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 Diver with a Nurse shark. (Lemon Shark in the background) With an evolutionary history more than 400 million years old, there are 350 species of sharks and another 1,150 "shark-like" species. Shark species range from the more evolutionarily primitive, like the frilled shark, to the sleek and efficient modern species, such as the Great White. Despite the common myth that sharks are mindless "eating machines", only a few shark species are dangerous to humans. Out of the hundreds of species, only 3 have been involved in a significant number of fatal, unprovoked attacks on humans: the great white, tiger, and bull sharks. In 2007, according to the International Shark Attack File, there were a total of 71 unprovoked attacks recorded worldwide, of which only one was fatal. Considering the millions of beach-goers and recreational ocean users, this is an incredibly small number. Sharks generally rely on their superior sense of smell to find prey, but they also have the ability to sense movement and electrical fields created by prey. Their place in the marine food web is essential for a healthy ocean ecosystem. The view of the shark as a solitary hunter, ranging the oceans in search of food is only true for a few species with most living far more sedentary lives on the ocean floor. Some sharks are highly social, remaining in large schools. Even solitary sharks meet to breed or on rich hunting grounds, which may lead them to cover thousands of miles in a year. Migration patterns in sharks may be even more complex than in birds, with many sharks covering entire ocean basins. Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems and their stocks are in serious trouble. Yet, more than one hundred million sharks are killed by commercial fisheries every year. They are intentionally harvested for their fins, meat, or liver oil and they are incidentally caught as by catch in fisheries targeting other species. Sharks are highly migratory and regularly cross national boundaries. However, outside of Antarctica, there are no international limits on shark harvest. With increasing demand for shark fin soup, and little protection, sharks worldwide are at great risk. Haai, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation of all sharks and marine life. Through providing an entertaining and informative show we hope to educate the general public on preserving all of our natural resources. |
Click on the links below for more information about Nurse and Lemon sharks!
Nurse Sharks  Lemon Shark  |
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Copyright © 2006 Haai, Inc. | PO Box 64, Myakka City, Florida 34251 |