The Dorsal Fin

Next Media Animation News Direct recently posted a computer generated re-enactment of a story that’s been making headlines recently involving Oregon surfer Doug Niblack “riding” on the back of what Niblack reports was a 10-12′ great white shark. Take the re-enactment for what you will.

ABC News reports that there was no physical evidence to back the report up in terms of bite marks on the board nor photographic evidence which could identify the species involved. However, they did interview Niblack and another surfer who witnessed the encounter.

Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed the California Shark Protection Act into law.

The L.A. Times is reporting that California governor, Jerry Brown, has signed AB 376 (aka “Shark Protection Act”) into law. The newly signed law prohibits the possession, sale, and trade of shark fins in the State of California. The ban will go into effect on January 1, 2012.

In a video from C&EN, Georgetown University’s Dr. Michael Zasloff talks about how squalamine, a steroid found in sharks in the dogfish family (Squalidae), could help to fight viruses in humans. While searching for animals with exceptional immune systems, Dr. Zasloff happened upone dogfish sharks due to their ability to fight off infection.

Dr. Zasloff points early on that they “do not kill sharks” to get the squalamine used in human studies, because the squalamine molecule can be synthesized from a soybean steroid. While clinical trials are still in the early stages, Dr. Zasloff says that he is “quite optimistic” about squalamine’s potential to treat certain diseases in humans.

YouTube user ELVIAVANES uploaded the video above today, which is described as a great white shark being rescued at California’s Venice Beach. The video description says that the juvenile shark was hooked on a rod and reel by locals. The description goes on to say that the hook was removed. Four men, including two surfers, can be seen assisting the shark back into the water at the video’s end.

The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is a protected species in California waters.

Shark Defenders have posted the trailer above for a documentary titled “Shark Hope” to their YouTube channel. According to the video description the documentary is a collaboration between Walker Films, Ratu Manoa Rasagitale, the Coral Reef Alliance and Pew Environment Group. The documentary focuses on efforts to create Fiji National Shark Sanctuary.