand them. page 25 - Picked from the current Global warming competes with cancer and competes with AIDS for a finite amount of money. Nobody ever won that fight by saying: My issue isn't important.â&#x20AC;? page 49 - The Big Melt The hooks being used are barbed, chemically sharpened, stainless steel and are generally around a large size ten. page 31 - Slide Fishing A large fracture, presumably from an encounter with the propeller of a boat, split her skull into separate pieces. page 19 - Turtle 911

Map by David Edwards

Hughes Vitry

The Secret Shark Pits By Ryan Johnson

Feature Mauritius

Strolling down to the vessel that is to be our research and production base for the next few months, a thought occurs to me. This expedition may be a little more demanding than the extended dive holiday that I have been hoping for. A blue boat stands nearby, the sister vessel of the one we will use. Its deck is crowded with French speaking tourists, happily chatting away as they head out for their day's diving. We are in Mauritius, an isolated island located in the south western Indian Ocean. I am the dedicated marine biologist on a National Geographic expedition to discover and document the wonders of the famed "Shark Pits of Mauritius". The other expedition members consist of an assortment of scientists, conservationists, divers and film crew. We are a holistic bunch and in the two short months that we will be here we aim to gain new insights into the mysteries of the shark pits. Of equal importance, we also aspire to add to the store of knowledge that may help in the conservation and preservation of these sacred pits. However, the initial calm of the Mauritius diving scene belies the challenges that in a short time our crew will face. These are challenges and demands that will make this expedition the most intense and risky research adventure of my career. This is the story of the Shark Pit Mystery.

shark pits. Hughes, unsuspecting the result that this documentary would produce, agreed. As he had a natural desire to spread word of his discovery, he welcomed the opportunity. Today, he tells the story of the disaster that followed the film's airing. Fishermen started visiting the pit (whose location had unfortunately been revealed by the documentary) searching for a guaranteed shark capture. Dive operators capitalized on the pit's fame and sent hordes of their clients into the confined space. Within a year the pit was empty. The sharks had either been fished out or displaced. Today, some 12 years later the pit remains empty, a hollow reminder of human greed; an unwillingness to respect nature and also the debilitating effects that TV programs can sometimes have on the wildlife they film. The vast emptiness of the pit and Hughesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; role in its destruction, are clearly evident in the tear- filled green eyes of this passionate Mauritian. Amazingly, Hughes has discovered some new pits, but never again will he feel the responsibility of such a remarkable place's destruction. Hughes has vowed to keep it a secret, away from the eyes of fisherman and tourists, until

such a time as the Mauritius government can guarantee protection. Now, after months of negotiations, National Geographic has made an agreement with Hughes to allow a documentary and research study to be conducted in the new pit, but the crew must swear absolute and unconditional secrecy of its location. I am lucky enough to be part of this secret and the expedition and adventure that follows.

The Expedition Exiting the harbour of Trou aux Biches, we head east as well as a few other directions to confuse the fishermen who have heard of our presence in the town. Moments before their eyes had fervidly watched us loading our vessel with research film and dive equipment. After a time, and ensuring the absence of followers, we correct our bearing, and Hughes gives us a run down on do's and don'ts. Famed wildlife director, Joe Kennedy, and above water cameraman Hansa Winshaw receive the sternest warning from Hughes. No above water shots, as that may give a hint of the pit's location. This is not allowed. All shots entering

In 1977, Hughes Vitry discovered an underwater cavern formed from lava, now called the shark pit. This came about as Hughes, while scuba diving, watched a shark mysteriously 'disappear' into the reef wall. Keeping in pursuit, Hughes stumbled into the â&#x20AC;&#x153;shark pitâ&#x20AC;? and witnessed a sight he would never forget. He found approximately 50 sharks slowly circling each other in a tiny confined pit of about 10m x 25m. The pit was teeming with what seemed to be a relatively common predator, the gray reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos). Some scientists however, including Hughes, contend that this was possibly a different species - the black tailed reef shark (Carcharhinus wheeler). Within the shark pit there were adults, juveniles, males and females. Hughes had many questions in his mind- were they feeding, resting, mating, birthing? What were they doing here? For the next 17 years, Hughes returned again and again to the pit as a dive operator, endeavoring to discover the secrets of this mysterious cavern. Then in 1994, a French film crew approached Hughes to produce a documentary on the At the 'Basin's' surface an angry sea generates super-oxygenated water that may attract sharks to these resting areas. Spring 2008

Hughes Vitry

History of the pits

Hughes Vitry

A group of new born Black tail sharks prepare to exit the basin en masse. The National Geographic expedition discovered a unique group foraging behaviour of these neonates

In time, we reach the new pit area. The largest has been named "the Cathedral" by Hughes. We are soon in the water. It is a structure that immediately enchants me. It seems to resemble the interior of one of the world's most magnificent churches. I find it to be a serene, yet eerie place. There are no God worshipers here. Instead the pit is occupied by the gods of the sea; sharks. Silently, the sharks patrol the Cathedral's floor. During this first dive we realize what will be the major challenge faced on this expedition: our entry to the pit causes the sharks to exit. They are frightened by our bubbles, our size, and the mere presence of something that is so novel to this private refuge. It takes time for us to

realize that this aggregation is not a result of chumming and baiting. The sharks are here because they want to be, not because we have lured them here. The attractive force that takes over sharks when presented with food is absent, and we must learn to interact with them in a new and ultimately more respectful way. Back at the boat, we discuss the problem, and suggest solutions. National Geographic's underwater cameraman, Bob Cranston is armed with his re-breather, a highly specialized system that produces no bubbles, and enables a diver to stay submerged for upwards of four hours. Whilst I, Joe, and Hughes decompress and plan, Bob heads alone into the pit. Without the presence of us bubble blowers, we hope the sharks will relax and allow him to film their natural behavior thereby

gleaning clues for us as to what causes the unusual aggregation. The primary aim of the expedition is to discover why these sharks aggregate in the pits. To answer this I intend to place acoustic transmitters on the sharks, enabling them to be tracked. The data will help break up the components of their life history and thus allow us to tease out the purpose of the pits. Attaching the transmitters to the sharks, however, presents a dilemma. After seeing how they responded to our initial presence, I hold out little hope for spearing them with the transmitters whilst on scuba. As I am a free diver, it is clear to me that the Cathedral's depth of 26 metres allows this as a possible alternative to scuba. The surface of the Cathedral, however, reveals its inhospitality to humans, with extraordinary currents being funneled through the ceiling and out of the Cathedral's mouth. These difficulties are apparent when I am preparing to dive. I am thrown around the opening of the pit like a rag doll. On my descent I encounter more problems as the sharks remain timid and shoot away at the slightest wrong move. After two hours, frustrated and unsuccessful, I revert back to scuba, with a new plan. I will hide behind a rock and be patient. Ultimately my patience pays off, and using the modified spear gun, I manage to place the five transmitters on five sharks.

Hughes Vitry

and exiting the water must be recreated at random locations around the archipelago.

Over the next two months we relaxed into a routine. At 6am each morning we would pack up our gear and travel to the pits. The pit that looks on that day to be the most hospitable to us delicate humans, would then be investigated.Bob would capture the images, I would perform various scientific studies, Hughes would explore, clicking away at every living animal that managed to find its way in front of his lens, Joe would direct from below and above water, and Hansa would capture all the above water 'moments'.

Beyond Blue 8

Secret

Utilization Of The Pits

On occasions, sharks were not observed in any of the pits. The time for this was typically in the afternoon (after 2pm.). The highest abundance of sharks was observed in the early mornings, and prior to midday. We placed acoustic monitoring equipment in the basin to record movements of tagged sharks in and out of the pits. Unfortunately a cyclone hit us during the second part of the expedition and all the data was destroyed. On two occasions, groups of juvenile sharks were observed exiting the pits on their own volition to patrol the neighboring reefs. This occurred in the late afternoon around 3-4pm. We rarely observed sharks in the Cathedral after 2pm. From these observations, I surmised that the main utilization period is between ~6am and ~1pm. .

It is hard for a scientist to come to any firm conclusions in such a short research time frame. I hope that the insights that I did gain assists understanding of these pits, and highlight their importance as a critical habitat of the Black Tail sharks of Mauritius.

Hughes Vitry

Secret Our Discoveries

Bedraggled, enthused and exhausted, we would return to our base at dusk. In the evenings we would enjoy a homemade meal (from our penny-aware, yet always entertaining producer Garth Lucas), watch the raw footage, discuss the day, plan for the next day and stumble to bed. Spending upwards of 14 hours a day on and under the sea is strenuous to say the least. Following this routine for two months was devastating to the body. It was only the continuous deluge of new discoveries that kept us going, and the knowledge that we could bring these discoveries to life through our documentary 'Shark Pit Mystery'. Over time, we discovered a new pit, documented a

Secret

Other downtime maintenance type behaviours also seem associated with the pits, such as parasite cleaning from the cleaner wrasse which have set up stations there. Although these behaviours are not as spectacular as hunting sharks patrolling the reefs, the resting, maintenance and predator protection for neonates is just as essential in a shark's life history. What makes these pits extra important in terms of critical environments is their vulnerability. Mass aggregation sites of marine species are frequently exploited by unscrupulous fishers who recognize the ease with which entire populations can be harvested at little economic cost.

Movement

At least two sharks were identified moving between the Basin and the Cathedral. One shark tagged in the Cathedral was observed a day later, and a second shark identified by a distinct bulging in its lower jaw was observed the same day. The movement of these sharks suggests that despite a separation of around 5km, the sharks do utilize both areas. As of yet, we have not concluded the reasons for this.

Secret

Hughes Vitry

Shark Abundance

A pregnant female gives clues that the pits may act as nursery and possibly birthing grounds

Conclusions It is clear that the shark pits represent a critical habitat for sharks, the purpose of which is probably multifaceted. The physical environment offers superoxygenated water, some 3-4% higher in dissolved oxygen than the surrounding environment and this may aid in maximizing resting efficiency. As nocturnal hunters, it is expected that such predators will searchout in the most optimum environments for them to spend their down time. In addition, the pits geographical structures were conspicuously and consistently similar to large basins or jugs with a few distinct pathways in and out, but otherwise there was limited access for any large animal. For juvenile and neonate sharks (still vulnerable to predation) such protection makes the pits perfect nursery grounds that reduce the threat of predators surprising the sharks. The biological benefits to grouping during nonfeeding times include increased predator vigilance, and aid in the facilitation of social interactions. The presence of neonates, pregnant females, and also ritualistic trailing behavior that I observed all indicate that the pits may represent courting, copulation and possibly birthing sites, in which con-specifics can easily locate each other. What makes these pits extra important in terms of critical environments is their vulnerability.

Spring 2008

Secret

Environmental conditions As passive breathing sharks, grey reef sharks must continually swim to respire. Short periods of inactivity (e.g. during cleaning) can be tolerated as sharks become increasingly hypoxic (low oxygen levels in blood). During resting phases, sharks will seek out physical environments in which their bodies can be maintained with as little effort as possible. The super concentration of dissolved oxygen within the pits as compared to surrounding waters, may offer the shark's greater opportunity to rest. Measurements of dissolved oxygen revealed 3-4% higher concentrations within the pits as opposed to surrounding waters. In addition, on numerous occasions we observed sharks moving higher in the water column when large waves pounded the pits and sent clouds of aerated waters downwards.

Consequently, until such time that governments stand up and can ensure protection (from legislative protection to sufficient compliance), the location of such marine phenomena should be kept hidden. For Hughes Vitry, his stance of keeping the shark pits location secret should be emulated for all newly discovered shark aggregation sites. Keeping big business ignorant is at present, one of the only options available for shark conservationists to protect the few pockets where sharks still thrive.

Dissoved Oxygen at Sugerloaf Island's Shark Pit 102

Dissolved Oxgyen (percent)

new co-operative hunting strategy being used by the sharks, and ultimately shed light on some of the mysteries of these shark pits. However, there remain many mysteries surrounding this area.

It was immediately apparent that the original shark pit is not utilized by sharks anymore. Historical video footage illustrates that in its prime the pit hosted between 2030 circling adult and juvenile sharks! It was a space of only 10 by 25 metres, and I imagine that it would have been an extraordinary site, and one I regret not observing in person. The first of the new pits, named- the Cathedral- appears to be occupied by larger adult and sub-adult sharks. Their presence is not totally predictable, however, on most occasions I observed between 4 – 10 sharks. The presence of divers usually resulted in sharks leaving through the escape passage. Usually sharks would not remain long with divers present (although we did get better at blocking these exit pathways). The third, newly discovered, pit, named- the basin was, without fail, the most occupied pit, and the highlight of our expedition. The majority of sharks were juveniles and neonates, and often numbered between 3050 sharks. The presence of sub-adults were frequent in lower numbers (2-5), whilst adults were typically present when we first entered into the pit, but left within minutes of our arrival. Occasionally a pregnant female, or adult, would re-enter but on seeing us they would leave again. The unwillingness of the adult sharks to be in our presence illustrated to me, just how vulnerable these pits are to human disturbance. Even something as inconsequential as diver presence affected the pits and their inhabitants.

Acknowledgements 101

100

300

0 (Within)

Distance from Shark Pit (metres)

This expedition was funded by the National Geographic Channel, and the resulting documentary 'Shark pit Mystery' produced by “Off the fence” (www.offthefence.com) and “Talking Pictures” (www.talkingpics.co.za). Hughes company Blue water diving center (www.bluewaterdivingcenter.com) hosted the expedition, and many thanks must go to his crew for making the expedition so successful. Beyond Blue 10

Group Hunting

Secret

Grey reef sharks have been known to form aggregations at reef drop-offs during daytime. It was commonly thought that in the evenings these sharks disperse, to hunt the reef as solitary hunters. Whilst the presence of solitary hunting adults cannot be excluded, we made a novel discovery on the two occasions when we followed and documented the group patrolling behavior of the neonate sharks. En masse the sharks exited the pits (first aggregating at a exit point in the pit) in a coordinated group of around 10 to patrol the surrounding reef. The grouping behavior was evident and persisted throughout the duration of the time we could visually track the sharks. Although no specific hunting behavior was observed, all evidence pointed towards group foraging.

Secret Reproductive Behavior

Hughes Vitry

Famed underwater cameraman Bob Cranston armed with his high definition camera, moments before entering into the shark pit.

The reproductive courting behavior of gray reef sharks often consist of an estrus female emitting a hormone, resulting in following behavior and then copulation. Interestingly, we observed this behaviour frequently in the Cathedral, but failed to observe it in the Basin, where the newborn sharks were most frequently observed. The presence of over 50 newborn sharks indicate that the Basin is a nursery site, and plays host to numerous litters of gray reef sharks during the day (typical little size â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4-6). Also, the presence of near parturition pregnant females indicate that the Basin and Cathedral are possibly birthing areas, or close by to birthing areas.

