Great White Shark Conservation

What is European Shark Week?

• Every October, events are held across Europe to raise awareness about the threats facing sharks in European and global waters.

• Major issues include the shark fin trade, bycatch, overfishing, habitat degradation, and poaching.

The Myth…"Perhaps more than any other creature,

thewhite shark seems more than the sum

of itsparts. A package of cartilage, guts, hide,

andteeth has somehow become one of the

morefeared animals on earth.“ – Richard Ellis, 1991

I have feelings too!

The Myth…

“And, you know, the thing about a shark... he's got lifeless eyes. Black eyes. Like a doll's eyes. When he comes at you, he doesn't seem to be living.” – Jaws

My work with great white sharks in Gansbaai, South Africa

Doodling…

It’s SCIENCE!

Always look before you leap!

Dorsal Fin IdentificationTake photos of each shark’s dorsal fin to enter into a database (DARWIN), tokeep track of sightings. The dorsal fin is like our fingerprint, unique to everyindividual!

Dorsal Fin IdentificationTake photos of each shark’s dorsal fin to enter into a database (DARWIN), tokeep track of sightings. The dorsal fin is like our fingerprint, unique to everyindividual!

Poaching MonitoringUnfortunately, great white sharks have one major predator: humans.

Their jaws can sell for up to $20,000 on the black market, making them prime targets for poachers, even in areas where they are strictly protected.

Using the DARWIN identification software, I am able to easily Identify sharks that have recently been hooked, to determine when and where a poaching incident occurred. This is vital to getting a better understanding of the illegal trade.

For more on shark conservation, visit:

www.sharktrust.orgwww.sharkalliance.org

And come speak with me for more information on how you can get involved with shark conservation and research,

at home and abroad.

Ocean Conservation Society12:45 – 1:30 pm, Wednesdays

Seward Studio