Marine Life & Conservation Blogs
Creature Feature: Broadnose Sevengill Shark
In this series, the Shark Trust will be sharing amazing facts about different species of sharks and what you can do to help protect them.
Written by guest contributor – Yolanda Evans.
A small glimpse of grey amongst the the vibrant green of the kelp around the temperate coastal waters could be no other then the incredible Broadnose Sevengill shark! Hinted by their common name, these sharks have seven pairs of gill slits – unlike the typical five. These sharks can reach up to 3 metres long and are commonly misidentified as the other species of sevengill the Sharpnose Sevengill. The Broadnose is distinguished by small black and white freckles on their fins and underside and a much larger head then the Sharpnose.
Unlike many other sharks in the Hexanidae family (Cowsharks), this species prefers waters of less then 50 m in depth; sometimes being found in river estuaries where the depth is around 1m! However, Brodnose’s make seasonal migration during the winter to the continental shelves, following their food and sexually mature females.
Broadnose Sevengill’s have a unique tooth shape in their lower jaws: they are shaped like combs which they use to anchor into their prey. This sharks favourite snacks large fish (including other sharks) and crustaceans but they have been videoed eating carrion (dead/decaying bodies), making them scavengers. There are even reports of cannibalism as the older sharks eat the younger to reduce competition. Once they’ve eaten a meal they wont have to eat again for weeks, in fact, in a month they only consume 6% of their body weight!
Predominantly being a solitary shark, they do sometimes congregate in groups to hunt. They mainly do this to get to bigger prey which could be too much work for a single shark. Stalking behind their prey, these sevengill’s will then rapidly burst out to chase down their prey.
Sevengill’ are ovoviviparous and can give birth to 60-180 pups, an incredibly high amount. The pups remain in the shallow waters until they reach a certain size to help avoid predators.
Recent carcasses of these sevengill’s have been found worldwide, all with their livers missing. Who could be behind this series of surgically-precise murders other then the infamous Orca. Orca, or Killer Whales,purposefully seek out Broadnose Sevengill sharks for their livers rich in fats, making a high calorie snack for these mammals. The Orca turn the shark over on their backs, putting them in a state of tonic immobility, and then using their sharp conical teeth they precisely remove the liver leaving the rest of the shark as it doesn’t have the same nutritional value. However, a few videos have emerged of these Orcas then playing with their food, pushing the dead sharks body up and down with their snouts!
Orca’s aren’t the only mammal to purposefully hunt down these sharks as the Broadnose Sevengill’s are also targeted by humans for their meat, skin for leather, and their oil, however, their main threat is being caught as by-catch during industrial fishing. The IUCN lists them as Data Deficient, however, it is expected that they are Near Threatened.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Notorynchus cepedianus
FAMILY: Hexanchidae
MAXIMUM SIZE: Up to 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) in length
DIET: Feeds on a variety of prey including fish, squid, crustaceans, and even other sharks
DISTRIBUTION: Broadnose Sevengill Sharks have a cosmopolitan distribution, found in coastal and offshore waters in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
HABITAT: Found in a variety of habitats, including estuaries, bays, and shallow reefs, as well as deeper waters of up to 150 meters (492 feet) in depth.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
While there is little data on population trends, this species is known to be caught as bycatch in some commercial and recreational fisheries, and there is also concern over the impact of habitat loss and degradation on their populations.
For more great shark information and conservation visit the Shark Trust Website
Banner image – Aaron Scheiner | Wikimedia Commons
In-text Image – derekkeats | Wikimedia Commons
In-text Image – Coco | Wikimedia Commons
It’s time to catch up with 12-year-old Mia DaPonte, New England’s youngest ever female PADI Master Scuba Diver, in her latest blog for Scubaverse!
It’s still a little too cold to get in the water here in New England. I wish I had a drysuit! To get my ocean fix, I asked my mom to take me and my friends to the Biomes Marine Biology Center.
What is Biomes? It’s a rescue center near my house that’s home to all kinds of ocean animals—and they’re all local! It’s truly awesome to experience. There are so many cool creatures there, like skates, sharks, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, tropical fish, lobsters, seahorses, octopuses, and even some reptiles that were given up by their owners.
Darwin the turtle is always fun to watch. He’s huge and has his own home, but he also gets to wander around the place on his own when he feels like it!
They have lots of touch tanks. I got to touch sharks, turtles, and even hold a horseshoe crab! (There’s a little lip on the side of their shell where you can hold them—but don’t do this without permission! Their gills always need to stay in the water.) I also touched stingrays! They felt slimy but rough at the same time.
One of my favorite things to do is see the octopus and watch it play with the toys in its tank. I always check to see if any seahorses are pregnant and look for the babies when they’re born. The babies are kept in their own tank at first to stay safe, and then moved when they’re big enough.
We got lucky this time—there was a baby skate in a mermaid’s purse that was ready to hatch any day! It was in a special tank with a light. When you press the button, the light turns on so you can see the baby skate moving around inside the purse!
As our visit was ending, the owner, Mark, sat down with us and told us how he started Biomes. When he was 14 years old, he began rescuing sea animals. His love for the ocean started when he was young—just like mine! As he got older, he started a traveling business, bringing animals to classrooms and doing shows. Eventually, he turned it into something bigger, and now Biomes is a huge center full of rescued animals.
He told us that most of the fish and animals are rescued from fishing boats or the cold waters of New England—places where tropical fish wouldn’t survive the winter. They try to rescue babies whenever they can, so they have a better chance of adapting. Darwin the turtle actually hatched in Mark’s hand!
