The Dorsal Fin

YouTube user GrantJohnsonMD has posted a video of a free-swimming great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) being tagged off of Bimini, Bahamas. The shark is described as a 12′ female and was tagged with a with a NMFS dart tag, which will help with research purposes to better understand the species, which is listed as “endangered” on the IUCN redlist.

The video description points out that the shark was tagged while free-swimming (as opposed to a catch and release tagging) in order to reduce stress on the animal. As can be seen in the video, the shark does not seem to be fazed by the tagging process. She remains in the area after being tagged and continues to show interest in the hang bait.

Yesterday, well-known dive operator Jim Abernathy was bitten on the arm by a lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris), according to WPTV.com. The report stated that Abernathy was in “good condition” and required stitches to close-up the wound. Abernathy was bitten 18 miles north of the Bahamas while diving.

Abernathy spoke with WPTV and referred to the shark bite as a “minor incident” and went on to say that it will not deter him from diving with sharks or continuing his mission to help protect sharks. Abernathy hopes to be back in the water within “a few days,” according to the report.

Here’s to a speedy and full recovery for Mr. Abernathy.

TourismToday continues to focus on shark conservation in the Bahamas in their latest video which discusses conservation efforts in Andros. The Bahamas National Trust’s shark conservation initiative is making an effort to educate citizens of the Bahamas about the importance of sharks to the environment, as well as the local tourism industry.

Andros’ sport-fishing and scuba diving opportunities make the island particularly dependent on healthy shark populations, due to the importance of sharks maintaining a healthy balance in the marine ecosystem.

Oscar Munroe (Island Administrator) hopes to get all stakeholders in the Adnros community involved in the shark conservation efforts in order to set an example to those outside of Andros.

Part 2 of TourismToday’s episode on shark conservation in the Bahamas features Matt Rand of the Pew Environment Group discussing the impact of demand for shark fin soup on shark populations. The environmental effects of declining shark populations are once again discussed, as is the economic importance of sharks to the Bahamas. Rand goes on to say that shark tourism generates $78 million annually. He points out that shark populations are a sustainable resource that could continue to generate income for the Bahamas if shark populations are properly managed.

The video does have some hints of finger-pointing most notably is the implication that sharks might be in trouble due to a “significant Chinese population” taking up residence in the Bahamas, as result of the upcoming Baha Mar project.

TourismToday recently posted a two-part video feature on shark conservation in the Bahamas. Part one of the episode features Pierre Cousteau discussing not only the economic benefits of a healthy shark population but also the environmental benefits. Cousteau also reminisces about his first visit to the Bahamas, which was where he had his very first diving experience as well as his first shark encounter.