News
New study suggests sharks are more abundant on healthy coral reefs
Sharks in no-fishing zones in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are more abundant when the coral is healthy, according to a study published yesterday in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
Shark species that use coral reefs may be under pressure from fishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. The authors of the study were interested in understanding the factors that affect the distribution and abundance of shark populations in the Great Barrier Reef, including fishing and habitat quality. To examine the distribution patterns and habitat associations of sharks, the scientists used thousands of baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) across the entire GBR Marine Park over a 10-year period to record animals attracted to the bait, allowing them to count and identify any sharks present.
Overall, researchers recorded 21 different shark species. The relative abundance of sharks was significantly higher in non-fished sites in the GBR Marine Park no-fishing zones relative to fished sites. However, their findings also showed that hard coral cover had a large effect on the abundance of reef-associates shark species, indicating that the success of marine reserves for sharks, particularly reef-associated species, may depend on coral reef health.
“Our results suggest that healthy reefs make good shark habitat, and may be just as important for improving shark numbers as protecting sharks from fishing,” said Mario Espinoza, one of the authors of the study.
The study also showed that since the creation of no-fishing zones in the Great Barrier Reef in 2004, some shark species found on coral reefs had increased, and that one particular shark, the grey reef shark, had increased in abundance since more of the reef became protected.
The authors hope that this study emphasizes how important the coral reef health is for the future of shark populations, and that it may help others better understand the role of reef health in assessing the benefits of marine-protected areas for sharks.
Source: www.eurekalert.org
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust Launches New Podcast
The Shark Trust has launched their new podcast. Delve behind the scenes and gain exclusive insights in the world of shark and ray conservation on The Shark Trust Podcast. Out Now!
Join the Shark Trust on this journey as they explore the diverse world of sharks. Hear from experts from different backgrounds and learn how you can become a part of the global effort to protect these vital species.
Whether you’re a seasoned shark expert or just dipping your toes beneath the surface, this podcast offers something for everyone!
In the first series you will hear from the Shark Trust team. Shark Trust Patrons, Monty Halls, Miranda Krestovnikoff and Simon Rogerson. Divers with a passion for sharks. And some of the Oceanic 31 artists.
New episodes released every two weeks on all major podcast platforms and watch full video versions on the Shark Trust YouTube Channel. Keep your eyes peeled for the bonus minisodes!
There are two available to dive into right now!
Episode 1: Dive beneath the waves of shark and ray conservation with Mark as he speaks with Paul Cox, CEO of the Shark Trust. Paul and Mark discuss the threats and difficulties that sharks and rays currently face in the modern world. And how the Shark Trust is working to create a better future for them!
Bonus Minisode: Join Mark at Go Diving, the UK’s biggest dive show. He interviews Shark Trust Patron, Simon Rogerson, about his diving experiences and how seeing sharks can transform your life!
For more information about the work of the Shark Trust, visit their website here.
News
Get up to 40% off Red Sea liveaboard itineraries in 2024 with Scuba Scene
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