My mom gets a pass to Biomes every year because I love going there so much. There are always new animals to see and feedings to watch. One time, I even got to feed the octopus!
If you ever come to Rhode Island, you have to check out Biomes!
Every year, South Africa’s Sardine Run draws thousands of visitors, eager to witness one of the most spectacular marine wildlife events on the planet. Shoals of sardines stretch for miles, attracting a feeding frenzy of predators, including dolphins, seabirds, whales, and, of course, sharks. But while this natural wonder is a goldmine for ecotourism, some argue that it disrupts marine ecosystems or that shark tourism is an unnecessary risk.
The reality?
The Sardine Run doesn’t just showcase nature’s brilliance, it actively protects it.
A Predator Worth More Alive Than Dead
Sharks are the apex predators of the Sardine Run, and their presence is a major draw for divers, filmmakers, and tourists. But beyond the thrill, there’s a critical financial argument to be made: sharks are far more valuable alive than dead. A report by Oceana found that shark ecotourism generates hundreds of millions of dollars globally, while a single dead shark, caught for its fins or meat, is worth mere pennies in comparison.
According to Pew Trusts, reef sharks in Palau contribute an estimated $1.9 million each over their lifetimes through tourism, whereas a single dead shark fetches only $108 at market. The same economic principle applies to South Africa’s waters, where a live shark supports local businesses, jobs, and conservation efforts through sustainable tourism. The question then becomes: why are some still advocating for the mass culling of these creatures when they’re worth exponentially more alive?
Sharks Are Not the Enemy
Despite their economic value, sharks face persistent threats in South Africa. Misguided fears about shark attacks fuel calls for lethal control measures like drumlines and shark nets; outdated and ecologically damaging practices that indiscriminately kill marine life, including endangered species.
Ironically, these same sharks drive South Africa’s multimillion-dollar dive tourism industry, proving that their survival is inextricably linked to the economy.
By protecting the predators of the Sardine Run, South Africa preserves an ecological spectacle while securing jobs in tourism, hospitality, and marine conservation. It’s ensuring that communities along the coast continue to benefit from this natural event for generations to come.
From Passive Observers to Active Conservationists
“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.”
Baba Dioum’s quote perfectly encapsulates why the Sardine Run and shark conservation efforts are so vital.
“We will conserve only what we love.” Experiencing the Sardine Run first and seeing sharks glide effortlessly through bait balls and feeling the sheer energy of the ocean, creates an emotional connection that turns spectators into advocates. It’s hard not to love something so breathtakingly wild.
“We will love only what we understand.” Sharks have long been vilified, but when people see them in their natural role as apex predators, shaping marine ecosystems, their fear turns into fascination. The more we understand sharks, the more we appreciate their importance in maintaining ocean health.
“We will understand only what we are taught.” Ecotourism, like responsible Sardine Run expeditions, plays a huge role in education. Through firsthand encounters, expert guides, and conservation messaging, people learn that sharks are worth far more alive than dead. This, in turn, supports coastal economies, balancing marine ecosystems, and ensuring the future of this natural phenomenon.
Critics argue that the Sardine Run disrupts natural feeding patterns or stresses marine life due to increased human activity. However, scientific studies suggest that well-managed ecotourism can actually enhance conservation efforts. The presence of responsible tour operators discourages illegal fishing, promotes marine research, and generates funds for conservation initiatives.
Furthermore, ecotourism advocates education and awareness. Anyone who’s ever been lucky enough to experience the sardine run will tell you how incredible it is to witness the greatest shoal on Earth and often leave as passionate champions for ocean conservation. In an age where marine species are vanishing at alarming rates, the Sardine Run may be one of the few large-scale events that turn passive observers into active conservationists.
The Sardine Run is an opportunity to teach, inspire, and create lifelong ocean ambassadors. If we want to protect sharks and the marine environments they support, we need more people to experience, understand, and ultimately, fight for them.
My Sardine Run Experience (Still Seems Surreal!)
Experiencing the Sardine Run firsthand in Cintsa on South Africa’s Wild Coast was one of the most incredible events of my life. I swam alongside foraging dusky sharks in focused grace, watched hundreds of common dolphins expertly and intelligently herd sardines into bait balls, observed the honed precision of countless Cape gannets diving, and saw gentle but giant Bryde’s whales effortlessly slicing through the schools.
My friends who stayed longer even had the amazing opportunity to interact with humpback whales. Cintsa is a hidden gem for the Sardine Run, offering an untouched wilderness without the intense competition of other operators. The encounters I had weren’t just breathtaking, they reinforced why this natural event is invaluable for conservation and ecotourism.
I will be forever grateful to Go Dive Mossel Bay for their incredible passion for the ocean and the unforgettable experiences they’ve given me. Their expertise and dedication to marine conservation made my Sardine Run adventure in Cintsa extraordinary. Cintsa is truly a hidden gem for the Sardine Run, offering an intimate, untouched wilderness where the ocean comes alive without the crowds.
The Bottom Line: The Sardine Run is Vital for Conservation in South Africa
The real controversy isn’t whether the Sardine Run is good or bad for conservation. It’s why we aren’t doing more to protect the species that make it so extraordinary.
Instead of fearing sharks or debating their presence, we should be celebrating them as a cornerstone of South Africa’s ecotourism economy.
Every shark in the Sardine Run represents a long-term financial investment, one that benefits local communities far more than a fleeting profit from finning or culling.
So, the next time someone asks whether the Sardine Run is a threat, remind them of this: a dead shark is worth a few dollars, but a live shark fuels an entire industry. South Africa’s future… both ecological and economic… depends on making the right choice.
Photos: Frogfish Photography
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