The Dorsal Fin

Shark Diver’s Underwater Thrills blog recently posted the following videos of some potential Darwin Award winners harassing captive nurse sharks.

According to the video information, these videos were shot at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
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YouTube user Ptsearch recently added the video below featuring a diver removing what appears to be an Aerobie flying ring from a nurse shark.

While nurse shark’s are bottom-feeders and are generally harmless toward humans, I still feel the need to give a “Kids, don’t try this at home,” warning, as the species has been known to occasionally latch on to divers when harassed or handled. Kudos to the diver in this video for clearing the shark of its unwanted accessory.

BBC News is reporting that Florence, a 6′ (1.8m) nurse shark, is successfully recovering from what is believed to be the first out of water surgical procedure of its kind.

Florence, a nurse shark like this one, underwent succesful out of water surgery.

Florence, who appeared ill at her previous home at Weymouth Sea Life Park (UK) was found to have a rusty fishhook embedded in her. After being anesthetized and removed from her tank, surgery was performed while seawater was continuously pumped through her gills. During her recovery, she was treated with antibiotics and fed via a tube. Ten days after the surgery, Florence was able to eat on her own and has since fully-recovered. Florence went on display at her new home, National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham (UK), yesterday.

Check BBC News for some video footage of the procedure.

CBS is reporting that police were called to a street in downtown Miami on July 21, 2009 due to the body pf a 6′ (1.8m) nurse shark being deposited on the road. Reports indicate that two men had tried to sell the shark to multiple fish markets, asking $10 for the animal. The men were seen carrying the shark around and even rode the city’s Metromover train carrying the body of the deceased shark. According to CBS, “authorities say the incident could lead to misdemeanor charges of improper killing and disposal of an animal, and selling a shark without a license.” The Miami Herald is reporting that the body of the shark was returned to the ocean, according to wildlife officials.

A nurse shark in its natural environment

Personally, I hope the perpetrators are prosecuted for this act of needless stupidity.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will be featuring Shark Week from July 26 through August 1. According to their website, Shark Week will “offer a close-up look at these mysterious and often misunderstood predators,” and will offer family-oriented activities including:

• touching a bamboo shark
• competing for prizes in Shark Jeopardy
• classroom activities for children involving shark-related crafts and games
• a chance to have your picture taken in the replicated jaws of a huge, prehistoric megalodon
• viewing shark-feeding programs
• talking to Aquarium divers as they swim with sharks in the Live Dive programs

Sand Tiger Shark at NC Aquarium - Pine Knoll Shores (Living Shipwreck exhibit)