Do you dream of witnessing some of the world's greatest marine spectacles? We certainly do! From the wondrous sardine run of South Africa, to the great barrier reefs mass coral spawning. Beyond blue will give you, our reader, the insight needed to take part in these rare annual wonders of our oceans.

Article by Lawrence Belleni

Coral Spawning Event On the East coast of Australia, out on the Barrier Reef an annual event occurs whereby the coral release all their sperm and eggs at one time. This mass spawning event increases the genetic diversity among the corals and maximizes the number of fertilized offspring that survive predators, to settle safely. The sheer volume of the coral spawn release has resulted in this magical event being described as an “underwater snowfall”. During this event other organisms also spawn including reef fish, such as triggerfish, surgeonfish and wrasse, whilst performing spectacular hypnotic mating rituals in their thousands. Invertebrates such as marine worms, giant clams, sea cucumbers and blue bioluminescent reef crustaceans can also be seen spawning. This attracts larger predatory fish, such as pelagic tuna and mackerel that feed on the lower tropic levels. A spectacular opportunity to witness reef reproduction and predation in beautiful barrier reef surroundings. Occurrence: October on the inshore reef. November on the offshore reef following first full moon. Location: Cairns, Australia. Tour Operator: Most dive centres around Cairns on the Barrier Reef will give tours during this time and can even predict when the events will occur. http://www.undersea.com.au/information_coral_s pawn_expedition.htm Anchovy & Pilchard Bait Balls Anchovies and pilchards ascend from the depths to breed at the surface. This attracts a crescendo of wildlife including the incredible diving gannets, pelagic tunii predators, marlin, sharks such as the Mako and Blue, Common and Bottlenose dolphins and Bryde, Humpback and Killer whales. These marine predators herd the vulnerable fish into bait balls near the surface causing a mass feeding frenzy and making the sea seemingly boil with life. One of the largest gannet colonies in the world occurs at White Island in the Bay of Plenty. This is a volcanic island that geothermically warms the sea, provides for this rich marine life and insures spectacular aerial diving displays by the gannets. Occurrence: Summer months from around mid November to May. Location: Whakatane (Bay of Plenty), New Zealand. Tour operator: Whale Island Tours. www.whaleislandtours.com Whale Shark gathering and nursery The planktonic rich water off the small East African country of Djibouti attracts the arrival of the largest migratory fish in the oceans, the majestic whale shark. These warm waters act as nursery grounds for the juvenile sharks, which can be found here all year round. But it’s during the winter months that the abundance of these ocean wandering giants of all sizes are at their highest. Manta rays, pilot whales, beaked whales, species of shark including grey and nurse and many species of dolphin are also common in these waters. This results in an ideal and reliable location to snorkel and dive with these incredible and mysterious animals in their own environment and beautiful surroundings. Occurrence: October-December. Location: Goubet al Kharab, Djibouti. Tour operator: www.regaldive.co.uk

Spring 2008

Orca Feeding Ground Orcas, also known colloquially as killer whales, arrive annually in vast numbers in the deep N fjords. These predatory marine mammals feast on the herring schools that migrate into the deep sided scenic sea lake valley to spawn. The killer whales occur in pods of up to 50 individuals. They can be seen slicing through the water with their impressive dorsal fins. Visitors to the fjords may even be rewarded with the occasional breach (a jump out of the water by the huge orcas). Adventurous visitors can snorkel with these toothed whales and boat safaris are also on offer. In November-December the Nothern LIghts ( a.k.a Aurora Borealis ) light up the night skies of this Arctic Circle area, with a beautiful display of dazzling colours. This is one reason why it is best to visit this area during this time. Occurrence: November-December. Location: Tysfjord, North Norway. Tour operator: http://www.tysfjordturistsenter.no/safari/english/

Squid Run (Chokka) A mass of boneless bodied iridescent animals known locally as “Chokka” (squid) make their annual breeding migration to the Eastern Cape of South Africa in vast numbers. In a space of only a few weeks, they lay and fertilise millions of their eggs on the sea bed. An armada of predators follows their movements in search for this easy meal. These include predatory fish, Octopus, Common dolphin, Indian ocean bottlenose dolphin, Cape fur seals and a range of sharks (Ragged tooth and occasion Great whites) and ray species. This breeding and feasting bonanza offers exciting and interesting dive opportunities to view both the “Chokka” and their foes! Occurrence: October-November. Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa. Tour operator: Port Elizabeth: www.twooceansdiving.com St. Francis: www.prodive.co.za www.bluewilderness.co.za

Mass Green Turtle Breeding Ground Beyond the north east of mainland Australia, Raine Island acts as a green turtle sanctuary and attracts the largest breeding gathering of this species in the world. It is estimated that tens of thousands of these armoured marine reptiles make the journey thousands of kilometres back to this island to lay their eggs and breed. They bury their eggs on exactly the same beach that they themselves hatched on; in many cases over 50 years ago! The island itself is a bird colony for boobies, gulls, frigate birds and night herons, the latter being a major predator of turtle hatchlings. Following the breeding turtles are tiger sharks awaiting a weary victim for prey. This shark's bite is so powerful that it can demolish the protective shell of these turtles with relative ease. A fantastic environment to view reef fish, turtles (on land and in the sea), sea birds and possibly even one of the largest predatory sharks on earth. Occurrence: October-November. Location: Raine Island, Australia. Tour operators: Boat cruise: http://www.experience-australia.com/queensland_ barrier_reef_turtle_tour.htm Individual visit: http://www.tropicalaustralia.com.au/atdw/product /9008351

Science Reveals

Southern Oceans come energetically back to life when light returns after six months of darkness: at that time of the year, Antarctic waters are more productive than those of the Tropics. Beyond Blue 13

Scientific writing is often confounding and can convey a sense of inferiority to the reader – at least, I sometimes find it so. Scientific journal articles are hamstrung by lack of available journal space, thus information needs to be condensed. Information is condensed via mediums like graphs, tables and 'jargon' as well as references to previous papers (allowing the author to avoid repeating explanations of techniques already used). This condensing process often means that scientific journal articles are not accessible to people outside of science and academia – hence the birth of this column.

Toby K

eswick

Beyond Blue will endevour to explain scientific terminology which you find Beyond the Blue – i.e. out of your depth! No question is considered stupid, particularly as the answers may come from some one who has failed countless numbers of exams – including their driving test six times! Beyond Blue hopes to be able to make science more accessible by answering any questions you may have involving words or concepts in marine biology. By doing so, we hope to increase your understanding and knowledge of marine fauna. We think understanding and knowledge are important part of animal conservation – how can one care about something you don't understand? So please send us all your scientific queries so we can help you navigate through this potentially daunting arena. This being the first issue of Beyond Blue, this time we have chosen a quote from a scientific article that introduces a broad ecological concept. What do I mean by 'ecological'? Generally, ecology describes the interaction between organisms – i.e. plants, animals…anything living (even if they only have one cell) and their environment (for the purpose of this magazine, the world's seas and oceans). Thus seaweed obtains nutrients from surrounding water, and, in turn, seaweed may be grazed by an animal e.g. a marine iguana (an aquatic lizard). Anyway, back to the quote:

pool, tidal flats systems or the Mariana trench at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean! Within an ecosystem, organism are categorised in accordance with how they source their energy. Seaweed sources energy from the sun (via photosynthesis) and would be referred to as a 'primary producer'. In turn a marine iguana, a herbivore, eats seaweed and would be called a secondary producer. A shark then might take a fancy to marine iguana and eat that … and so on. Each of these stages, x gaining energy from y, is called a 'trophic level' and combined structure is known as a

example seaweed relies on the surrounding water for essential nutrient uptake and restricting or changing nutrient availability in the water may restrict seaweed growth – a 'bottom-up' approach. However, the top-down process gives you food for thought, particularly when considering the power that can be exerted by humans in their 'top-down' capacity. Question 1: Why do many marine scientists say that sharks are more vulnerable to over fishing than normal fish? Sharks are categorized as “K selected” organisms. K selected organisms tend to be large and long lived, but are slow to reach reproductive maturity and produce few offspring. Sharks are vulnerable to over fishing, because catching the large/sexually mature individuals leaves no 'breeding stock' i.e. no more baby producing individuals. This compares to 'r selected' species like pilchards that reach sexual maturity quickly and 'mass produce' (they wont miss a few individuals that have been taken out for your dinner).

Fiona Ayerst

Question 2: How do scientists work out fish-catching limits? Isn't the data given to them by fisheries totally inaccurate in the first place?

“The discovery that top–down processes can have fundamental structural impacts on ecosystems highlights the need to understand the biology of apex predators…” (Weng et al. 2007).

Quote:

The key words in this quote are “top-down processes”. At first glance, these processes could involve people who drive convertibles and live in England. In fact, topdown processes involve people, but are not limited to those who live in England and drive convertibles. To understand “top-down processes” one has to put them into context, and to do this, we have to return to ecology. Ecology describes interaction between organisms and its environment, and within the boundaries of ecology, an ecosystem describes a specific group of organisms and their interaction with their environment. Thus an ecosystem could be a rockSpring 2008

food pyramid or web. Using previous examples, seaweed may be near the bottom of a pyramid and a shark (hence 'apex predator') may be found near the top. Finally, we have reached the point of defining “top-down processes”! A top-down process describes an ecosystem where the numbers of organisms at each tropic level are determined by the tropic level above it. Thus a shark may determine the number of marine iguanas, and the marine iguanas determine the quantity of seaweed and the combined interactions make sure 'a balance' is maintained at all levels. How do we come in? We may destroy all the sharks which may cause a boom in the marine iguana population putting pressure on seaweed quantities, and the dearth of seaweed may force marine iguanas to change their diet, migrate in search for food, or, ultimately, starve. This is a simplified explanation of 'top-down processes' and, as a system, does not have all the answers as how an ecosystem is maintained (for

Although not ultimately decided by scientists (rather, the government) fish 'bag limits' are based on scientists' knowledge of fish species reproductive cycles and their recruitment rate. The maximum sustainable yield or MSY (the maximum sustainable catch) is reached when the harvesting rate touches the recruitment rate. The MSY concept does not take everything into account so it should be treated with caution. For example, the MSY does not consider population demographics (e.g. size/age – making it disastrous for sharks). Calculation of estimated population size is easier for localized populations of a 'known' area and calculations for migratory fish are more difficult. Inaccuracy of fishing data depends on the fish species and where it occurs (the ocean is an uncompromising place) together with a mixture of economics, and the scruples of those supplying it – how cynical are you! In any event, governments send out scientists on their own ships as well as placing observers on industry ships to verify industry catch figures. Question 3: How do scientists work out what animals are endangered, vulnerable, threatened and all those other classifications that are used? What do all these mean? The smallest animal unit is a species (e.g. Homo-sapiens or not so - sapiens as the case may be). A species' conservation status is managed world-wide by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).There are a number of institutions, such as the Zoological Society of London that contribute information on a species conservation status. A species' conservation status is published on the IUCN red data list and defines how vulnerable a species Beyond Blue 14

Science Reveals

Question 5: I heard that scientists wanted to throw iron into the sea to stop global warming! What is all this about?

Many fish can change sex during the course of their lives. Others, especially rare deep-sea fish, have male and female sex organs.

One of the main perpetrators in global warming is the production of carbon dioxide (C02). C02 is one of the main ingredients in energy production (and thus growth) in plants (via photosynthesis). Under certain conditions, algal blooms (large amounts of algae) occur in the ocean, and these photosynthesize. These blooms are promoted when increased amounts of nutrients (e.g. nitrates) occur. In some areas, iron is the limiting nutrient. The idea of sowing the sea with iron is to create large algal blooms that will photosynthesize 'en masse' and remove the C02, thereby reducing global warning. However, for the idea to work part of the C02-laden algae needs to be removed from the atmospheric carbon cycle – i.e. it has to sink and be incorporated in sediments on the sea floor. The jury is still out…

Question 4: I hear that sharks always have to keep swimming to breathe, but at aquariums I have seen little sharks sitting at the bottom without swimming.

Ask your question...

Send your questions to: Fiona Ayerst

All sharks need to ensure water flows over their gills for them to obtain oxygen (and survive). Different groups of sharks have evolved with different methods of achieving this. The family called Lamnidae, which include the white shark, are active swimming sharks and thus achieve water-flow over their gills through forward motion (they do not lie on the bottom). Thus species in Lamnidae have to move forward to breathe. Bottom dwelling sharks (e.g. the wobbegongs) can pump water through their gills using muscles and valves while resting motionless on the bottom.

toby@beyondbluemag.com

Fiona Ayerst

is to extinction. IUCN Species Survival Commissions (SSC) is a specialist group (offices world wide) that is responsible for establishing the conservation status of individual species (their findings are peer reviewed – subject to scrutiny by other scientists). There are seven conservation classifications for species from least concern (LC) to extinct (EX) as well as not evaluated (NE) or data deficient (DD). There are set criteria that warrant placement of a species into a specific category. For example, critically endangered (CR) implies a high risk of extinction in the wild. There are numerous sets of criteria categorizing an animal as CR, e.g. potential loss of habitat and CR status may be based on the number of sightings of individuals or approved estimates of populations. More information can be found on the website: www.iucnredlist.org

By Sian Foch-Gatrell

This feature explores ocean myths and scientific mistruths created as a result of mankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fascinating association with the sea.

What on Earth would possess a man to believe a Manatee was a Mermaid? Otherwise put, what is it about the oceans that would lead to such a widespread belief? Since the birth of mankind, the ocean has played a major role in human society. The mystery and allure of the oceans may partially be as a result of our lack of knowledge and our innate desire to understand and to learn more. Over the ages this may have combined with the bravery of early explorers to inspire the culture and legends of many races worldwide. The following centuries of exploration and trade pioneered a culture of sailors and ultimately the beginning of our relationship with the ocean - from 1420 (Prince Henry of Portugal) when the first navigation school was founded, to the birth of modern oceanography (Matthew Fontaine Maury) 1806-1873.

Initially, sailors were regarded as adventurous and brave explorers. Sailing was associated with the promise of new and exotic finds, hence strengthening the mystery and awe of the seas. Many of our myths and legends of today have elements of the ocean within them. This demonstrates the perception of the ocean as an 'alien planet' on Earth. We all know of the

perhaps uniquely human trait towards exploration and discovery, and how the mystique of the oceans has provided us with many of the oldest myths of our time.Myths become legends, legends become folklore and finally folklore becomes adapted to modern misconceptions, or indeed mistruths, relating to the oceans. Here is where I come in, to provide some of my thoughts and findings in an attempt to bust these ocean myths especially insofar as they are mistruths!

