Shark Bytes!

Sharky Bytes
All the Sharky News that is Fit to Print

 Produced by:  Brandon Bethea and Lisa Kubotera

1. Shark eDNA Study Could Be Conservation ‘Game-Changer’

Professor Mariani and research partner, Judith Bakker, from the University of Salford, are working on a new method of data collection on shark populations. Organisms, humans and sharks alike, are composed of billions of cells, which make tissues, which make organs and etc. The cells are shed off the body every second, which contain DNA. Professor Mariani believes from collecting trawl water, they will be able to gather DNA information about the shark. The environmental DNA or eDNA can provide a new and more effective way of identifying sharks than current methods, which are costly and labor intensive. Get more information about their awesome research here! Read more...

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2. Meet the Man Who’s Named 24 Shark Species

If you think you've seen some interesting creatures in foreign markets, meet Dave Ebert. Over the past three decades, he's named 24 new species of sharks, rays, sawfish, and ghost sharks with 10 of those coming from one market in Taiwan alone. Ebert also estimates that he has 30 or more species in his California collection, which are awaiting formal identification. The article reports that of the 500 known species of sharks a fifth of those have been found in the decade alone. Let's hope that trend continues. Read more...

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3. Ranking of the Best, Most Unusual Sharks

We live by lists. Top 10 this, best 20 that. Why should sharks be any different? Check out this ranking of the best sharks on our planet, ranked by most unusual. Who will come out on top? The goblin shark, great white, or wobbegong? Read more...

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4. Photo Captures Rare Shark Birth on Camera

Pregnant sharks are sneaky and are rarely seen in the wild. However, Attila E. Kasco and the rest of Dr. Simon Oliver’s team from University of Chester in the UK came upon a pregnant Thresher shark and captured the moment of birth! Thresher sharks are considered vulnerable, by the IUCN, and has a low rate of reproduction, so you can only imagine how special this moment truly was. Check out the photo and their story! Read more...

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5. Stressed-out Shark Dies of Heart Attack at Russian Zoo

Everyone, PLEASE KEEP OUR HANDS TO YOURSELF! A Blacktip Reef Shark, who was kept at Kaliningrad Zoo, suffered from severe nervous breakdowns due to visitors banging on the glass to attract it’s attention. The stress from enduring this kind of constant noise lead to the poor shark’s death. Please remember, sharks and any other animal in captivity are stressed out enough by new environments, smells, and other factors they don’t endure in the wild; if you have the pleasure of seeing them at the zoo or aquarium, leave them be and enjoy their beauty and almost-natural behavior. Read more...

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6. What Is Causing The Sudden Increase In Shark Attacks?

Recently, there have been many news headlines about shark attacks. Is it normal? Why is this happening? George H. Burgess, the director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History, explained how a couple of factors come into play like drought. See how it’s connected to shark attacks here! Read more...

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7. The 20 Best Shark Week Crafts for Kids

Why is it that our fascination with sharks as kids develops into a fear of them as adults? Shark Week is a great time to teach your kids the truths about sharks or to have a viewing party. To keep the little ones entertained, check out this collection of the 20 best Shark Week crafts for kids! Read more...

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8. The Truth About Sharks and Cancer

Unfortunately, one of the biggest myths out there is that sharks do not get cancer. This public misconception has fueled several claims and companies that promise miracle benefits from products made with shark fins, cartilage, or other parts. As this article notes, there have been documented cases of shark with cancer. One great way to help sharks is to share articles like this to dispel common myths.   Read more...

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9. A New Day for Discovery, A New Week for Sharks

Rich Ross, Discovery Channel’s new President, vowed to stay away from pseudoscience and return Shark Week to more factual, responsible programming this year. Started in 1988 to bring awareness and respect to sharks, the show has accomplished that mission. Time will tell if the return to its roots works for Discovery, but they appear to be making an authentic attempt and should be applauded for not chasing ratings at the expense of reality. Read more...

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Sea Save Foundation is committed to raising awareness of marine conservation. The Week in Review is a team effort produced by the Sea Save staff to provide a weekly summary of the latest in marine research, policy, and news.