Shark Trip 2/21/2010 “Baby Tiger Shark”
Sunday Feb 21
By: Katie Sellers
Despite some gnarly seas, the shark team had a great day on Sunday. The skies were blue and the weather had warmed up just enough to have a comfortable day out to sea. Our crew consisted of Dr. Hammerschlag, Captain Curt Slonim, Ashely Schenk, Brendal Davis, Josh Levy, Adam Matulik and myself, Katie Sellers. Also on board we had a special guest, Mark Rackley. Mark is a professional filmographer who has done previous work for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, Animal Planet and even WildBoyz!
Mark Rackley, Ashley, Katie, Brendal, and Josh
On our first line of the day we were graced with the presence of a juvenile tiger shark! This little boy had a total length of about 120 cm. He was absolutely beautiful, showing vivid colorations that are very different from any other shark. This little guy is not only special for environmental reasons but also because he is the first juvenile tiger shark that Dr. Hammerschlag has come across in his shark studies. This was by far one of the most exciting catches the shark program has had. The information obtained from this shark will be of great importance to our studies.
Juvenile Tiger Shark
As if having a tiger shark on line was not special enough, Mark jumped into the water to video this beautiful animal. Mark took video during all stages of our process from a so called shark eye view. He filmed the shark going though our processes of measurements and sampling as well as the most important part, the release. It was a great opportunity to watch Mark do his work as well as chat with him about his past endeavors.
Following our exciting first catch of the day we went into a bit of a shark slump. Our lines would either become caught on bottom structure or pull up abandoned lobster traps. Also, much of our bait had not even been nibbled on by any creature whatsoever. This was all unfortunately a tell tale sign that we were not in the appropriate spot for fishing. No data is good data as it always relays useful information. Also, while we were pulling in our lines in search of sharks, we came upon two inflated Goliath Groupers. Unfortunately fishermen had been in the area and let these animals go in an unhealthy and very vulnerable state. When fish with air bladders are pulled to the surface quickly from deep waters, their air bladder uncontrollably inflates. When the fish are too small, fishermen throw them off of the boat, still inflated where the fish float at the surface like a balloon. We fortunately spotted them in this state and stopped to help them deflate their air bladders.
Releasing another goliath grouper, thanks Captain Curt!
On our second to last line we did catch one more shark, a nurse shark. This nurse was very large weighing approximately 300 pounds. We tied him up to the side, did our measurements, tagging him very quickly and letting him go in great conditions. All in all we had a great day out on the unpredictable waters of the Atlantic.
Shark Team
Happy Sharking,
Katie (Shark Program Intern)
What a great day! That baby tiger was beautiful!
I agree, it was awesome and those colors on that baby tiger shark were amazing:) Can’t wait to get out on the water again!
Wow, what a cool experience. Wish I was there! Be careful and don’t fall overboard!
Love, Mom
I read your fascinating blog Katie, and can’t believe the experiences you are having with this project. Keep up the good work!
Love, Aunty El
The baby tiger shark picture was terrific! I loved reading about your experience! The team photo is great too!
Wow, beautiful shark though I’m not sure I’d be as brave as Mark and jump in the water with it even if it is a baby!
I agree, it was awesome and those colors on that baby tiger shark were amazing:) Can’t wait to get out on the water again!I believe this blogpost has given so many impact to me, that’s why me and my husband really want to Say thanks for giving us excellnt information. You will find the most powerful health blog
It seemed such an exciting experience. Actually I am afraid of going into the water but looking at your pictures I really envy you guys. Wish could go deep into the water to see for myself those beautiful creatures. But thanks to technology I am able to see this creatures without my toes touching the waters. Thanks to your post.
Wow, What a great experience! Love the picture!
Hi great article and great blog. Love the pictures of the shark. Looks like you had a great trip.
The baby tiger shark picture is wonderful.You shared a great experience here .Thanks for your effort.
Those goliath groupers amaze me of their size! Nice fish!
Great insights, thanks for providing them.