Shark Focus

Shark Focuswww.sharktrust.orgTHE MAGAZINE OF THE SHARK TRUSTIssue 47 July 2013No Limits?Management requiredDogfish are sharks tooSharksafe BarriersAndy Murch Q&AGreat Eggcase Hunt roundupplusall your Shark Trustand EEA newsSupporting the

CAMPAIGN CORNERJune 2013: The Shark Trust awarded Richard Benyon, UK Minister forNatural Environment and Fisheries, a coveted Shark Champion Award inrecognition of his personal commitment to shark conservation and theUK government’s tireless resolve to end the removal of shark fins at sea.Announcement of the award was triggered by the European Council ofMinisters finally adopting the best practice for finning ban enforcement:requiring sharks be landed with fins still attached (see page 9).The EU banned shark finning throughout the EU fleet in 2003, but aloophole permitted the provision of permits for the removal of shark finsat sea, requiring the retention of the carcasses under an excessive andcomplicated ratio system.The Shark Trust has been campaigning for tighter EU shark finningregulations for over a decade, both independently and as a foundermember of the Shark Alliance. Throughout this campaign the UKgovernment has listened to the debate and been ardent in its engagement.It gives the Trust huge pleasure to be able to present the Minister with aShark Champion Award for his personal involvement in this campaign.In 2008 the Shark Trust encouraged the Minister, then Shadow FisheriesMinister, to co-sponsor an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK tocease the provision of permits which allowed the removal of shark finsat sea. Following pressure from the EDM, and the associated publicawareness campaign, the UK adopted a fins attached policy in 2009under the then Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who was alsoacknowledged as a Shark Champion. In 2010 the EU Commission releasedtheir consultation, making the recommendation in 2011 for the adoptionof the fins-attached policy – and in the wake of this the Minister made aseries of key interventions, convening Member State workshops and evendiving with sharks to demonstrate the depth of his commitment.HousekeepingIntaxication: Euphoria of getting a refund from the Inland Revenue, which lasts until you realise it was your money to start with.Nearly four months into this financial year already, Idon’t know where the time is going. It has been a busyfew months and The Shark Trust completed anothersuccessful audit in May. It is nice to report that not onlyare we continuing with exceptional conservation work, butwe do this with financial transparency. Again this auditshows only 6% of our finance is used for administration,management and governance. The accounts will shortlybe submitted to the Charities Commission and CompaniesHouse, in line with legal requirements, and they can beviewed through the charities commission website free ofcharge.So that was the exciting bit, now for the domestics: someof the membership have moved house in the last fewmonths and have kindly sent their new details to theoffice. One such change showed that a member had infact moved a couple of times in between the notificationand had forgotten to let us know. If you have moved houseplease make sure you tell me where you are, not so I caninvite myself around for drinks – I promise I will not turnup unannounced – but so I know where to send your SharkRichard Benyon, UK Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries, receives a Shark Champion Awardfrom Shark Trust Director of Conservation, Ali Hood. © Shark Trust.Focus issues. If you miss out on copies we might not havea back issue when you realise I have not sent you one.Standing orders: Please can those of you who pay by thismethod ensure your bank are honouring your payment andat the correct amount. Individual membership is £25 pa,junior/student £15 pa and groups £50 pa. For those whowould like to set up a standing order please contact theoffice and I will happily send you a form.Gift Aid: I am sure there are many of you who have notsigned a gift aid declaration as yet. To be certain we getthe most from your subscriptions and donations pleasedownload a form from the website and send it to the officeor contact me on glenys@sharktrust.org and, again, Iwill happily send