Our selection of top shark stories, highlighting the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

---

Smallest White Shark Ever Tagged Off Rhode Island, USA

18 October

Scientists researching White Sharks off the East Coast of the US have tagged what they believe to be the smallest White Shark ever included in this kind of study. Measuring 1.09 m, it’s thought this female shark was just a few weeks old at capture. Eight sharks were tagged as part of the study, a partnership between Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) and O’Seas Conservation Foundation (OCF). Acoustic transmitters will allow researchers to track the movements of these sharks for up to 10 years. Allowing them to gain a better idea of seasonal movements, and important areas for reproduction including nursery areas. Their findings will have significant implications for conservation management of this Vulnerable shark.

---

Big Fish Bringing in the Big Bucks in Madagascar

16 October

Nosy Be Island, Madagascar is an internationally renowned hotspot for Whale Sharks. With many tourists flocking there between September and December when they come to the island to feed. A recent study has estimated Whale Shark tourism accounts for $1.5 million of island economy over this three-month period. With tourists visiting specifically for a Whale Shark encounter spending 55% more overall than casual tourists. Despite their importance to Nosy Be Island, Whale Sharks have no formal protection in Madagascan waters. This study highlighted overwhelming support from tourists and operators for official protection of these sharks from increasing tourist activities, and existing threats including fishing, shipping collisions and pollution. 

---

Getting the Perfect Shark Shot

No doubt, if you’re reading this you likely love sharks and enjoy seeing photos of these fascinating animals in their natural habitat. But what exactly does it take to line up the perfect shot of a shark? Well of course this depends on many factors…including the species. Find out just how much preparation and perseverance goes into getting the perfect shot of a Leopard Shark in Ningaloo, Australia. Including shooting in the ideal season, waiting for the right lighting - not too bright, not too dark, not to mention finding a wild Leopard Shark willing to play ball! Check out the results for yourself!

---

Monitoring Whale Sharks Using Social Media

7 October

It’s no surprise, marine animals are both costly and challenging to study. But scientists are continuing to use social media to support research into different species. From Bottlenose Dolphins in Northern Ireland, to turtles in New Caledonia, and Whale Sharks around the world.

The Wildbook for Whale Sharks utilises the well-placed diving and snorkelling community to learn more about this Endangered shark. Sighting’s data submitted by citizen scientists is made available to conservation authorities to help map global Whale Shark populations and learn more about migration routes. Allowing scientists and authorities to support ongoing work, whilst also engaging the public.

---

“Secretive” Nursehound Filmed in Alderney

6 October

Volunteers from the Alderney Wildlife Trust have captured some footage of a ‘secretive’ Nursehound swimming among seaweed. Listed as Near Threatened in Europe, Nursehounds are considered locally abundant in some areas of the Northeast Atlantic, but declines have been noted in the Mediterranean. Check out the video footage and for more information check out our Nursehound ID Guide.

---

Tiger Shark Genetics Reveal Distinct Populations

1 October

Tiger Sharks are known for their wide distribution across tropical and warm temperate oceans and their ability to inhabit a range of marine habitats. Now latest research analysing the genome of 242 Tiger Sharks across 10 regions has identified two distinct populations. The Atlantic population, and the Indo-Pacific population. This new discovery reinforces the need for population specific fisheries management to preserve the genetic diversity of this Near Threatened oceanic shark.

---