Myths become legends, legends become folklore and finally folklore becomes adapted to modern misconceptions Ocean myths can be found in two forms. There are those spawned of legends, for example- sailors claiming attacks from sea monsters that rose from the ocean depths bent on carnage or destruction. The truth of the matter is that too often these men suffered from a plethora of diseases including malnutrition, scurvy, dysentery, malaria and typhus, many of which had associated fevers. Coupled with the fact that in general sailors were prone to the odd drink or two (or more!) of rum and other strong spirits, is it any wonder that the minds of these men were susceptible to believe what many of us would now consider folly!

Secondly, as humans have developed, and our knowledge has expanded, the gap between the scientific community and that of the general public has allowed misconceptions to grow. For example, jellyfish are considered by many to be primitive and insignificant, but the truth is in fact far different (more on this in later editions). Some of us think that sharks drown when they stop swimming. It is myths and legends such as these that we hope to make right in this magazine over the months and years to come.

Modern technology and research has shown that the unicorn horn is in fact a tooth Let me start with one of our oldest and best known myths that of the unicorn and the narwhal. Throughout history, the narwhal (Monodonm onoceros) or sea unicorn has been revered as a mythical and powerful animal. The belief was that the spiralling tooth was actually the tusk of a unicorn (a horse-like animal living on land). It was spuriously believed that this animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tusk could detect and prevent poisonings. As a result, during the 15th and 16th century the tusk of a unicorn (narwhal tooth) was worth approximately 10 times its weight in gold and it was often used in trade or to settle debts. So prized it was that in the 16th century Queen Elizabeth I was said to have paid ÂŁ10,000 for one tusk; the equivalent cost of a castle in those days! The origin of this myth stems from Scandinavian merchants who deliberately created and maintained the belief that the tusks belonged to unicorns - for financial gain. Since medieval times through to the 17th century, this myth was reinforced by the Vikings invading Europe, adorning their belongings with spectacular spiralled horns. The Vikings guarded this secret from the Europeans for almost 300 years.

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A more recent proposition is that the tooth may be used as an acoustic organ or as a sound probe due to the vibrations exerted during communication. This coupled with the positing of the tusk (diverging horizontally and vertically from the midline) to allow increased drag and therefore increased vibrations. There have been isolated accounts of this theory but only recently has there been an attempt to scientifically test these theories.

A more recent proposition is that the tooth may be used as an acoustic organ or as a sound probe due to the vibrations exerted during communication Using CAT (Computerised Axial Tomographic) scans, scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute can check the helix of the tusk for nerve connections between the tusk and the brain. Due to the unusual helix of the tusk and the crystal dentine formed during its development, it has been proposed that this may contribute to this Piezo effect

scientists have speculated over the use of the tooth. It is thought that it is a weapon of aggression among males, spurred on by Darwinian sexual selection due to the fact that it is such an obvious sexually dimorphic characteristic. Alternatively, it may be a secondary sexual characteristic brought on by female narwhals preferring the males with the largest tool! There have also been suggestions of the tusk being used for hunting, or as an appendage used in male dominance hierarchies; or bizarrely as a breathing apparatus, a thermal regulator or a swimming rudder! Some of these theories seem to belong more in those “dark ages”?

I think that the tusk of the narwhal is sexual selection spiralling out of control – if you will pardon the pun!

1500-500 BC

2000-1300 BC

Throughout history, the narwhal (Monodonm onoceros) or sea unicorn has been revered as a mythical and powerful animal. Modern technology and research has shown us that the unicorn horn is in fact a tooth, and the tooth is an elongated extension of the left upper incisor found usually in the male narwhal. This tooth can grow up to 3 metres (9ft) long. However, the purpose of the tusk may remain an undiscovered secret. Many

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Minoans

3200 BC onward

Mesopotamians

3200 BC onward

Egyptians

4000 BC - AD

(essentially an electric potential produced by pressure upon certain crystals allowing the narwhal to use electromagnetic fields to track its prey). It is understandable that ancient mariners and the public were confused and gullible when it came to the unicorn's horn! Even modern day scientists are battling to understand what use the tooth actually has. Because the physical expression of this tusk is so unusual, it contradicts what we would assume to be predictable patterns of development. The strange shape of the tooth lending to our confusion, coupled with our limited knowledge of the narwhals evolutionary history means that we, as scientists, will have to persevere if we are to unravel the truth behind the narwhal tusk. However, it is clear to see that this myth is completed busted! The tusk of the narwhal was never an agent to detect poison and this was clearly a play on human fallacy.

Phoenicians

As a species we used to be governed by the notion that anything new or anything powerful was something to be feared or revered. As a species we used to be governed by the notion that anything new or anything powerful was something to be feared or revered. Just look at some aspects of religion for an example. This is just another example of how a society has used fear to control another in an act of dominance – normal to our evolutionary history. I think that the tusk of the narwhal is sexual selection spiraling out of control – if you will pardon the pun! We have all seen how strong sexual selection can be – you only have to look at birds of paradise for the most obvious example; here we have the male brightly coloured and highly adorned to the point of a physical disadvantage, where the female remain dowdy and inconspicuous. Perhaps all we need to realise here is the strength of a woman's wants over a male's response and you get a 9 foot long tusk!!

Polynesians

Science Reveals Habitats studied by marine biology include everything from the tiny layers of surface water in which organisms and abiotic items may be trapped in surface tension between the ocean and atmosphere, to the depths of the abyssal trenches, sometimes 10,000 meters or more beneath the surface of the ocean.

Beyond Blue 17

Feature

Turtle 911 Healing Ambassadors for the Oceans By Natalie Harrison

America North Carolina

At first glance, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center may not fit anyone's expectations of what a wildlife hospital should look like. An unassuming garage that might hold two cars, one quick step inside reveals tanks of various sizes holding upwards of twenty sea turtles. One of two such facilities on the east coast of the United States, injured and sick turtles found in the waters of North Carolina are brought here, where the director, Jean Beasley leads an allvolunteer staff in the recovery effort. That effort begins early each morning with feeding, followed by tank cleaning and wound dressing for each patient. The first injured turtle was brought to her in 1995, though she had no formal experience with wildlife rehabilitation or medicine (Beasley is a retired schoolteacher) and no facilities for the turtle. Because she was known throughout the community, however, for her work in overseeing the nests on Topsail Island, Beasley considered the local turtle expert. What started out as a shaded tank on a dock in her backyard in 1995 developed into the 900 square foot facility, built in 1997, that is currently capable of housing over 20 turtles. The facility's first official patients, Huffy, Karen, and Corey, all juvenile loggerheads, came from Sea World in Orlando, Florida to continue their recovery and to be released back into the waters of North Carolina in which they were first found in their injured states. Patients since have been generally brought to the facility upon first discovery.

Although Animal Planet awarded her its Hero of the Year award in 2007 for her work with the Sea Turtle Hospital and her devotion to sea turtle conservation, Beasley shows no signs of stopping. In between managing the rehabilitation and nesting program, she has been busy overseeing the construction of a new 20,000 square foot facility. This new area much more space, larger tanks, and better medical facilities, including places for surgery, X-ray radiographs, to return each animal to full health so that they can be released into the wild. (The IUCN's red list classifies six of the world's seven species of sea turtles as either endangered or critically endangered.) Since the hospital's inception, nearly 200 fully recovered turtles have been Spring 2008

Fiona Ayerst

An unassuming garage that might hold two cars, one quick step inside reveals tanks of various sizes holding upwards of twenty sea turtles.

Natalie Harrison

arrive at the facility emaciated and with lowered immune systems. In recent years there has been a rise in the numbers of interned turtles with diseases that aren't yet fully understood. It may be that humans are at least partially to blame; pollution and altered foraging or migratory behaviors may increase stress and consequently weaken the turtles' immunity, making them more susceptible to these new illnesses. Fibropapillomatosis, a herpes virus that causes the abnormal growth of tumor-like tissues throughout the

about sea turtles and to raise awareness about conservation. It's one thing to lecture about sea turtles and conservation, but it's quite another thing when a living, breathing animal is present for people to see. Some amazing rehabilitation techniques and procedures have

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Natalie Harrison

Snow with surgical steel plates and wires to hold her head and jaw in place.

Fiona Ayerst

on a sea turtle, she quickly recovered in a few months and was able to be released that same year. She continued to amaze all involved when she was found two years later, laying a nest on the same beach on which she was first discovered. One of the biggest criticisms levied against such institutions and those who work for them is that they are fighting natural selection and they should just “let nature take its course.” Beasley argues “what is happening to these

A large female loggerhead named Snow was brought in last September, and was originally believed to be dead. A large fracture, presumably from an encounter with the propeller of a boat, split her skull into separate pieces.

3D Reconstruction of injury to Snow, female loggerhead admitted in September 2007.

Snow in March 2008, Free of all plates.

body, and “Barnacle-Bill” syndrome, where barnacles been developed at the Sea Turtle Hospital. A large female grow uncontrollably over the body of the turtles, are loggerhead named Snow was brought in last September, two such diseases. These diseases can slow turtles and was originally believed to be dead. A large fracture, down and increase drag, presumably from an encounter with the propeller of a causing swimming to be more energetically boat, split her skull into separate pieces. When she was expensive for the turtles. The tumors and able to chew her food, one could see part of her skull barnacles can also grow over sensitive areas such moving in a different direction than the other part. Her as the eyes, mouth, and nose, making it much brain was exposed to the open air, which would be an harder for turtles to find food. Because of the automatic death sentence for most mammals. Dr. Craig endangered status of most of the world's sea Harms, a veterinarian at the North Carolina State turtles, the ultimate goal of the hospital is University College of Veterinary Medicine and who therefore unable to find food. It was eventually oversees the veterinary care of the turtles at the determined that Lennie is in fact blind in both KBSTRRC, fixed surgical steel plates to cover the wound eyes, and so is the only and hold her skull in place. In March of 2008, these permanent resident of the plates were removed; hospital. Despite his other than a large scar disability, Lennie appears to in her head, today have adapted and doesn't Snow is ahealthy turtle rely on hand feeding. After awaiting clearance for the team at the hospital release. Another gradually moved away from success story is Corn hand-feeding to alerting him Cake, a female to the presence of food loggerhead who was through smell, they found brought to the hospital that he learned to find food in 1997 when she in his tank by quickly expelled an oviduct swimming around his tank, after depositing her causing his food to gather in eggs. Although this the vortex at the center of the condition is not tank. While this adaptation uncommon in reptiles, works well for him within she was brought in for the confines of his tank, his immediate treatment, blindness would mean which ultimately almost certain death for him resulted in in the wild. As the only ahemiovariosalpingect permanent resident of the omy, the sea turtle Sea Turtle Hospital, Lennie equivalent of a partial often accompanies Beasley hysterectomy. Believed when she travels throughout to be the only partial the local community to Jean Beasley, left and several interns and volunteers tend to hysterectomy ever schools and to fundraisers to the daily dressing and cleaning of wounds of injured turtles. performed educate adults and students

Natalie Harrison

Brownie, a juvenile Kemp’s Ridley turtle with a carapace wound and a hook lodged in the esophagus.

Natalie Harrison

released, some have returned to the local beaches to nest, and only one has returned as a patient. The only turtle in the hospital that can't be returned to the wild is Lennie, a Kemp's Ridley turtle that was admitted in 2006 with blunt force trauma to the head. His emaciated condition upon arrival indicated early on to Beasley and the team that he may not be able to see, and and quarantine for new admissions. There is also increased capacity for visitors with special educational emphasis on different aspects of conservation as Beasley has come to see how important this is to her centre and the turtles' continued existence. Some of the turtles come in with natural injuries, such as shark bites. Other turtles come as “cold stuns,” meaning that the turtle unable to handle sudden seasonal drops in temperature because of its reptilian metabolism. Unfortunately, far more turtles are here because of anthropogenic causes, such as boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and plastic ingestion. Most of these injuries affect their ability to swim, dive, and feed properly, which means that many of the turtles

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The steps needed to protect sea turtles from these kinds of injuries, like reducing marine debris and pollution or decreasing incidental catch of fisheries, are the same steps needed to protect many of the endangered marine species of the world. Turtles, like other threatened or endangered marine species all have important roles within their respective ecosystems; without these species, these marine ecosystems will fail to function in the way that they have evolved over millennia. As so many human cultures throughout the world depend on healthy populations of marine species (including, but not limited to sea turtles) and on stable ecosystems for economic, cultural, technological, and aesthetic (to name only a few) purposes, we too will be affected by the loss of turtles and other threatened marine species. There is ultimately hope for the turtles and for the oceans, as long as children and adults alike find inspiration in animals like Snow, Lennie ,and Corn Cake and the obstacles they have overcome. To paraphrase that popular TV show, Heroes, “Save the turtles, save the world.” Or at least – save the world's oceans.

Fiona Ayerst

Science Reveals

animals is not natural. We are [the source of the problem] through our irresponsible discarding of toxins and trash, our fishing practices, [and] development.” Dr. Harms adds that there are other benefits to these institutions. Though himself a former skeptic of wildlife rehabilitation who once thought that resources could be better spent elsewhere, he has come to believe differently. Harms feels that rehabilitation facilities have important “sentinel work… to see what's going on in the world,” and can be among the first to be aware of new problems, such as diseases, in wild populations. Furthermore, these centers can be useful in developing techniques for scientific research, which has been helpful in the conservation of these endangered animals. Through some of his research conducted at the hospital, Dr. Harms has pioneered the practice of anaesthetizing sea turtles in the field. This is no small feat when one considers that as reptiles, sea turtles have far slower metabolisms and therefore process sedation drugs more slowly than do mammals and birds with their faster metabolisms. This research has lead to further research on turtle sensory biology, which has important conservation implications. Understanding just what a turtle sees and hears may be useful in solving their runins with various fisheries and help lead to better fishing practices that aren't harmful to turtles. Research conducted in wildlife rehabilitation centers is even applicable to human medicine and rehabilitation. The development of a prosthetic tail for Winter, a dolphin in Florida who lost her tail to a crab trap several years ago, has been used to help refine the prosthetic limbs of amputees, especially for US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Finally, centers such as these have important educational roles and this also serves to raise awareness of conservation issues. It's because of this educational aspect that the Sea Turtle Hospital opens its doors five days a week on summer afternoons, allowing locals and tourists alike a rare chance to see live turtles. When they first began visiting hours, Beasley had no idea that the demand would be as high as it was, and continues to be. On a “good day,” they can get as many as 500 or 600 visitors in the two hours that the hospital is open to the public, though there is no formal advertising, only “word-of-mouth” publicity. The continually high demand for visitor hours would suggest that the community itself is curious and concerned about the fate of these animals.Beasley calls the “conservation education with the sea turtles as the messengers” Spring 2008

Understanding just what a turtle sees and hears may be useful in solving their run-ins with various fisheries and help lead to better fishing practices that aren't harmful to turtles. the biggest success of the hospital. Recognizing the challenges of conservation, she claims that conservationists need to accept certain realities in life. “Conservationists would like to see storms tear down all the houses on an island [so that it can return to a 'natural' state], but that would destroy turtle nests too. And developers would be one of the first [groups] back on the island…We [as conservationists] need to be grounded in reality… So we do what we can. We give up some things to get some things… The challenge is [to] educat[e] about responsible use of the beach.” This need for education is one of the main reasons that the new facility will have a definite conservation education focus. If these charismatic animals can help increase awareness about the plight of both sea turtles and the oceans at large, perhaps they can spark a change in our attitudes and behaviours, which is what it so desperately needed.

