Q: I've been "obsessed" with sharks [particularly the Great White] since I was a child (ok, so watching "JAWS" may have had a bearing on that), and I would love to know what I can do to protect these beautiful creatures. I live on the coast of North Carolina.
- Wildlifegirl
A: Thanks for your interest and concern. As you probably know, "Jaws" was based on a great white shark; we are pleased that this species was protected in U.S. Atlantic a decade ago. Other, less charismatic species in the region have not been so fortunate. In particular, North Carolina is one of the top states for fishing spiny dogfish, a small, exceptionally slow growing coastal shark. While measures to prevent fishing for great white sharks were being finalized in 1997, the commercial dogfish fishery was going full-tilt along the eastern seaboard, under no restrictions. Today, there are federal and state plans to rebuild the damaged dogfish population, but over the last year, states such as North Carolina have increased dogfish fishing limits far above scientific advice, leading to serious overages in dogfish quotas. You and other east coast residents can help by contacting your state fish and wildlife officials and asking them to lower dogfish shark limits to science-based levels. Also, see the link in the previous answer to learn how you can support dramatic improvements in federal conservation measures for Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico sharks.
Q: I just recently purchased the Shark Week 20th Anniversary 4-disk set. After viewing the first disk with attacks and interviews with survivors, I started thinking of things that can possibly keep sharks away from people. I was wondering if sharks are afraid of any sounds or frequencies? My idea then turns into having a device that you would be able to wear that sends out this sound or frequency to keep sharks and people safe.
- Jonathan
Shavertown, Pa.
A: There is indeed much promising investigation into ways to keep sharks clear of not just people, but fishing gear intended for other fish species. As you suggest, researchers are focusing on sharks' extraordinary sensory systems and are testing not only sound, but chemicals and even magnets for their ability to safely keep sharks away. Considering the extreme rarity of shark attack, such new technologies might be most practical for reducing the accidental catch of sharks, a significant source of shark mortality in fisheries around the world. Sadly, just as new methods for repelling sharks advance, interest in keeping the incidentally caught sharks appears to be increasing. As populations of traditional target fish, such as tuna and cod, decline from overfishing, new markets for sharks develop without restriction and may reduce the incentive to avoid catching them. In most cases, tighter management plans for all species involved are needed.
