One of many scientists concerned in monitoring Contender – the largest nice white shark ever recorded by researchers within the Atlantic – has revealed how you can escape a detailed encounter.
Contender, the 14-foot beast, was tagged within the North Atlantic by OCEARCH in January – a non-profit group that conducts analysis on giant marine animals – 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast, off Jacksonville and popped up off Pamlico Sound in North Carolina earlier this month.
There have been quite a few different stories of shark incidents in latest days – together with a nine-year-old woman practically had her hand bitten off close to Boca Grande, Florida.
Dr. Harley Newton, chief scientist and veterinarian for OCEARCH, from Jacksonville, Florida, has devoted her profession to learning sharks – together with Contender – and educating the general public.
She has revealed the stunning factor it’s best to keep away from sporting when swimming within the ocean – and what do to when you do come nose to nose with a predator.
Her recommendation consists of avoiding daybreak and nightfall swims, staying near shore, swimming with a buddy, and keep away from sporting shiny objects like jewelry.
And he or she stated preserve visible contact when you spot a shark, backing away slowly whereas going through it.
Whereas shark assaults are uncommon, she stresses consciousness and respect for the ocean.
“The ocean is a wild place,” Dr. Newton stated.
“If you see schools of fish, particularly if they’re jumping out of the water, that might be something that you want to move away from because that’s going to be very attractive for sharks, and it might help you avoid an accident or an incident.”
Whereas shark assaults are extraordinarily uncommon, Dr. Newton advises that sustaining visible contact with an aggressive shark is essential for security.
As a final resort, placing the shark’s nostril might deter it; nonetheless, this could solely be tried if essential.
In line with Dr. Newton, bull sharks and tiger sharks are thought of among the many most harmful species as a consequence of their dimension, energy, and habitat preferences that deliver them into contact with people.
She notes that every one sharks ought to be handled with warning and respect.
Dr. Newton is keen about correcting myths about sharks.
Opposite to widespread perception, sharks can get most cancers, can’t odor blood from miles away – the max distance the size of an Olympic-size swimming pool – and aren’t senseless man-eaters searching for human prey.
“They are most often looking for prey or typical prey items when there are interactions with humans,” Dr. Newton stated.
“They’re not out there actively looking for humans. They’re looking for the typical prey that they would want to eat.”
OCEARCH’s monitoring of Contender has additionally supplied worthwhile information about nice white shark migration patterns.
Its actions from Florida northward alongside the Atlantic coast have supplied researchers with unprecedented insights into the conduct of grownup male sharks.
“Catching an adult male shark in January was a new data point for us,” Dr. Newton famous. “We were really excited to catch him, tag him, sample him, and release him.”
This monitoring effort helps scientists perceive shark habitat use and establish areas the place human and shark actions overlap, doubtlessly lowering the chance of destructive interactions between them.
The continuing monitoring of Contender and different sharks contributes to each conservation efforts and public security by offering real-time information about shark actions and conduct patterns.
This data permits for extra knowledgeable seaside administration selections and helps educate the general public about sharing the ocean with these apex predators.
As summer season approaches and extra folks head to seashores alongside the Atlantic coast, Dr. Newton emphasizes that consciousness and respect for the ocean setting are key to staying protected.
“Understanding that we’re entering their habitat is important,” Dr. Newton stated.
She added: “Sharks play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, and with some simple precautions, we can safely enjoy the water while respecting these magnificent animals that have been evolving for over 400 million years.”
TIPS
Keep away from swimming at daybreak or nightfall when sharks are most lively and searching
Keep near shore the place you’ll be able to rapidly exit the water if wanted
All the time swim with a buddy quite than venturing into the ocean alone
Take away shiny jewellery or equipment which may resemble fish scales and entice sharks
Pay attention to your environment, particularly colleges of fish leaping out of water, which may point out predator presence
Transfer away from areas with fishing exercise, as bait and injured fish can entice sharks
Preserve visible contact when you spot a shark, backing away slowly whereas going through it