Understanding just what a turtle sees and hears may be useful in solving their run-ins with various fisheries and help lead to better fishing practices that aren't harmful to turtles.

Zooplankton can be as small as 0.02 micrometers or as big as 2 meters.

http://www.seaturtlehospital.org See where you can help.... • Recycle or reduce the use of plastic bags. Sea turtles and other animals mistake them for their favorite food, jellyfish, but the bags can get tangled in their intestinal track, causing internal damage and even potentially death. • If you find a turtle nest, leave it be. If there is a nesting monitoring program in your area, notify them about the new nest. • If you live on a beach where turtles nest, try to keep your lights off during summer months when turtles are nesting and hatchlings emerge, or orient your outdoor lights downward, away from the beach. Adult turtles may choose not to nest on a brightly lit beach, and hatchlings orient to the brightest lights on their horizon. This means they end up in parking lots or in front lawns, rather than in the sea! • If you go to the beach, clean up your furniture at night. Sea turtles can become trapped by or disoriented in them when they crawl onto the beach to nest. • Support local and government initiatives to prevent the development of walls and jetties on beaches. While these may protect the structures behind them, they ultimately lead to the complete erosion of the beach, preventing not only turtles from using the beach, but people too! • Use and support the use of cages on boat propellers. They reduce the incidence of propeller strikes on sea turtles, as well as many other marine animals. • Support fisheries with eco-friendly practices. For example, US shrimp fishers are required by law to use special devices that allow turtles and other large animals to escape their nets. Swordfish longlines have some of the highest bycatch rates of Leatherback sea turtles, the world's oldest and largest sea turtle, but longlines in the same area set for tuna have much smaller bycatch rates. (for more information on eco-friendly fishing, go to Monterey Bay aquarium's "Seafood Watch" http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/SeafoodWatch.asp

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Endangered

Animals

Eastern Taiwan

Fears Grow Over the Survival of a Newly Discovered Population of Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Eastern Taiwan Strait By Neil Crooks

As a marine biologist, I share the growing concerns of many people about the future of our seas and the creatures that inhabit them. With so many scientists admitting that little is known about the marine environment, concerns are growing that many species could soon become extinct before we really get to understand them. Indeed, it is often quoted that more is known about the surface of the moon than the deep oceans. With so many marine habitats, especially those in coastal areas, being â&#x20AC;&#x153;consumedâ&#x20AC;? by humans it is no surprise that many magnificent animals are on the verge of being wiped out. This is of special concern when new species, or even populations, are discovered and it becomes immediately apparent that they are already in trouble. This is certainly the case for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, a species first described by Osbeck in 1765. As recently as 2002, a previously unreported population was discovered living in the Taiwan Strait (Wang et al., 2007).

With so many scientists admitting that little is known about the marine environment concerns are growing that many species could soon become extinct before we really get to understand them. And so my interest in potentially endangered species led me to research the social, physiological and behavioural elements of S. chinensis and hope to learn how these animals can be saved from extinction. With many marine organisms, habitat is the restricting factor when gathering information on breeding, social behaviour, and feeding; this is certainly the case for the Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin. Research on other populations of this species was limited and as a result they were listed on the IUCN Red list as data deficient (DD) in 1994. This demonstrated just how little was really known about population structure, behaviour and numbers of these dolphins surviving in the wild. One thing that became increasingly clear was that the eastern Taiwan Strait population of S. Chinensis was in danger of becoming extinct. The need to conserve this population has been so great that an international committee of 17 specialist researchers and scientists, from various countries, have gathered to provide advice on how best to save this population from extinction. The group will provide expert advice and guidance on ecologically related topics in a bid to prevent this population going extinct. With a population size estimated at less than 100 individuals, there isn't much time to act. It is felt that unless drastic measures are taken to preserve these individuals, continued

habitat destruction and fatalities through anthropogenic activity could mean imminent extinction for S. Chinensis. Only intervention by local and national governments and industries can help to save the dwindling numbers of individuals in the eastern Taiwan Strait. However, support is not always forthcoming. Developers at the Formosa Plastics Group in Mailiao, Taiwan have denied that S. chinensis exists in the area surrounding the factories. Such denials and lack of support will certainly speed up the extinction of this vulnerable species. According to Garbett and Garbett (1997) reports have long been made of S. chinensis following trawlers and feeding opportunistically off discarded fish in the region of Tin Can Bay, Queensland, Australia.

as endangered (EN) and is now considered a threatened species. Any potential observer should be aware that this species is often confused with the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncates, but differences in the shape of the dorsal fin and head, as well as colour, can be used to distinguish between the two species. So how can you spot the difference between the two species and be sure the dolphin you are observing is in fact S. chinensis? As the name suggests, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin,

One report states that a male Rottweiler dog was frequently seen swimming with the dolphins in Tin Can Bay Then, in 1974, a young female named Scar began frequenting the bay. In 1992 she arrived with a newborn calf called Junior and started to accept food at a boat ramp in the bay, being hand fed fish by local residents. An industry suddenly grew up around this individual with sales of fish for feeding being offered. Adverts in local papers advertising the presence of Scar drove the industry to grow further with coach parties arriving and even helicopter tours being offered. One report states that a male Rottweiler dog was frequently seen swimming with the dolphins in Tin Can Bay until it disappeared one day in 1996. Growing concerns over food quality and other regulations prompted a study by Garbett and Garbett (1997) to be carried on the effects these interactions were having on Scar and Junior. In-depth research has now taken place on other populations of S. chinensis, including those in Algoa Bay, South Africa (Karczmarski et al., 2006). Since these increased research efforts, S. chinensis has recently been re-listed

Courtesy of www.fishntales.com

is widely distributed across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Sightings have been confirmed from South Africa, the Middle East, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia in the Indian Ocean and Indonesia, Borneo, China and Australia in the Pacific (Jefferson & Karczmarski, 2001). This species is found to inhabit a range of environments, from warm temperate and tropical coastal habitats to rivers, estuarine systems and especially mangroves. Often inhabiting shallow waters of less than 20 meters and temperatures between 15-36 Â°C, S. chinensis feeds on a range of prey including, near shore and estuarine reef fish, molluscs and crustaceans. Members of this species often hunt in small groups and employ echolocation to track and capture prey.

Image courtesy of Peter Garbett

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Beyond Blue 22

Endangered

Animals Fears Grow Over the Survival of a Newly Discovered Population of Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Eastern Taiwan Strait

Threats: Often living close to highly populated and heavily polluted industrialised regions makes Sousa chinensis highly vulnerable. This combined with accidental mortalities, such as bycatch and entanglement in fishing gear and anti-shark nets has placed these dolphins as endangered. Those living in mangrove areas are under threat from loss of habitat

Geologically, an ocean is an area of oceanic crust covered by water. Oceanic crust is the thin layer of solidified volcanic basalt that covers the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mantle where there are no continents. From this perspective, there are three oceans: the World Ocean, the Caspian, and the Black Seas.

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Sousa chinensis belongs to the family Delphinidae,

dark grey dorsal surface and light grey ventral surface

which includes dolphins, killer whales and pilot

as they mature. Individuals off the coast of China show

whales. Again, the clue is in the name, as the Indo-

the reverse of this, with dark calves that lighten as they

Pacific humpback dolphin usually has a humped back,

mature, with mature adults having a pinkish tinge with

indicative of the genus Sousa (humpback dolphins).

white spots or blotches. Populations off northern

The dorsal fin is often found sitting atop a hump, or

Australia and Malaysia were found to produce white

ridge. In some populations, however, this has been

calves that do not change colour as they age. Breeding

found to be absent or highly reduced. While fully

occurs throughout the year, with most calves being born

grown males and females reach lengths of 3.2 m and

during the summer months of December to February. As

2.5 m respectively, calves are believed to be

with most dolphins, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin

approximately 1m in length at birth. The maximum

is gregarious. They usually form pods of 10 or less

recorded adult weight for an Indo-Pacific humpback

individuals, although pods containing up to 30

dolphin is 284 kg, whilst newborns weigh

individuals have been reported. They are not renowned

approximately 25 kg. The colour of individuals varies

for their out-of-water acrobatics and unlike their camera

depending on population, region and age. In most

loving cousins they do not often ride the bow waves of

areas, newborn calves are light coloured, but develop a

boats.

Courtesy of www.fishntales.com

www.taiwansousa.blogspot.com/ http://www.fishntales.com http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/20424/all http://www.whales.org.au/published/garbett/index.html Jefferson, T.A & Karczmarski, L. (2001) Sousa Chinensis. Mammalian Species. 655:1-9 KARCZMARSKI, L, COCKCROFT, V.G, & MCLACHLAN, A. (2006) Habitat use and preferences of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. Marine Mammal Science. 16(1):65-79 WANG, J.Y., YANG, S.C., HUNG, S.K. & Jefferson, T.A. (2007) Distribution, abundance

and conservation status of the eastern Taiwan Strait population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis. Mammalia. 157-165 ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/t0725e/t0725e21.pdf Garbett, P. & Garbett, D. (1997) Some Aspects of Interaction Between IndoPacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Humans at Tin Can Bay,Queensland, Australia. Australian Whale Conservation Society - Abstract www.marinebio.org/species.asp?id=408 Beyond Blue 23

Inside

l a r t n e C r e g i T Fiona Ayerst

Mark Addison Blue Wilderness www.bluewilderness.co.za Africa Aliwal Shoal seen on a single dive, on two of these dives 2 zambezi sharks (Carcharhinus leucus) and 30 – 40 black tips sharks were also present. There are a number of individuals that are repeat visitors on our dives. These sharks have been catalogued and named. The most documented of these sharks is a large (3.8m pre-caudal length) female named Karen. She has been documented on eight occasions, the last of which was on the 19th of May 2008. On this day she was observed to have fresh lacerations to her dorsal fin, which could only have been inflicted by another shark. Three other tiger sharks (Snowflake, Paddletail and Sparky) have been observed periodically over the last six months. Another tiger shark, Matilda proved to be a prominent character until the 10th of May but has not been observed since. It has been noted among dive

Mark Addison

Eco-tourism, in the form of shark diving on Aliwal Shoal, Kwa-Zulu Natal ( “the shoal” ), has become a popular activity amongst recreational divers. The shark diving industry utilizes the southern portion of the shoal to attract sharks to a bait stem in order for clients to have a prolonged and interactive dive with these normally shy and timid creatures. Shark dives are on offer year round with outings varying in length depending on the arrival times of the sharks. Some of the shark diving operators, Blue Wilderness being one of these, have kept records and documented the comings and goings of the tiger sharks that frequent the dives. By going through the photographic database and daily records it has been possible to get an insight into the social structure, seasonal patterns and individual personalities of the sharks. Numerous tiger sharks have been

Spring 2008

operators that tiger sharks prefer waters of 23C or warmer (Nov – Jul), while during the cooler months (Aug – Oct) the sharks rarely frequent the bait stems and never in the large numbers observed in the summer. This general trend can be seen from dive records of the operators. Currently (September 08) the average water temperature has been 21C and we have not had observed a single tiger shark this month, the last sighting being on the 29th of August. Tiger sharks may be the main characters of shark diving on the Aliwal Shoal, but they are not the only sharks present at bait events.

Mark Addison

observed at baiting events with each shark noted and documented. Some tiger sharks are only observed on one occasion whilst others are repeat visitors. There have been 231 tiger sharks observations in 72 diving days thus far in 2008. These figures represent a minimum of 30 individual tiger sharks. It is not uncommon to have multiple tiger sharks and up to 40 blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) present at one time. This can become problematic for data collection, but methods are being developed to accurately collect data in these conditions. On three occasions 10 tiger sharks were

Dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus) and Blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) form the bulk of shark sightings at a baiting event. There have been large sightings of up to 40 individuals of Blacktip sharks present throughout the year. These sharks are observed in lower abundance when their natural prey is in great abundance e.g. large shoals of game fish (Cape salmon) or baitfish (Sardine run). Juvenile Dusky

sharks are present at baiting events during the cooler winter months, first noted on the shoal on the 28th of July this year, with one individual observed. The numbers of Duskies have steadily increased to a maximum of 10 individuals observed at the end of August. These sharks tend to behave in a more assertive manner than the slightly larger and sexually mature Blacktip sharks. In the reports to follow I aim to give the reader an overview of the environmental conditions experienced during that month. I will introduce the readers to individual sharks and follow them over time, reporting any interesting behavioral patterns and human impact on the sharks as we observe them on our dives. Beyond Blue 24

Picked from the Current Verbatim quotes... from the ridiculous to the informative. By Lezanne Brits

Said of the rate of glacier disappearance: It is essential that "everyone sits up and takes notice. Otherwise, and like the glaciers, our room for maneuver and the opportunity to act may simply melt away. "UNEP executive director Achim Steiner

Between the air and the water a steel wave quivers. What people call the surface is also a ceiling. A looking glass above, watered silk below. Nothing is torn on the way through. Only a few bubbles mark the diver's channel and behind him the frontier soon closes. But once the threshold is crossed you can turn back slowly and look up: that dazzling screen is the border between two worlds, as clear to the one as to the other. Behind the looking glass the sky is made of water. Philippe Diole. The Undersea Adventure. 1951

Let's say we delay another 10 years on having stern actions on emissions at a global level, we will not have coral reefs in about 30 to 50 years'. Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, University of Queensland

Image courtesy of vintagescubasupply.com

One of the many complexities that complicate the task I've undertaken is complexity. Look, I can start a talk by saying, 'There are 14 global warming pollutants, and we have a different solution for addressing each of them.' And it's true. But you start to lose people.” Al Gore, Former vice president

If there is one thing that will make a man peculiarly and insufferable selfconceited, it is to have his stomach behave itself, the first day at sea, when nearly all his comrades are seasick. Mark Twain

Every time we walk along a beach some ancient urge disturbs us so that we find ourselves shedding shoes and garments or scavenging among seaweed and whitened timbers like the homesick refugees of a long war. Loren Eiseley

The health of our oceans can in many ways be judged by the health of our seabirds. Only together can we have any hope of saving these birds from extinction and protect our oceans. Dr Samantha Petersen, Manager of the WWF-SA Responsible Fisheries Programme

When you are at sea, keep clear of the land. Publilius Syrus, Roman Author, 1st Century BC

This is going to be a little controversial, but you know people have been proposing for a number of years to set aside and really protect the areas that you don't go into with any kind of gear. These areas have generally been proposed to be about 20-30% of the continental shelf area. We should be looking at it the other way around. We should protect most of the sea bottom and only allow trawlers into a very small percentage. Professor Les Watling, University of Hawaii http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/deepeast01/logs/sep10/sep10.html

Sponges grow in the ocean. That just kills me. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn't happen. Stephen Wright, American Actor and Writer 1955

Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don’t go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so thekids won’t laugh at you. Jim Rohn – American speaker and author

By Simone Lewis-Koskinen

Reef Sharks Have you ever experienced that embarrassing moment while trying to impress your fellow divers raving about your encounter with an oceanic white tip only to be quickly reminded that your dive site was 100 m offshore from the nearest whitetip habitat where you are more likely to encounter a grey reef shark? If so, don't worry, you are not alone! In this section we will highlight the differences between common species you might encounter that will educate and save you from these embarrassing moments in the future. If you have ever had the good fortune to dive on a reef, you may have already come across one of the many different species of reef sharks. With a predilection for warm water and tropical fish, coral reefs are an easy favorite for these sharks, found throughout the worlds reefs. Despite the commonality in their name and often in their appearance, these reef sharks are distinct species and should be recognized as such.

