Shark tagging with the Potomac School and BBC Mundo
Monday, June 25th
Katie Titley, RJD Intern
Words cannot express how ecstatic I am to be back with RJD for another summer! My love for sharks and this program grow exponentially every time I go out with this amazing research team! Despite the ominous bad weather and choppy seas threatening our trip on Monday, we decided to go ahead and try our luck close to shore, bayside in pursuit of some sharks!
We were joined by a group from the Potomac School. They came all the way from Virginia to help us out! In addition, we were fortunate enough to have two gentlemen from BBC Mundo filming, interviewing, and shooting photos throughout the day.
Luckily the weather cleared and we were in for a good day! The very first drumline we pulled up had 2.5 meter, male Nurse shark on! We were able to get some nice samples and measurements from him.
The RJD team secures a male nurse shark
On our second set of drumlines we pulled up a male, Atlantic Sharpnose. What a beautiful little shark! Our trip leader, David, informed us that even though our Sharpnose only measured out to a total length of 89 cm, it was indeed a mature adult. In fact, they are often the prey to many larger shark species, as we saw on Friday’s trip. Everyone had a good chance to see the Sharpnose up close and we were able to get some nice samples and measurements!
RJD staff handle an Atlantic sharpnose shark
On our third set of drumlines we pulled up yet another Nurse shark. He may have been a bit smaller than the first one, but he was way more energetic! Overall, a good day of shark research as always! Many thanks to the awesome group from the Potomac School and our wonderful friends at BBC Mundo. I absolutely can’t wait to get out sharking again this weekend!
Hi,
I’ve been working as a scuba instructor for the past 12 years now, and have spend the majority of the time teaching scuba diving in Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras.
Sadly, I have been able to see a rapid decline in Sharks, Rays and other creatures numbers over the years, mainly due to overfishing, mangrove destruction and pollution. I would love to know more about your project and your findings. will keep on following your blog.
Thanks
Tobi