you a new form out.If you have any questions with regards finance andadministration or you wish to update any of your details,please do not hesitate to contact me on glenys@sharktrust.org, I am always happy to hear from you. Havea lovely summer, fingers crossed it lasts a bit longer.Glenys Heafield,Head of Finance and Administration& Company SecretarySupporting the European Elasmobranch AssociationThe Shark Trust4 Creykes Court, The Millfields,Plymouth PL1 3JBTel: (+44) (0)1752 672008/672020 Fax: (+44) (0)1752 672008Email: enquiries@sharktrust.orgWebsite: http://www.sharktrust.orgShark FocusFeatures4 No Limits? Campaign6 Andy Murch Q & A10 Dogfish are sharks too14 Sharksafe Barriers16 Great Eggcase Hunt round-upRegulars8 Shark Trust and World Shark News9 Policy12 Member’s Page13 Junior Member’s Page18 Fundraising and Web comment19 EEA Conference 2013Issue 47 July‐ 2013Edited by the Shark Trust©Shark Trust 2013Shark Focus is published three times a year in March, July and November. Copy date forthe next issue is 30th September 2013. Shark Focus is copyrighted and therefore thosewishing to reproduce articles must first contact the Shark Trust. The views and opinionsexpressed by the authors in Shark Focus are not necessarily those of the Shark Trust.Established in 1997, the Shark Trust works to advance the worldwide conservationof sharks through science, education, influence and action. The Trust is the UKmember of the European Elasmobranch Association and currently provides theEEA’s secretariat services.Trustee/Directors: Richard Peirce (Chair), Sue Bates, George Bowser, Roger Covey, Paul Cox,Sarah Fowler OBE, Heather Koldeway, John Nightingale and Christopher Pringle.Patrons: Nick Baker, John Boyle, Leonard Compagno, Marc Dando, Bob Earll, Nigel Eaton,Ian Fergusson, Mariella Frostrup, Loyd Grossman, John Gummer MP, Monty Halls, Martha Holmes,Kate Humble, Sir David Jason OBE, Gordon Ramsay OBE, Simon Rogerson, Jeremy Stafford-Deitsch,Michaela Strachan and Valerie TaylorThe Shark Trust is supported by: the Co-operative, Defra, the Waterloo Foundation,the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Pew Foundation, Save our Seas Foundationand the Tubney Charitable Trust.Design: Fluke Art. www.flukeart.comBlue Shark, Prionace glauca. © Charles Hood.EDITORIALSince trade and commerce began they have been governed by the laws of supplyand demand. Most animal conservation NGO’s concentrate their efforts on reducingor regulating supply. Regulating supply is done through legislation, treaties andagreements. Unfortunately history shows that passing laws and making a supplyillegal is rarely fully effective, because whenever there is demand a means of supplywill be found – whether legal or illegal. In the 1920’s and early 30’s in the U.S alcoholprohibition was a failure and led to thriving illegal supply. In today’s world the illegaltrafficking of drugs and humans has the world’s police forces deployed against them yetthe trades increase in value and volume every year.For many species, including some sharks, the extinction clock is ticking. Attempts toregulate or legislate against supply may slow the clock, but they won’t stop it ticking.To stop the clock we must concentrate on demand as well as supply – without demandthere would be no need for supply!In May the Trust was pleased to accept an invitation to the launch of HRH PrinceCharles and HRH Prince William’s Wildlife Crime Campaign. The Princes acknowledgethe importance of making wildlife crime as serious as drugs, human trafficking, and theillegal arms trade. The launch was attended by representatives from Interpol, CITES, theUN Office On Drugs and Crime, TRAFFIC and many leading NGO’s.For sharks the recent CITES Appendix II listing of the Porbeagle, Oceanic Whitetip andthree hammerheads is a positive step. However, as I said at the beginning of this piece,establishing legal frameworks and penalties has never stopped supply if the demandpersists. Their Royal Highnesses are calling a Head of State meeting in the autumn toprogress their initiative – it is to be hoped that Heads of State from the countries whichprovide the demand will be invited along with those from supply nations.As well as trying to play its part in the broader global picture the Trust never forgetsthe