The Fascinating Role of Sharks

Many of the shark species are apex predators, and we're only beginning to understand how important their role is in the functioning of healthy marine ecosystems.  Here's an excellent short video produced by the Cape Eleuthera Institute in the Bahamas.

This film, through humor, simplicity, and scientific theory, describes our predicament with a drastically declining shark population worldwide, and offers a new perspective on how to view the most feared fish on our planet. Through stop motion, we tell the story of our ocean's greatest predators by focusing on the vital role they play in our economies, ecosystems, and cultures. It is the story of our decision between an ocean with, or without, them. It is the story of how we only have one logical choice left. It is the story of sharks.

Here's what the researchers at the Cape Eleuthera institute have to say:
Sharks are threatened worldwide due to unsustainable levels of fishing and other human disturbances. Exploitation of sharks has increased dramatically due to declining catch rates in traditional fisheries and an increasing demand for shark fins in Asian markets. The recent economic boom in Asia has led to a rapid increase in demand for shark fin soup, a dish that is considered a status symbol and a sign of wealth amongst many eastern cultures. The disproportionate value of the fins compared to the rest of the shark has led to the wasteful practice of fining whereby the fins of the shark are removed and the majority of the carcass is discarded, often while still alive. This brutal and wasteful practice is illegal in many territorial waters however it is commonplace in the unregulated waters of the high seas. The high demand in Asia has led to a rapid escalation in direct and indirect shark fisheries all over the globe. 
Recent research estimates that 1.7 million tones are harvested each year however the figure could be as high as 2.29 million tones, roughly equaling 73 million individual sharks. Further studies estimate that the total number of sharks in the north Atlantic has declined by two thirds in the last fifty years and the global biomass of sharks has declined 80% since the industrialization of fishing.

These are frightening numbers -- roughly 73 million sharks being killed every year cannot be sustainable!  We can only contemplate the long-term ecological impact of reducing shark biomass by 80% throughout the world's oceans.

To learn more about sharks visit the Shark Trust, committed to "Advancing the worldwide conservation of sharks through science, education, influence and action."

I'm looking forward to cruising through incredibly rich shark waters on our way down the east coast of Africa in April on board the ms Amsterdam.  This is one area where living sharks provide a huge boost to the economy through tourism -- it seems lots of (crazy!) people love to dive with Great White Sharks (usually separated by bars of steel!).  Not me!!

Gannets Dive Bombing

One of the most amazing sights is Gannets dive bombing a school of bait fish.  This is a regular occurrence during the feeding frenzy of seabirds, sharks, dolphins and whales in the annual Sardine Run off the east coast of Africa. 

In an upcoming lecture on board the ms Amsterdam, I will be showing a short clip of the gannets courtesy of the kind folks at Earth Touch, based out of Durban, South Africa.  Check this out - amazing!!

Seychelles to South Africa

I'm currently researching lectures for an upcoming segment of Holland America's Grand World Cruise.  Jan and I will be joining the ms Amsterdam in the Seychelles on March 28, visiting Madagascar and several ports along the east coast of Africa, before disembarking in Cape Town on April 7.  These places abound with amazing creatures and wildlife -- a dream trip for naturalists!!



We're looking forward to seeing friends we've met on previous cruises.

Lecture Series - Madagascar to Africa

In the weeks ahead I will be posting about some exciting and interesting topics to be covered in my lecture series:

Unique Wildlife of Madagascar

From Lemurs to fascinating Geckos and Chameleons, Madagascar is home to some of the most unique creatures on the planet and some of the highest biodiversity, with about 150,000 species that exist nowhere else.

Madagascar: Escape from Africa! 

How can islands float…?  Madagascar continues to drift away from the African continent … where did it come from and where is it headed…? 

Mighty Ocean Currents and Feeding Frenzies

We’re sailing near one of the most powerful ocean currents in the world, the Agulhas Current.  Learn how these rich waters produce one of the greatest feeding frenzies on earth!

In the Realm of the Great White Shark

This coast is home to one of the greatest carnivores on the planet.  Discover some fascinating insights into the life of these top predators and the ecosystems they help create and maintain! 

Apex Predators of Africa

Discover the fascinating role of the largest carnivores in Africa… and their valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem.  Without Lions… would their prey survive?

Caribbean Odyssey

Just returned from a Transatlantic crossing lecturing aboard the ms Rotterdam.  A great crossing without too much "motion of the ocean!"  We embarked in Rotterdam and disembarked in Barbados.  It was a pleasure to meet so many great folks!  Thank you for attending my lectures and for your support and enthusiasm.   We had the opportunity to meet many interesting creatures in the rainforests and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

While in Southampton, we took the opportunity to drive through the New Forest and up to see the Salisbury Cathedral.

Salisbury Cathedral

Curious Donkey in the New Forest near Southampton

Caribbean Delights

If you are ever looking for a wild adventure -- look no further than a rental car on Tortola, British Virgin Islands.  Take North American cars with left hand drive and drive them on the British (some would say 'wrong' side of the road).  Add narrow, twisty roads - often without center lines -- and you have a recipe for excitement!!

We enjoyed some wonderful snorkeling in the waters of Bonaire and Aruba. Bonaire, in particular, is special because the entire reef system surrounding the island is protected within the Bonaire Marine Park .  The reefs are still in fairly good shape, given the threats to corals throughout the world, with ocean acidification, warming oceans, and rising sea levels.

Snorkeling in the Marine Park that encompasses Bonaire

The Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad proved to be a great place to experience some interesting rainforest birds.  I managed to photograph a few of these, including the Golden-headed Manakin (read more about this fascinating species).

Golden-headed Manikin

Green Honeycreeper, Asa Wright Nature Centre, Trinidad

Purple Honeycreeper, Asa Wright Nature Centre, Trinidad