One of the easiest means of distinguishing between different reef sharks is their physical appearance, which varies from species to species. The term “reef sharks” encompasses several different taxonomical groups that are linked by their preference for reef environments as their name suggests. Few are known to be particularly aggressive towards humans, but have been known to demonstrate a curiosity for the occasional diver or snorkeler that may cross their path. Most known attacks have been recorded as provocations and in instances of low visibility. These sharks pose little threat to you as long as you proceed with caution and practice safe diving techniques. If you observe characteristic aggressive movements, including lowering of the pectoral fins or sudden sharp turns of the body, be careful as to how you proceed, or you may find yourself the victim of defensive behavior that may endanger your safety. In areas that experience high volumes of ecotourism diving excursions often involving shark feedings, the instance of such behaviours is higher than normal due to the increase in prey in the area. Remain particularly vigilant if you happen across a group of ecotourists, and keep an eye out for these predators. More than one over- zealous scientist has been known to be on the receiving end of such behaviour in an attempt to get that last second observation, resulting in a non-too happy scientist. Anything for science? One of the easiest means of distinguishing between different reef sharks is their physical appearance, which varies from species to species. However, looks can be deceiving as several different species share a strikingly similar appearance, so be sure to take note of as many different features as possible. Even the quickest glance may reveal key characteristics that may automatically eliminate several options. A flash of black or white, a large or small silhouette; all of these clues are helpful in visual identification.

Photo by Johann Mourier

Characteristics to note •Colouration •Body shape •Size/length •Location •Behaviour Examined here are 6 species of reef sharks commonly encountered: 1.Caribbean Reef Shark 2.Blacktip Reef Shark 3.Whitetip Reef Shark 4.Grey Reef Shark 5.Black Tail Reef Shark 6.Silvertip Reef Shark

Spring 2008

Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezi) The Caribbean Reef shark is notorious for its dark hued tips on the pectoral, pelvic, anal, and caudal fins. It is thick in body, gray in color, with a white or light coloured underside. Reaching up to 3 m in length, the Caribbean reef shark stands as one of the larger sharks of the group. Their activities are typically limited to the waters surrounding North, Central, and South America, particularly prevalent in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba, and Venezuela and rarely venturing further north than the Florida Keys. Caribbean reef sharks are commonly spotted lying at the bottom of coastal reef shelves just shy of the drop off point.

Sharks

Black tailed Shark (Carcharhinus wheeleri) Often confused for the grey reef shark due to their similar all-over grey colouration, the black tailed reef shark is distinguishable by the white tip on its dorsal fin. In addition, they are usually more timid towards humans and restricted to the Western Indian Ocean whereas the Grey Reef Shark is abundant in Pacific waters.

Photo by Hughes Vitry

Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) The black tip reef shark has black dorsal and pectoral fins and a white underside as their characteristic trademark. These sharks differ from the Caribbean reef shark in their smaller average size and lack of markings on the pelvic, anal, and caudal fins. They typically reach up to 2m in length, on average on average they are amongst the smallest of the reef sharks. They are one of the more common species, abundant in shallow seas of the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific and Africa.

Photo by Fiona Ayerst

Grey Reef Shark (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos) This species is one to watch out for as it can be aggressive towards humans if provoked. However, such behaviour is preceded by aggressive displays giving the diver sufficient time to react and back off. The grey reef shark is similar to his relatives sharing in name and appearance but for the all-over grey colour. The large size of the grey reef shark, on average 3-5 meters makes them an ominous foe. These sharks are believed to be territorial.

Photo by Fiona Ayerst

Spring 2008

Silvertip Reef Shark Ranging from the Western Pacific to Australia and up through the East of Africa this is another potential encounter for any diver. It has characteristic white tips on all of its fins, and is notably larger in size than the whitetipped shark that it may be confused for.

Photo by Fiona Ayerst

Whitetipped Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) The white tipped reef shark is characterized by a white pectoral and upper caudal (tail) fin, with an overall grey/brown colour and slightly darker tint of their pelvic, lower caudal, second dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins. These sharks average 1.6 m in length. If you happen to prefer night diving around the Indo-Pacific you might be rewarded with the rare opportunity to see this normally lifeless shark in action once the sun sets.

Photo by CĂŠdric Pau

As is the case with many of the world's apex, or top predators, many species of reef sharks are in danger of extinction. With declining populations across the world, it is crucial that we act accordingly to ensure their future survival and conserve these incredible species. If you do come across one of these sharks, be sure that your actions do not harm or endanger them in any way (which, in turn, will also ensure your own safety). If you see any other individual participating in harmful activities, notify local officials and report such activity.

Beyond Blue 27

Reviewed by Moynene Baumann

… a peek below the water line.

SHARKVILLE

Presenter: Ryan Johnson Producers: Stefania Muller, Charlene Waite Director: Stefania Muller Produced by: Obsessively Creative & Off The Fence productions.

(National Geographic Channel) Stefania Muller

Did you know that just a few feet from the popular tourist beach in Mossel Bay resides probably the largest population of Great white sharks in the world? Neither did I… It is here that Scientist Ryan Johnson and his team made scientific and cinematic history AND captured it on film for the world to see. The documentary focuses largely on three, until now unanswered, questions: Why are the Great Whites in Mossel Bay breaking hunting patterns and hunting at night? How do they co-exist with humans in the bay? Do sharks always bite to kill? Full of spectacular camera work, some spot-on, groundbreaking research and a lot of insight into great white behaviour, Ryan Johnson answers all three questions in a no-doubts way. Ryan has a very convincing manner. Be sure not to miss this informative documentary, the first in a long time that is a true scientific masterpiece, not just a movie full of beautiful images and a soothing musical score.

Educational value Visual effects Excitement

Interestingly, we learn that only 26% of Great White attacks are fatal, indicating that White sharks don't always attack to kill. I find it heart warming that so many new documentaries are aimed a busting the media hype depicting sharks, and especially Great Whites as mindless, savage killers. It's about time we start seeing them as highly intelligent, resilient and adaptable creatures, and let the manic fear for them be replaced by a healthy respect. Ignorance is a dangerous handicap, and Sharkville, through intensive research, brings us a long way to filling the gap. Sharkville will air for the first time in South Africa on DSTV National Geographic Channel at 22h00 on Thursday, 4 December 2008

SHARKWATER

Writer, Director and Presenter: Rob Stewart Sharkwater Productions

Sharkwater is probably one of the most important documentaries ever made. It is essentially JAWS, starring MAN as the villainous predator. It started out as a documentary on the Galapagos Archipelago, and ended up in uncovering the entire Mafia-driven shark fin industry in Costa Rica. What follows is an incredible movie filmed over 5 years, a movie that will hopefully rock us all to the core. Stewart faced persecution, danger and a life-threatening illness during the filming of Sharkwater, but still this did not curb his relentless dedication. The realization will slowly dawn that by destroying our oceans we are destroying ourselves. We also get to learn quite a bit about Sea Shepard, and the incredible impact they have made on illegal culling. One of the world's delicacies (especially in Asia) is Shark Fin Soup – basically, chicken broth with a real shark fin placed on top as a garnish. It adds nothing to the taste, just a symbol of the strength and guile of the shark. Stewart hooks up with the infamous “ecowarrior” (some would say eco-terrorist) Paul Watson and his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to document the search for the illegal 'finners' who ply the oceans for sharks, capture them, cut off their fins and throw them back into the water to die a painful death. The footage of this process is downright horrific and cruel. And so when Watson starts to engage violently with a group of Costa Rican finners it becomes a truly anger-fueled ocean battle. Stewart captures some astonishing footage of the two boats, crashing into one another and even firing sprays of water to help sink their boat. Things go off schedule when Stewart and Watson are thrown into a Costa Rican prison for their actions. Their flight from jail is equally adventurous. And so the film becomes more than just a film about sharks – a story of Stewart himself, a passionate conservationist and his fight for his beliefs. It helps that Stewart is likeable and engaging. With his boyish good looks he could be pegged as a 19 year old. He's probably in his late 20s, but still a remarkable achievement.

Educational value Visual effects Excitement

Prepare yourself for upsetting and horrifying images, images designed not to sensationalize but to make one sit up and take notice. I predict an Academy award for Sharkwater, but more importantly this will hopefully lead to laws being set in place to protect marine life.

Did you know: •Sharks have remained unchanged for 450 million years, AND survived five major extinctions •Sharks can take 25 years to reach sexual maturity •Elephant, tigers and crocodiles kill more than 600 people a year, sharks kill 5. Elephants, tigers and crocodiles are protected, sharks are not. •Soda pop machines kill more people than sharks do •There is NO record of a hammerhead shark killing anybody, in spite of hysterical rumors •There are no international regulations against hunting sharks •Only 16 countries have banned shark finning •The world’s shark population is said to have declined by 90% •100 million sharks are slaughtered for their fins each year. •In the time it takes you to watch Sharkwater, 15 000 sharks will be killed.

Regular

S l i d e F i s h i n g are anglers being let off the hook? Fiona Ayerst • Director of Sharklife

There is a new threat to the large sharks of South African waters. Slide fishing has been on the increase. In this method of angling beach anglers are able to cast their bait much further out than was previously possible, posing a new threat to the larger sharks. Sharklife has been investigating slide fishing and this is what we found.

Africa Mossel Bay • Macassar • Swartklip • Blue Waters

For the uninitiated, slide fishing is the latest technology allowing anglers to cast bait out into previously un-reachable waters from the shore. The angler casts a massive sinker up to 180 meters out, a distance unheard of using old-fashioned fishing practices. The end of the line is not held back by unwieldy bait, such as large fish heads. The sinker travels far due to its weight and relatively streamlined shape. The angler then “slides” the bait down along the length of the line on a non-return clip.

The hooks being used are barbed, chemically sharpened, stainless steel and are generally around a large size ten.

SAMPLA Scientist Stephan Swanson displays the sinker and tackle retrieved from a Great White.

Spring 2008

Kimi Stewart

This method allows the angler to slide bait down to the sinker and large species can be targeted without the angler having to get on a boat. Desirable species include rays and sharks. Anglers are loading their reels with 300-400m of "Berkley Whiplash Braid" with a diameter of 0.17mm and a breaking strength of 50lbs.The reel is then topped up with 200m of monofilament 0.52 - 0.55mm line. This set up is so effective, that an angler can have up to 600m of fishing line on his reels to maximize his chances of fighting large sharks. The hooks being used are barbed, chemically sharpened, stainless steel and are generally around a large size ten. In Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape, in particular, anglers wade out from Diaz beach onto a sandbank about 100 meters off the beach. The angler is able to cast out to around 250 meters and into the exact area patrolled by Great White Sharks around Seal Island. Seal Island sits about 800 meters off Diaz Beyond Blue 31

Science Reveals

Kimi Stewart

The oarfish, Regalecus glesne, is the longest bony fish in the world. With it’s snakelike body - sporting a magnificent red fin along its 50 - foot length - horselike face and blue gills, it accounts for many sea-serpent sightings.

Luring a White Shark closer in order to remove a hook.

“Sharklife has been informed that if sharks do manage to break free of the hooks they often get wrapped up in the strong lines as they twist to free themselves and this can (and is) causing injuries to their dorsal and pectoral fins.”

Spring 2008

It is apparent that slide fishing as a practice and means of catching large sharks is not limited to Mossel Bay and is being used wherever large sharks and notably, Great Whites, are prevalent. This practice is being used in Macassar, Swartklip and Blue Waters further down the coast from Mossel Bay. SAMPLA (the South African Marine Predator Lab) studies the sharks in Mossel Bay and have recently noticed that up to 60 % of the local Great White sharks have slide fishing hooks in their jaws.

Mossel Bay's Great White Sharks have the capacity to draw tourists and in turn benefit this seaside town immensely on many different levels. Sharklife thought initially that anglers might deny they are targeting Great White Sharks to avoid prosecution. After a couple of fishermen were questioned, it seems this is not the case. Currently prosecution is not a real threat in the minds of many fishermen. Currently angers

This particular hook was removed from a Great White Shark's mouth and that same hook being removed from that shark. The barb is clearly visible.

Kimi Stewart

beach. It seems this is well known to local anglers and this popular fishing area produces good prospects, with the probability that a Great White will be hooked and possibly even landed. Many of the sharks that frequent the Diaz beach/Seal island area are in the size range between 2 and 2.5 meters and are thus of a small enough size to land on the rocks or the beach. This generally occurs after a good fight of up to 30 minutes but the “fun” can last a lot longer (hours). Interestingly some of the fishermen interviewed indicated that they prefer catching Bronze Whalers as these put up a much better fight than Great Whites and fight really hard - giving the angler hours of fun and much to celebrate when the fish is finally landed, exhausted. Some of the fishermen we have seen slide-fishing in Mossel Bay have been approached by a Sharklife representative and confirmed that they are targeting sharks and in particular Great White sharks. The anglers told us that they release some of the sharks and that others manage to break loose after a fight. Sharklife has been informed that if sharks do manage to break free of the hooks they often get wrapped up in the strong lines as they twist to free themselves and this can (and is) causing injuries to their dorsal and pectoral fins .It is also possible that such animals may fall prey to their larger and stronger brethren after such an ordeal.

on the surface. This fact is well known amongst the locals in Mossel Bay, even the slide- fishermen interviewed. In fact the shark cage diving industry has operated in the same area for at least fifteen years.

