Latest news with #WhiteShark
7NEWS
14-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Death of sharks on Adelaide beaches remains a mystery as algae bloom plagues sea life
Researchers have been left scratching their heads at autopsy results from recent shark deaths on South Australian coastlines. Sharks that washed ashore in recent weeks have been taken by the Department of Primary Industry and Regions (PIRSA) officials to be examined and determine their cause of deaths. Autopsies have been done on both a great white shark that washed ashore on Henley Beach and another found at Port Willinga. But the research returned 'inconclusive' results. Since March, a toxic algae bloom has been appearing along South Australian coastlines and causing sealife to wash up on beaches. The micro-algae karenia mikimotoi is causing the seafoam along and murky water across South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. The foam — likened by some to the froth on a milkshake — and its effects were first noticed by surfers at Waitpinga, about 100km from Adelaide, on March 15. The EPA reported the algae has since been found on beaches from Cape Jervis to Encounter Bay. A spokesperson from PIRSA said research will continue into the loss of sea life. 'Researchers from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of PIRSA, are continuing to investigate into the series of deaths of sharks around the South Australian coastline,' they told 7NEWS. 'A necropsy was performed on the White Shark retrieved from Henley Beach on 5 May 2025 but unfortunately, there were no conclusive histological findings to explain what caused its death. 'Extensive analysis and necropsies were also conducted on two White Sharks found by members of the public at Port Willunga and Port Moorowie last month, but unfortunately due to the age of the biological samples available a definitive cause of death was unable to be determined. 'The samples of all carcasses collected to date will be used for future scientific studies and help to improve our understanding of the White Shark population in South Australia.' Beachgoers and swimmers along the Southern Coast are being reminded to stay clear of water that may be discoloured or have the foam present. If any contact is made, people are advised to wash themselves in fresh water. Human exposure, including through breathing in algae particles, can cause respiratory and eye irritation or skin rashes in some people, while ingestion could cause stomach upsets or flu-like symptoms. PIRSA would also like to inform the public that sharks sighted more than 500 metres from shore and greater than three metres in length can also be reported via the 24-hour Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522 or via the shark sighting report form. If a shark is spotted within 500 metres of shore or presents an immediate threat to humans, police should be contacted.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
See it: New guitar-shaped shark species discovered, along with 866 other marine wildlife
The largest global mission to discover ocean life has found over 800 new marine species, including a new guitar-shaped shark species. The discoveries were from the efforts of the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, the world's largest collaborative of over 800 scientists across 400 institutions to accelerate the discovery of new marine life. The identification and official registration of a new species can take over 13 years, which means some species may go extinct before being documented. Scientists say new reforms can speed up the process. "Too many species remain in limbo for years because the process of formally describing them is too slow," said Prof. Lucy Woodall, Head of Science at Ocean Census. "We urgently need to change that and adding the Species Discovery step gives us a way to rapidly start the process." One of the more unique discoveries is the "Guitar shark" – a shark species that resembles a guitar-like figure. It was identified at a depth of 600 feet (200 meters) off the coast of Mozambique and Tanzania by world-renowned shark expert David Ebert. This is only the 38th known guitar shark species discovered worldwide. Two-thirds of the species are threatened due to such low numbers. Massive Great White Shark Among Several Being Tracked Off Florida Coast As Spring Break Begins Additional new species such as shark, sea butterfly, mud dragon, bamboo coral, water bear, octocoral, sponge, shrimp, crab, reef fish, squat lobster, pipehorse, limpet, hooded shrimp, sea spiders, and brittle stars have been discovered/registered. All told, the census announced the discovery of 866 new marine species. To make these new discoveries, officials say all resources must be used wisely while observing these deep sea creatures. Using divers, submersibles, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), new species can be discovered from depths as deep as 1 to 16,400 feet. "The ocean covers 71% of our planet, yet it is said that only around 10% of marine life has been discovered so far, leaving an estimated 1–2 million species still undocumented," said Executive Director Mitsuyuki Unno of The Nippon Foundation. "These latest findings demonstrate how international collaboration can advance our understanding of ocean biodiversity."Original article source: See it: New guitar-shaped shark species discovered, along with 866 other marine wildlife
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Largest Great White Shark On Record Tagged In The Atlantic
A nonprofit research group OCEARCH tagged a massive shark, named "Contender", while swimming off Florida's East Coast near Brevard County. At 13 feet and 9 inches, weighing in at 1,653 pounds, the male shark is the largest ever recorded in the Atlantic. He was first tagged on January 17, 2025, and has since appeared, or "pinged", several times since then when his dorsal fin breaches long enough for satellites to record the location. He was first tagged 45 miles offshore of the Florida - Georgia coast and has since traveled some 292 miles. While he is the largest male in the Atlantic, he is much smaller than "Deep Blue" the female White Shark that swims in the Pacific with the special distinction of being the largest known White Shark in the world--measuring approximately 18 or 19 feet, see video below for reference. White Sharks migrate along the East Coast, heading south from New England (Cape Cod in Massachusetts being a favored area) when the water gets cold and food becomes more scarce, hence Contender pinging from locations offshore of Florida. Deep Blue, on the other hand, is believed to have migrated from the Pacific Coast of Mexico to Hawaii, where Ocean Ramsey was able to dive with an record the massive female shark estimated to be near 70 years old. During the warmer months, white sharks take advantage of the abundant seal populations and rich prey resources found in the NW Atlantic--near Cape Cod and Canada. As temperatures drop and food sources dwindle, the sharks are triggered by a combination of decreasing water temperatures and changes in daylight hours, signaling the time for their southward migration towards Florida and the Central Atlantic. Florida is no stranger to shark populations, New Smyrna Beach is even considered the "shark bite capital of the world", not exactly a welcoming name for surfers and beachgoers. While sharks are certainly terrifying, they are most often misunderstood as blood thirsty savages whereas, in most cases, they are simply curious creatures. To learn more about sharks please check out our shark safety guide compiled with the help of Madison Stewart, aka Shark Girl Madison, who is amazing resource for shark knowledge and activism.