Unfortunately these hooks also carry large sinkers, which the shark may have to drag around with it for a very long time. The size and weight of the sinker may also be affecting the sharks' ability to feed. There are often up to fifty Great White Sharks patrolling the Bay and surrounds. Mossel Bay's Diaz beach is a tourist haven. Bathers and the sharks that patrol and feed off seal island have shared the same small patch of water for decades with only one incident resulting in the death of a scuba diver

know it is unlikely they will never be prosecuted and so, it appears, they continue to target Great White Sharks. If questioned by authorities an angler simply has to state he was fishing for another species and he is “off the hook” as most sharks are not protected in this country. It is impossible for the authorities to argue despite the fact that Great Whites are protected. In South African law a person is innocent until proven guilty, beyond any doubt. If an angler is prosecuted for catching a Great White and states Beyond Blue 32

the SASAA only changed this rule on 24 July 2008. Unfortunately, many anglers do not belong to these bodies and do not care for their regulations. Furthermore, there are many casual or “sport” anglers and fishing shops who have invested time and money in their gear and merchandise respectively and are not going to be keen to see this all go to waste. Sharklife proposes that the practice of slide-fishing and the use of heavy shark tackle be prohibited in identified zones with high densities of Great White Sharks. Anglers

A fisherman shows off video footage of an illegal White Shark capture.

in court that he was trying to catch a Bronze Whaler, but hooked a Great White in error, then the presiding magistrate has no choice but to acquit him of the charge. In fact prosecution is rarely embarked upon, as it is largely a waste of money and the system's already limited and overstretched resources. The protected status of Great White Sharks is not helping these predators in the slide- fishing arena. Sharklife notes some progression in that certain limits are shortly going to be enforced by the Western Cape Anglers Association (400 members) and the SA Shore Angling Association in all competitions. Most notably, slide-fishing techniques can still be employed in fishing competitions but only with barb-less hooks. This could be good news for the Great Whites? Unfortunately, the slide-fishing hooks SAMPLA is finding on the sharks in Mossel Bay are barbed. It is possible that news of the change in competition rules has not yet filtered down to local anglers as

Science Reveals The original concept of “ocean” goes back to notions of Mesopotamian and indo-European mythology, imagining the world to be encircled by a great river. Okeanos, reflects the ancient Greek observation that a strong current flowed off Gibraltar and their subsequent assumption that it was a great river. The world was imagined to be enclosed by a celestial ocean above the heavens, and an ocean of the underworld below.

Spring 2008

According to a spokesman for the Cape Association it is far harder to catch a shark using barbless hooks as the fish can easily slip itself off the line. Apparently the two methods of fishing –using barbed and barb-less hooks- are very different from each other and anglers will need to practice with the same barb-less hooks used in competitions or else they will not succeed.

can continue to enjoy their sport without this intrusive and environmentally unfriendly method being employed in certain zones. Various involved bodies are currently looking at codes of best practices together with manuals and training, in conjunction with anglers. Sharklife hopes the time is ripe- whilst these methods are being developed and taught to anglers and whilst information is being disseminated- for the authorities to look at the possibility to prohibit slide fishing entirely in certain zoned areas. Scientists working in the field would be able to provide the required justification for these areas being zoned as Great White Shark “safe zones”. Sharklife encourages Marine and Coastal Management (“MCM”) to urgently attend to this enquiry. It appears that certain anglers

Kimi Stewart

Sophie Peake

“The angler casts a massive sinker up to 180 meters out, a distance unheard of using oldfashioned fishing practices.”

Sharklife encourages Marine and Coastal Management (“MCM”) to urgently attend to this enquiry. in Mossel Bay are targeting the local Great White Shark inhabitants. Anglers know that Great White sharks are a fully protected species and may not be caught. Sharklife understands that MCM are considering the prosecution of certain individuals who have been identified. Whilst changes happen slowly, we can only hope that it is the case, that at least those anglers governed by ruling bodies will stop using barbed hooks even when practising for competitions. This step by the SASAA and WCAA is to be viewed as the beginning of change and a step, albeit a small step, in the right direction. Beyond Blue 33

Australia

Shark Netting on Australian Beaches

Shark meshing or netting was first introduced in Australian waters in 1937 when beaches in New South Wales were equipped with shark nets. The netting program was also introduced to the Queensland beaches after 1967. The netting program runs from 1st September to 30th April each year. The nets are removed during the main whale migration season of May to August. The nets are 150 metres to 200 metres long and run to a depth of 6 metres. The mesh size is 50 to 60 cm. They are usually set on the bottom or “bottom set” in approximately 10 metres of water within 500 metres of

By Lindsay Rudd

they are actually of any effect whatsoever in bather protection. Because of the lack of “complete” protection by the nets the Queensland Government have more recently included an addition to the nets that line their beaches. Drum-line fishing is currently used in addition to the nets. This is when a float with a baited hook is used to attract and ensnare larger sharks. In a 20 kilometre stretch of beach a hooked float will be set up every 2 or 3 kilometres. (Ed's note: similar to recent additions to the South African system).

swim to the nets, are caught in the meshing, become distressed, are trapped in the line and drown. On the face of it, the program appears to have helped reduce the number of attacks on bathers but in fact it has vastly reduced the number of sharks and this may be the main reason why there are less attacks on bathers. There are in fact, far less sharks in these waters than there were before the nets were introduced. Shark meshing is indiscriminate and has become so much so that it is considered, in New South Wales, to be a key process adding to the many processes that threaten

The use of these drum-lines has drawn a lot of criticism in Australia due to observations that the bait is attracting the sharks to an area. It has also been seen that other dead animals in the shark nets draw predatory sharks in to feed on the carcasses. This throws into question the whole premise of the nets and drum-lines- that they are in place to lower the risk of attack, or decrease the amount of shark/human interaction. The theory behind the meshing program is simple. Fewer sharks equal fewer attacks. The sharks

the continued existence of many species of shark. Furthermore this process is contributing to the extinction of our precious marine life. For every “dangerous” shark caught in these nets, 35 other species of marine life have also been captured and killed. In New South Wales between 1995 and 2004, 48 Great White Sharks and 24 Tiger Sharks were killed in nets. Over that same period 1,485 other marine animals were caught and died in the nets. These animals included turtles, whales, dolphins, rays, dugongs and harmless species of sharks. In

Fiona Ayerst

Feature

A Vulnerable & Protected great White shark lies lifeless in a battier protection net off the South African Coast.

the shore. Lines of torpedo floats align the top of the net while sinkers anchor the bottom. (Ed's note: similar to the South African netting system). These nets are not intended to provide complete protection to bathers. They really only have one purpose and that is to catch and kill as many sharks as possible. They are designed to intercept and cull sharks while they are on their feeding and territorial runs up and down the coast. A number of sharks killed in these nets are actually trapped from the beach side of the net, causing one to question whether Spring 2008

Beyond Blue 35

meshing/netting is an outdated initiative. This program was introduced at a time when awareness of sharks was limited and un-enlightened people made decisions. Today it is a well-advertised fact that you are far more likely to be killed by a bee than a shark. The damage that the nets and drum-lines are doing is immeasurable. We are in danger of depriving our planet of one of the truly most graceful, serene creatures ever known. It is time that we woke up and started to further investigate some of the many alternatives we have found this far. We also need to take a look at new technologies to see if there is anything else that can be done. ( Ed's note: Cape Town, South Africa has over the last few years experienced an increase in the number of White Sharks occurring in the in-shore zone.

Queensland between 1975 and 2001- 11.899 Great White Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Bull Sharks were killed in nets and drum-lines. Over 4000 marine turtles were caught and killed. The majority of these turtles were Green and Loggerhead turtles. Loggerheads are listed as endangered under the EPBC Act and Green Turtles are listed as vulnerable. Turtles are the largest group of bycatch in the Queensland shark control program. Over the same period 53,098 other types of marine animals were also killed.

Over 4000 marine turtles were caught and killed. The majority of these turtles were Green and Loggerhead turtles. Loggerheads are listed as endangered under the EPBC Act and Green Turtles are listed as vulnerable. Another species is at severe risk of extinction thanks in part to the introduction of shark netting. The Grey Nurse Shark (spotted ragged tooth shark or sand tiger) (ed's note: Raggies to South African readers) is currently in extreme danger of being completely exterminated. The Grey Nurse Shark was the first shark species in the world to be protected. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and as critically endangered on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999. This listing means the shark is “facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future”. With fewer than 500 of this particular shark remaining on the New South Wales coast there is concern that, due to the late reproductive maturity of the Grey Nurse, (it only gives birth to 2 pups per litter and only reproduces once every 2 years) the effect that mankind has had on the species cannot be reversed.

Fiona Ayerst

The Natal Sharks Board: Maintaining the beach meshing program in South Africa.

Wobbegong Sharks, Port Jackson Sharks, Bronze Whalers and Tiger Sharks are also vulnerable species that are captured in the nets and drum-lines. Alternatives to meshing and drum-lines are available in Australia. One alternative is a “shark enclosure”. A shark enclosure is a more rigid construction used on harbour beaches, and offers an unbroken barrier between swimmers and marine animals. This enclosure keeps the bathers in and the sharks out. The net used in these enclosures is much smaller than that used in the nets and doesn't tend to ensnare and entangle marine life. Another alternative could be Electromagnetic Shark Barriers. Developed in South Africa in the 1980's this technology is still considered to have too many logistical and engineering issues to even be considered for Australian or South African beaches. I am not sure why the research on this technology was terminated? There have been so many improvements in research over the past 20 years- I propose that the research should continue or re-start! At a cost of approximately $750,000 per year to tax payers and an insurmountable cost of marine life, these shark control programs are threatening the survival and recovery of a number of threatened or endangered species. I believe that shark

We are in danger of depriving our planet of one of the truly most graceful, serene creatures ever known. Although no scientific data exists to support this or indicate otherwise, anecdotal evidence from water users suggests that in-shore occurrence has increased. In response to these events and the increased fear by water users, particularly in False Bay, two community driven programmes were started out of a need to improve the safety of recreational water users. These programmes have become known as “shark spotters”. Essentially the spotters sit at high points along selected beaches and if a shark is spotted near bathers then a warning is sounded for people to get out of the water. Shark spotting is now viewed as an effective safety project. Not only does shark spotting provide increased safety at the beaches but it also has multiple benefits including creating employment for disadvantaged groups, increasing environmental education and awareness of the public, providing of data for research, and engendering capacity and skills development of the shark spotters.) I challenge the Australian authorities to investigate this lead by the South Africans as a viable alternative to outdated meshing and drum-line programs.

?Great White Sharks (Carcharadon carcharius) ?Grey Nurse Sharks (Carcharius taurus) ?Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) ?Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) ?Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) ?Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) ?Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) ?Dugong (Dugong dugong) ?Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) ?Irrawaddy River Dolphin (Orcaecella brevirostris) ?Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Spring 2008

Fiona Ayerst

Currently the following vulnerable, or endangered animals are being killed due to shark control programs:

Shark spotting is now viewed as an effective safety project.

Fiona Ayerst

Not only does shark spotting provide increased safety at the beaches but also has multiple benefits of creating employment for disadvantaged groups, environmental education and awareness of the public, collection of data for research, and capacity and skills development of the shark spotters.)

My Life... wine. Everyone has their own way of doing it and like wine, sometimes the finished product works well and sometimes not so well. Essentially, the chumming process begins with sardines or a very bloody or oily fish in a bucket. I will allude to sardines as the "grapes" in my wine analogy. Water is then added into the bucket and one lucky person stomps around trying to release the "juice". Some people like to do a little dance as they stomp around, I personally believe that salsa dancing works the best.

I will allude to sardines as the "grapes" in my wine analogy. Once satisfied with the fruits of the bucket dance, water is once again added to the mix until a deep cabernet coloured broth of fish blood and guts is formed. Finally, this sardine wine is slowly dribbled over the side of the boat. This is like a wine tasting, the connoisseurs being the sharks. Sharks swimming within the immediate area may pick up the scent and if they like what they smell, they will follow the slick to its source, in this instance being our boat at our anchor site. Once we anchored, the daily jobs were allocated and the anticipation of seeing my first white shark was rising. I was given the job of collecting the essential data such as: size, sex, and any previous tags or distinguishing markings. Chumming trips are a very important part of the research and the data collected is used in many different ways. Photos are taken on the left side and right side of the dorsal fin to compare against a photo identification database. This allows researchers to have an idea what the white shark population is in the area, how long a particular shark may stay and if they continue to come back year after year as a stop on an annual migration route. No more than fifteen minutes half. after we arrived I was interrupted from my data tutorial by someone calling out “Shark! Shark!” Adrenaline flooded my veins as I realized what I was about to see. Out of nowhere a dorsal fin broke the surface and the music from Jaws came to my mind. “Bom! Bom! Bom! Bom!” I thought about the fright and fear this image was supposed to exude, but for me, it was excitement and privilege. When I saw the entire shark I wanted to jump up and down and high-five myself, but I opted to stay calm and not look like the idiot who had just seen her first white shark.

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I just acted like 'right there is a white shark- I have seen tons of these'. In my dazed state of awe I forgot I had to collect the data. “Courtney she has a scar on the left side below the dorsal and a white mark on the nose.” I was just so taken aback by this shark's calm and graceful swimming behaviour, which was completely differently from the images of the ravenous bloodthirsty predator we are taught to fear. We saw a total of seven sharks that day but I will never forget my first one. I was instantly captivated by these animals and could not wait to get back on the water to learn more about them.

There really is nothing small about a 2.5 meter white shark. The day we “tagged the big one” was like many other days at sea. The morning was a bit slow with only two smaller white sharks coming around the boat. And I use the term "small" as relative to how enormous they can be. There really is nothing small about a 2.5 meter white shark. In SAMPLA lingo these sharks were not “players”, which means they did not stay around the boat very long. It was around lunch time and everyone was starting to dig into sandwiches with their chum covered hands. Hunger got thebest of me and I battled to bring a sandwich to my mouth with my hands flecked with fish scales and glistening with sardine blood. I had only recently given-in to eating on the boat after forgoing lunch for the past month and a half. Without sharks around the boat, time goes by very slowly and you need something to occupy your time. One of our favourite pastimes was singing a capella while we waited for the sharks to make their appearances. In hindsight our borderline-amazing talent could have actually been a deterrent but our SAMPLA remix of a 1980's “The Police” hit, Roxanne, worked wonders. “Rrrroooooxxxaaannnne you don't have to put out that dorsal fin. Those days are ov…” The song was enthusiastically interrupted when someone called out “hey look out there . . .” Upon close inspection we saw a dorsal fin barely break the surface just fifty metres away. There was an

We all knew this was the big shark that we were waiting for. impressive wake of water that gave the appearance of an underwater missile heading straight for us. No words were spoken. We all knew this was the big shark that we were waiting for. Everyone silently moved to their positions as if we had rehearsed for this moment our entire lives.

I grabbed an acoustic tag, quickly sterilized the injection tip, screwed it into the pole and passed it off to Stephen. With one pass under the boat everyone was speechless and we could see just how massive this shark was-reaching an impressive four metres. This girl was a “player”. She entertained us by leaping and lunging at the bait rope while managing to splash every one of us on the boat. When she opened her mouth in an attempt at swallowing the bait you could hear water flooding in her massive jaws like a vacuum. After we had satisfactorily taken pictures of the dorsal fin it was time to deploy the tag. She circled around the boat for another attempt at the bait rope and Stephen expertly inserted the tag just below the left side of her dorsal fin. This massive shark didn't even flinch and continued to hang around. We proudly went back to the harbour ready to plan the tracking sessions for the shark we dubbed Roxanne. My entire experience with sampla was incredible.

This massive shark didn't even flinch and continued to hang around. I felt privileged to be around these amazing sharks and learn more about them. One of the most important aspects of the trip for me was that I had the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to science. I am very proud of the fact that the research we conducted will aid in future conservation efforts for white sharks. Personally, I am proud that I accomplished my goal as a future lawyer and advocate to better understand and learn more about the species I want to protect. As a result of my time in Africa, I am committed now, more than ever, to make a career of working toward the conservation of sharks. After researching and interacting with some of these white sharks for several months, I couldn't help but have a special place in my heart for them, even though I more than likely did not hold a special place in theirs. Whatever fear I may have had about them was replaced by respect. It is incredible that this apex predator has shared some of the most popular beaches in South Africa with humans for several decades without incident. To me, this is evidence of that the fact that us humans are probably much more of a threat to the sharks than they are to us. I have learned that it is important that we continue to study the white shark for not only their safety and conservation but ours as well. The more we know about these charismatic predators, the less, it seems, we may have to fear.

By Courtney Graham

My Life...

There is a place in the world where humans and nature's most feared apex predators co-exist. This place is a bay in South Africa, appropriately nick-named “Sharkville” by those studying sharks there. Sharkville, or its correct name, Mossel Bay, is a quiet sea-side town on the edge of the world-renowned Garden Route in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. With a mild climate and only one cage diving company, this bay is arguably the best place in the world to work with and research the legendary Great White Shark (“white shark”). Four passionate white shark researchers; Ryan Johnson, Enrico Gennari, Stephan Swanson and Toby Keswick realised the research potential in Mossel Bay and are working tirelessly to discover more about the secret life of these amazing animals. Their work is fuelled by the hope that society will no longer have a fear of white sharks and accept them as an important part of the ocean ecosystem as well as our ecosystem. Together, these four men have formed the South African Marine Predator Lab SAMPLA which facilitates the research in Mossel Bay. In February 2008, SAMPLA successfully launched a student internship program to assist in its research and groundbreaking discoveries. Since childhood I have always had an unexplainable fascination with the white shark.

By all accounts I should have been terrified of these animals. This shark is such a unique animal, one that evokes a powerful fear response in humans. For some, it is the mouth full of razor sharp teeth that all too often appears to be dripping with fresh blood. For others it may be the cold dark eyes that are seemingly incapable of showing emotion, something we as humans associate with on the most basic level. We can't look into a white shark's eyes and understand what it is feeling or what it needs, and in my opinion that lack of intimacy and ability to connect may scare some people. By all accounts I should have been terrified of these animals. One of my first and exceedingly overused phrases as a child was "does it bite?" I wouldn't even touch a bunny if I thought I had the chance of being bitten. Though as I grew older, I developed a pattern of confronting my fears head on. For example, I am absolutely terrified of heights, so I did what no rational acrophobic person would do- I decided to jump out of an airplane at 14,000 feet. I wanted to figure out what it was that struck such fear in me. There really is no better

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way to confront a fear of heights than a 60 second freefall to earth. The same fear of uncertainty and the unknown that I had about heights may explain why I was so drawn to the little understood white shark. Many of us as children, or adults for that matter, learn to fear what we don't understand; it is safer that way. I am not exactly a fan of the safer route and I wanted to see for myself what the white shark was all about. As a law student in the United States, I went against what was considered "acceptable" for a summer working position by going to South Africa and working on a white shark research vessel. Many people tried to convince me that I was crazy and not spending my summer the way a law student should. But then again, I don't see myself as a “normal” law student. I am pursuing a legal education to further my career aspirations of becoming a shark conservation advocate. To be an effective advocate I felt it was vital to have field experience to better understand the species I want to protect.

...it only took me a week to forget how bad I smelled even after my daily decontamination showers. Working in a down-town windowless office making copies and asking "one sugar or two?" all summer was not going to get me any closer to my desired career. Luckily, the directors of SAMPLA gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of the first group of students to research white sharks. Without thinking twice, I eagerly left my power suit and pumps at the door for smelly sardine encrusted "chum clothes". I like to consider myself an adventurous person, but my adventures typically stop with weird smells, slimy or squishy things and a lack of proper plumbing facilities. Therefore, those close to me were surprised to see how far I had come from the days when I could not even string a worm on my Snoopy fishing pole. The truth is I really enjoyed working on the research vessel, getting my hands dirty and doing things that I would have been too grossed out to do in the past. Surprisingly, it only took me a week to forget how bad I smelled even after my daily decontamination showers.

At about 500 meters from where we would lay anchor, we began laying out our chum slick to attract the sharks.

And I now take great pride in the art of stringing mackerel heads together for the bait rope. It sounds easy; however, there is a complex interplay of skill, craftsmanship, and caution that one must observe while extricating the eyeballs and threading a piece of rope through the head of a fish. I would put emphasis on the caution element, just because these fish are dead does not mean you can let your guard down. These cunning mackerels got their revenge when their razor sharp teeth all too frequently found their way into my hand as I would string them on the rope. I am now much more afraid of a vengeful mackerel head than a white shark. The day I saw my first white shark was the day my childhood dream became a reality and an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. It was the day after I arrived in Mossel Bay. Flying from the United States for 36 hours had really done a number on me. With the change of time zones, continents and hemispheres my internal clock was out of "sync" and my body was telling me it hated me. I managed to actually wake up when my alarm went off at 7:00 a.m. and made it a priority to watch my first South African sunrise. I knew it was going to be a special day once I saw the sun crest over the fog-covered mountains. Upon arriving at the harbour, my co-interns and I gathered the equipment and made our way to the mooring. This was when I took my first look at the 21 foot long research vessel. The first thought that came to mind was “wow! I think we need a bigger boat." I was not sure if the boat would even float with all the gear and people aboard. And I did not even want to think about the fact that some white sharks are the size of that boat.

I managed to actually wake up when my alarm went off at 7:00 a.m. and made it a priority to watch my first South African sunrise. We were quickly underway and greeted by a clear blue sky and surprisingly calm water for an ocean. At about 500 meters from where we would lay anchor, we began laying out our chum slick to attract the sharks. Creating a successful chum slick is what I would like to compare to making a fine.

By Lezanne Brits

Always wanted to get involved but didn't know how? Here is your chance: es to save tify strategi r Help to iden lunteering fo stems by vo sy ef re e ue uniq tion – Blu tion organiza the conserva Ventures e improving th will focus on s an pl es e iti es Th l commun e of the loca ces quality of lif arine resour m e es on th who depend al ic og ol aining the bi reefs. while maint tivity of the uc od pr d diversity an

Join the South A frican M (SAMP arine Pre LA) in th dator La eir rese Great W b arch pro hite Sh jects on ark and predato the other m rs arine SAMPL A is an academ South A ic hotsp frica's m ot for so ost esta me of biologis blished ts. The marine S A MPLA in gives sc ience stu ternship dents an program and exc d natura s iting ha lists a ra n ds on ex research re perienc on the g e of mari reat wh ne ite shark . Locatio n: Moss el Bay, S outh Afr ica Check it out (htt p://www involve .sampla d.html) .org/getor conta ct SAM PLA (in fo@sam pla.org)

adagascar Location: M ns/madaga Check it out org/expeditio s. re tu en ev .blu ue Ventures (http://www or contact Bl ) l m ht s. on scar-expediti es.org) r@blueventur (madagasca

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Get Involved Spring 2008

Beyond Blue 40

What You Can Do To Benefit That Which Is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond The Blueâ&#x20AC;? Take your own cloth or mesh bags to the grocery store (or if you absolutely HAVE to paper bags, but try to re-use these) Save Nemo and his friends by reducing the number of plastic bags you use. Much of our land pollution ends up in or around the ocean so it is no surprise that plastic bags are one of the most common items found during beach cleanups. Turtles are especially fond of plastic bags because they look like scrumptious jellyfish, one of their favourite foods. Just imagine what a plastic bag does to a turtles insides!

Protect coral reefs with your sunscreen selection Before you slap on sunscreen and hop into the ocean, make sure it does not contain: paraben preservative, cinnamate, benzophenone or camphor derivative. Scientists recently determined that these chemicals contribute to coral reef bleaching even in small quantities.

We each have the power to take actions in our daily lives that can improve our environment. You don't have to make a drastic overhaul, just start small . . . here are three simple ways you can benefit what is beyond the blue.

Carry a BPA- Free Reusable Water Bottle No longer will you have to shell out your hard earned money for bottles of water plus you will be helping to reduce the number of birds, turtles and marine animals that die every year from consuming plastic pieces. Make sure the bottle is labeled BPA-free because some scientists believe long-term exposure to BPA (a compound found in polycarbonate plastics) can contribute to various health conditions.

By Courtney Graham

Cause

Organisers

Method

Link: Stop the clock on Extinction

Conservation International

Ever y 20 minutes another species is pushed to extinction. Sign the petition and see what you ca n do to help.

Link: Sea Turtle Conservation

Caribbea n Conservation Corporation and Sea Turtle Survival Lea gue

Ever y time you use GoodSearch.com as your internet search engine, the Caribbea n Conservation Corporation will rece ive $0.01 to help conserve the little green guys

Link: Oppose Shark Fishing at Great Barrier Reef

Shark Savers

Voice your concerns and sign the petition on-line

Link: Support conservation in Galapagos

Galapagos Conservation Trust

Charles Darwin can no longer protect this unique ecosystem but there are many wa ys you can.

Link: Against the Canadian Seal Slaughter

Sea Shepard Conservation Society

There are various ways to contribute to the campaign

"Nobody did worse than he who did nothing for fear he could only do a little." Edmund Burke

Spring 2008

Beyond Blue 41

Our Choice Of Products

TELEMETRY

Acoustic Telemetry

By Enrico Gennari

In recent years an old research tool has been substantially and uniquely improved, enabling unprecedented insights into the previously hidden lives of fish. Welcome to the age of Telemetry! The word telemetry comes from ancient Greek; “tele”, from afar, and “metron”, measurement. These terms apply to different techniques used to monitor the movement patterns of an animal. Different kinds of techniques have been utilized during the last 150 years in order to monitor movements of fish. Until a few decades ago the technique used was to label fish with an information laden tag including date, place of tagging and fish length. The researcher would then have to wait to re-sight the animal, often some time later. Technology has improved vastly in the last 50 years, allowing scientists to physically follow the animal and log data about physiological and environmental conditions. This data can then be retrieved at the end of the experiment, and send directly to your computer. There are many different options available, but the basic format is a transmitter which either stores different types of information or sends them to a receiver which can be either in the field or in an office. These signals are sent via acoustic signals (radio signals don't work in the sea), a satellite, or even a cellular phone network. In this issue I am going to briefly describe the different kinds of tags available to scientists. Each kind of tag explained underneath may come in a variety of sizes, power outputs, battery life, sensors, and other options, depending on the manufacturing company and the scientist's needs.

Acoustic telemetry is based on acoustic signals sent from the tagged animal. It is very useful to study small scale movements of animals. Coded Tags

Coded tags and listening stations: These long-life tags send all acoustic signals at one predefined frequency which are received by semipermanent listening stations on the sea bottom when the animal passes within a certain range from the receiver. Receivers are retrieved at a specific time of the year (while a new one is put in place) and the data is then downloaded.

Enrico Gennari

Pros: - Long-life tags. - 24/7 presence of the receiver without presence of scientists on the field. - Large number of animals tagged.

Cons: Receivers detect the animal within its operational range but can't determine its exact positions.

For more info go to: www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk

Continuous Tags

Archival Tags

Andy Casagranda

Continuous tags and real-time telemetry: A frequency-specific tag sends a signal to an onboard receiver allowing scientists to physically follow the tagged animal.

Pros: - Fine scale details of animal movement. - Direct information on what happens around the animal (i.e. feeding, mating bouts).

Cons: - Data obtained only with the presence of scientists in the field. - No more than one animal can be tracked at one time.

Spring 2008

Archival tags: This kind of tag is either surgically implanted within the muscle or secured just underneath the skin. It records and stores various parameters of an animal and its surrounding environment, including sea surface temperature (SST) and ambient light (which together allow us to estimate the animal's position). They are very useful for tracking animals that don't spend a lot of time at the surface.

Pros: - Long-lived, high resolution data.

Cons: - Tag has to be recovered to obtain data, thus applicable only to large-fishery related animals or animals whose behaviour allow for retrieval. - Accuracy of estimated position low.

Beyond Blue 42

Our Choice Of Products

TELEMETRY

Satellite Telemetry

Satellite telemetry: this technology is based on the Argos system of satellites which links the tag to the scientist in his office. They are increasingly being utilised for large-scale movement studies of animals.

As with many things in science, telemetry technology is a “work in progress”. Scientists work together with the manufacturing companies (and vice versa) in order to develop and test ideas to further improve our understanding of animal movement patterns and their role within the ecosystems they inhabit. This knowledge is paramount for the management and thus the conservation of species which otherwise would be destined for extinction.

This column will regularly bring you reviews on other topics and we would like you to be part of this. Comments, personal experiences and reviews, as well as ideas, are welcome and could be shared with our other readers in subsequent issues. Write to Enrico at Enrico@beyondbluemag.com

GPS Tags Linda Smith

Satellite positioning tags: These “live” tags are externally attached to the top part of the animal. Every time the antenna surfaces, it sends a signal to the Argos system. These tags are thus used on animals that spend plenty of time at the surface (breathing, etc.).

Pros: No need for recovery of the tag.

Cons: - A satellite has to pass over the point where the animal surfaces (probabilities decrease at lower latitudes). - Accuracy of estimated position depends on successive number of detections by the satellite.

Cell Phone Tags PAT Tags Mike Meyer

Pop-up archival tags (PAT):

Pros: Not necessary to retrieve tags for basic information.

PAT tags are externally attached archival tags with a floating system which, at a predefined date and time, detaches the tag making it reach the surface. When the tag floats, it sends a summary of the stored data by an Cons: antenna through the Argos system to the Tag must be recovered for detailed scientist's computer. This technology is information. used mostly for animals that don't spend a lot of time at the surface.

Spring 2008

Cell phone, GPS telemetry: Recently, satellite technology was backed up by other technologies based on more precise positioning systems such as mobile or GPS networks. Nevertheless, these systems still have their drawbacks. One example would be their high output power and therefore the shortened life span of the battery.

Beyond Blue 43

Sneaking into the intimacy of reef sharks in

French Polynesian waters.

By Johann Mourier

The basic questions of a species life history need to be answered to effectively conserve any ocean species, including vulnerable sharks. Even today, insufficient data exists to enable scientists to answer even the most basic of life history questions! Ph.D. Candidate Johann Mourier, takes Beyond Blue through what information is required before we can answer vital questions about sharks. It is common knowledge that large, long-lived marine animals, such as sharks, are declining rapidly due to overexploitation and habitat degradation. Global environmental changes and human activities such as tourism and fisheries are seriously affecting species with high natural longevity and low reproductive rates. Due to a lack of information about the basic ecology of many shark species, we need to improve our knowledge concerning the behaviour, ecology and organisation of shark populations.This will help to promulgate better conservation regulations and strategies and to promote awareness and support for shark conservation Due to the lack of data concerning shark stocks and vulnerability in the Southern Pacific, the precautionary principle was used to introduce the legislation to protect sharks in French Polynesia and to ban shark finning

Spring 2008

Precautionary Principle In classifying endangered species, the precautionary principle means that if there is doubt about an animal's or plant's exact conservation status, the one that would cause the strongest protective measures to be realized should be chosen.

since the 12th of April 2006. The French Polynesian waters are a true sanctuary for many shark species and sharks are of great importance for aquatic tourism. However the precautionary principle can hold for only so long, and without solid scientific data, the protection of these vulnerable predators can never be guaranteed. In January 2008, I embarked on a three-year study. My study involved an investigation into the life history, behaviour, and ecology of reef sharks in Moorea (French Polynesia) hosted by the famed French research lab CRIOBE. This ground breaking project employs a host of techniques to understand the ecology and the organisation of insular reef shark populations, mainly the sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens) and the blackfin reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) within nearby waters. I needed to understand the sharks populations, the patterns Beyond Blue 45

Johann Mourier

Onto column two on that page. please change to "aspects of the natural history of the blackfin reef shark's basic natural history remain poorly documented. This shark is considered by many to be harmless and non-aggressive. Personally, I find blackfin reef sharks to be curious. I really enjoy watching these sharks investigate anything novel. The blackfin reef shark is neither solitary nor a shark that schools. However, I often see them in small feeding aggregations.

It is easy to be caught up in their beauty, however, knowing the importance of my research I remember to stay focused. Over the next years these are the questions that I hope to answer, and the techniques that I will use. For information about this project, please visit the following site: http://johannmourier.wordpress.com/ Johann MOURIER (PhD candidate) Insular Research Center and Environment Observatory (CRIOBE: http://criobe.wordpress.com/le-criobe/language-english/the-criobe/), Moorea, French Polynesia. Email : johann.mourier@gmail.com Spring 2008

Whilst conducting my research I remain in awe of how perfectly these reef sharks have evolved to their environment. I am privileged to be able to study their behaviour " in depth " ! My interactions and observations of the sharks on a less "scientific" level have also helped me to understand their "intimacies". I know so much more about the way they co-habit and even (to some extent) I sometimes feel like I know some of their more individual personalities. I am sometimes lucky enough to be invited into their private world and this is helping me to understand them so much better. Each time I catch a glimpse of the intimate moments of these sharks it adds an extra dimension to my scientific research. Due to this dual approach( science and general observation) - I believe that in the end I will be able to contribute much to the deep understanding of the sharks and their important place in this ecosystem. This can only help to promote their conservation so that generations to follow me will be able to enjoy these curious animals that have kept me fascinated for so many years."

Johann Mourier

in their habitat use, social organisation, reproductive system and their population turn over. If the results of my study could improve the aforementioned knowledge about sharks and their behaviour, then we would be a large step further to understand them better. This in turn would help us to gauge their degree of vulnerability to human activities. the end result could be that we could fight to cement the the current rather tenuous conservation status they enjoy in this limited area. New para goes here then Over the past eight months I have spent many days submersed observing the

Question 1: What are the recruitment rates into the populations, and how do the reproductive systems and social orginisation work? To answer my questions on shark recruitment, the reproductive systems and social organisation I intend to use genetic research tools. The use of these tools such as microsatellite markers and parentage analysis will give insight of the recruitment into shark populations at the island by studying parentage links and genetic relatedness between individuals of the population. This will allow me to investigate the supplying of adult population by young sharks (recruitment) and to understand if these populations are “open” (supplied by individuals from other populations) or “closed” (supplied by individuals coming from the reproduction between sharks from Moorea). Using these analyses self-recruitment rates and percentages of inbreeding in these shark populations can be inferred. Thus the spatial scale of gene flow, the connectivity and the self-recruitment rates will be determined for both species sicklefin lemon sharks and blackfin reef sharks in Moorea. The aims are (1) to determine if the recruitment in shark populations in Moorea Island, taken here as a model for the isolated Polynesian Islands, is sufficient for the sustainability of shark populations and (2) understanding if the populations are open or closed.

Question 2. What is the population size? A core question that is required for any effective conservation is how many sharks are there? To determine size of populations, all the sharks I capture and release around the Island are identified them via photo-identification of the dorsal fin. By calculation the relative frequency in which I re-encounter these individuals, I can estimate the population size of sharks.

Question 4. The impact of shark feeding on the behaviour and movements of sharks and in population structure?

Question 3. behaviour – how do the sharks use their habitat? What is their home range? In the context of increasing touristic activities, coastal habitat degradation, and overexploitation in relatively small islands of French Polynesia, understanding the movement patterns of sharks is essential for effective management. It is also critical to effectively design marine reserves (to optimise conservation of these mobile predators). The use of combination between telemetry (both passive and active tracking), satellite tracking (PAT tags) and genetic approaches will allow assessing the short and long-term movement patterns of sharks as well as habitat and space utilisation, home range, and migrations between islands (see Beyond blue's product review special for details on telemetry pg. ).

Fiona Ayerst

Shark-feeding started on the Island of Moorea (French Polynesia) in the 1990s at three localities on the outer slope off the north coast. One locality, in the lagoon, only feeds stingrays. Shark-feeding attracts several species but mainly the blackfin reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), the sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens). In order to determine biological and ecological aspect of shark populations affected by shark-feeding activities in Moorea, it is necessary to study two distinct areas of Moorea Island: one were shark-feeding occurs (i.e. the Northern Coast) and another where the activity hopefully does not occur (i.e. Southern Coast) and where shark population may not be affected (commonly termed: control vs. treatment studies). The aim is to understand if the shark-feeding activity affects the natural behaviour of sharks (i.e. home range, scale of movements, habitat use and residency patterns, density and aggregation, dietary, and relatedness in shark populations). To evaluate the impacts of shark-feeding activities on the behaviour of shark populations, I will use a combination of different methods in order to answer these different questions: acoustic tracking (listening stations), underwater observations, genetic and hormones analysis through blood sampling.

A great victory for whales happened on the 10th of September when Chile declared their waters a whale sanctuary. The law was unanimously passed by congress after it being strongly backed by the public.

x Dr. Susan Lark, one of the foremost authorities in the fields of clinical nutrition and preventive medicine is promoting a moisturizer that helps your skin feel more elastic. Squalane – an ingredient found in sharks – is being promoted for its ability to help skin “maintain its moisture and elasticity.” However, this exact ingredient can also be obtained from a much more abundant source: olives. From a conservation point of view, deep-sea sharks are some of the most vulnerable sharks in the world. They typically grow slowly, mature late in life and have only a few young during their long lives. Their populations are at an extreme risk from exploitation and recover very slowly.

The recent dramatic melting and breakup of a few huge Greenland glaciers have fueled public concerns over the impact of global climate change, but that isn't the island's biggest problem. A new study shows that the dozens of much smaller outflow glaciers dotting Greenland's coast together account for three times more loss from the island's ice sheet than the amount coming from their huge relatives

A team of US scientists have found evidence that a mega tsunami hit Tonga in the past few thousand years and said another giant wave could strike the region again. The scientists from the University of Texas studied massive boulders of coral found up to 400 metres from the shoreline on Tonga's main island Tongatapu. According to team leader, Dr Matthew Hornbach, these boulders were possibly deposited when a nearby underwater volcano caused a land-slip, resulting in a tsunami.

At least 32 species of reef fish -including pygmy gobies and some wrasses -- can shine red, not by reflecting sunlight but by emitting their own, a study published on 15 September found. It has long been clear that red light is simply not part of the mental universe of marine fish because the sunlight's longest visible wavelengths do not penetrate below a depth of 10 m (30 ft). Nico Michiels, researcher at the University of Tubingen in Germany, explained that "The general consensus, which dominated fish literature for 20 or 30 years, was that fish don't see red very well or at all," Dissection revealed that the fluorescence originates in guanine crystals, a chemical compound that is added to nail polish and car paint to give added luster.

Fiona Ayerst

Amongst hundreds of new species discovered in Australia's coral reefs, you'll find upside-down jellyfish and small crustaceans that invade the mouths of fish and eat their tongues. This discovery is part of a worldwide Census of Marine Life (CoML) which is set to release its results in 2010.

Australia, the world's driest inhabited continent, is experiencing an accelerated version of global warming, climate scientists say. This is leading to extreme droughts and sudden severe storms. Surfers are in for the ride of their lives as CSIRO research into wave size changes over the past 45 years shows waves of three meters or more were increasing as severe storms become more frequent and intense, particularly on Australia's southern coast Fiona Ayerst

Fiona Ayerst

Fiona Ayerst Documents obtained by the BBC shows Greenland wants to remove its whale hunt from the jurisdiction of the International Whaling Commission. The commission, for the past two years, has refused Greenland's request to add 10 humpback whales to its annual kill quota, the BBC reported on 13 September. If Greenland withdraws from the IWC it could expand its whaling hunts without international oversight.

Science Reveals

By Celeste Steyn

Habitats studied by marine biology include everything from the tiny layers of surface water in which organisms and abiotic items may be trapped in surface tension between the ocean and atmosphere, to the depths of the abyssal trenches, sometimes 10,000 meters or more beneath the surface of the ocean.

Spring 2008

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Global Warming Quotes By Ryan Johnson

For many, the debate surrounding global warming, our culpability, and what needs to be done has ended. We are now at the stage of dealing with increasingly drastic consequences. This is in fact not so, as the various views of the world’s elite politicians, scientists, conservationists, and businessmen clearly illustrate... A sceptic – USA Senator James Inhofe (Author of “Sceptics guide to debunking global warming”)

A president - USA President George W. Bush ?“I think we have a problem on global warming. I think there is a debate about whether it's caused by mankind or whether it's caused naturally, but it's a worthy debate. It's a debate, actually, that I'm in the process of solving…”

A prime minister – Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair ? “The blunt truth about the politics of climate change is that no country will want to sacrifice its economy in order to meet this challenge, but all economies know that the only sensible long term way of developing is to do it on a sustainable basis”.

An organisation - United Nations (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) ?"Human influences have: very likely contributed to sea level rise during the latter half of the 20th century; likely contributed to changes in wind patterns, affecting extra-tropical storm tracks and temperature patterns; and, likely increased temperatures of extreme hot nights, cold nights and cold days." A climatologist – Dr. Patrick Michaels, research professor at the University of Virginia ? Global warming competes with cancer and competes with AIDS for a finite amount of money. Nobody ever won that fight by saying: My issue isn't important.” A candidate – Republican vice president nominee Sarah Palin ? A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made. A conservationist – Al Gore, (producer of “An inconvenient truth”) ? There are many who still do not believe that global warming is a problem at all. And it's no wonder: because they are the targets of a massive and well-organized campaign of disinformation lavishly funded by polluters who are determined to prevent any action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming out of a fear that their profits might be affected if they had to stop dumping so much pollution into the atmosphere.

? “The American people are fed up with the media for promoting the idea that former Vice President Al Gore represents the scientific “consensus” that SUV's and the modern American way of life have somehow created a 'climate emergency' that only United Nations bureaucrats and wealthy Hollywood liberals can solve,” An actor - Arnold Schwarzenegger We simply must do everything we can in our power to slow down global warming before it is too late. The science is clear. The global warming debate is over. Energy Tycoon – Montgomery Burns, “The Simpsons” ? "Oooh, so Mother Nature needs a favour?! Well, maybe she should have thought of that when she was besetting us with droughts and floods and poison monkeys! Nature started the fight for survival, and now she wants to quit because she's losing. Well, I say: Hard cheese!" A candidate – Democratic presidental nominee Barack Obama “All across the world, in every kind of environment and region known to man, increasingly dangerous weather patterns and devastating storms are abruptly putting an end to the longrunning debate over whether or not climate change is real. Not only is it real, it's here, and its effects are giving rise to a frighteningly new global phenomenon: the man-made natural disaster”. A business – ExxonMobil ? A study by the US Union of Concerned Scientists reports that ExxonMobil funded 29 climate change denial groups in 2004 alone. Since 1990, the report says, the company has spent more than $19 million funding groups that promote their views through publications and Web sites that are not peer reviewed by the scientific community. Since 2007, ExxonMobil has cut much of this funding… The Science… IPCC (United Nations) states unequivocally that the consensus of scientific opinion is that Earth's climate is being affected by human activities. This hypothesis was tested by analysing 928 abstracts, published in revered scientific journals between 1993 and 2003, and listed in the ISI database with the keywords "climate change". The 928 papers were divided into six categories: (1) explicit endorsement of the consensus position, (2) evaluation of impacts, (3) mitigation proposals, (4) methods, (5) paleoclimate analysis, and (6) rejection of the consensus position. Of all the papers, 75% fell into the first three categories, either explicitly or implicitly accepting the consensus view; 25% dealt with methods or paleo-climate, taking no position on current anthropogenic climate change.

Remarkably, none of the papers disagreed with the consensus position- that Earth's climate is being affected by human activities. Spring 2008

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