UK has a fantastic diversity of wildlife – including of course sharks – and wecontinually strive to achieve new measures for the conservation and management ofthe UK’s sharks. Shark conservation doesn’t have to be something you just support,it can also be something you take part in. We are hosting the European ElasmobranchAssociation conference in Plymouth in November and hope that many Shark Trustmembers will attend. If you are on the beach or in the water this summer please reportshark or ray sightings and send in any eggcases you find.We must be due a summer of blue skies and flat seas, so if the weather is kind I hopesome of you manage to get out and see some of our wonderful sharks.Go well,Richard PeirceChairmanP.S. I had just put my pen down (yes I still use a pen not a keyboard) and my e-mailpinged with the brilliant news that the EU Council of Ministers had accepted the text ofthe Fins Naturally Attached legislation voted on so overwhelmingly last November. Thiscloses the loophole and is a very positive step in which the Trust has been proud tohave played a significant role.2 www.sharktrust.org/campaigns Shark Focus 47 Shark Focus 47 www.sharktrust.org 3

The No Limits? speciesNo Limits.Only a few decades ago the world’s oceans wereregarded as an inexhaustible resource.We now know these resources are finiteand under more pressure than ever before.Increasingly this is reflected in modernmanagement of fisheries resources, withsustainability now on most government agendasand firmly in the public sphere. In the NortheastAtlantic, commercially valuable fish stocks suchas cod, tuna and mackerel are managed usingan array of fisheries science, managing the fishand the fishing vessels in an effort to ensureadherence to catch limits whilst striving toachieve maximum sustainable yield (MSY – seeShark Focus 44). But this does not extend to allcommercially exploited species...1 2The Blue Shark Prionace glauca is a pelagic, oceanic shark, widespread in temperateand tropical waters down to 600m. Reaching a maximum size of 385cm, the speciesis relatively fast-growing and fecund, maturing in 4–6 years and producing averagelitters of 35 pups. Blue Sharks are highly migratory, utilising major current systemssuch as the Gulf Stream to undertake vast clockwise trans-Atlantic movements. Alongthe way they prey on pelagic fish and cephalopods while, like many pelagic sharks,segregating by sex and size.Research suggests approximately 10.7 million Blue Sharks are killed annually for theirfins, making up 17% of fins traded in the Hong Kong market 7,8 . With no populationestimates for the species, and a considerable volume of catch likely going unrecordedeach year, particularly in high-seas fisheries, there are concerns surrounding thesustainability of Blue Shark fisheries – a concern reflected in the Blue Shark beinglisted as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.The Shortfin Mako Isurus oxyrinchus is a wide-ranging pelagic, oceanic shark foundin temperate and tropical waters to at least 500m. Reaching a maximum size of400cm, Shortfin Mako feed mainly upon large teleosts such as tuna and swordfish.Relatively little is known of this shark’s biology, in part reflecting the difficulty ofstudying a large, fast-swimming marine predator. Although caught in less volumethan the Blue Shark, Shortfin Mako account for at least 2.7% of fins in the HongKong market – the equivalent of approximately 1 million individual sharks 7,8 . This, inconjunction with a reproductive rate considerably lower than that of the Blue Shark,has resulted in the Shortfin Mako assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.Graphs show global Blue Shark (left) and Shortfin Mako (right) catch reported by EU MemberStates: 1990 – 2011 (live-weight, tonnes). Source: FishStatPlus, Food and AgricultureOrganisation of the United Nations (FAO).UnlimitedEach year millions of highly-migratory Blue and ShortfinMako Sharks are taken as ‘wanted bycatch’ in Atlantichigh-seas tuna and billfish fisheries. In fact, analysissuggests Blue Sharks are the predominant catchcomponent in these fisheries. For example, between2000 and 2004 Blue Sharks made up 61% of the totallanded catch in the Spanish longline fishery for Atlanticswordfish 1 . Similarly, Blue Sharks can comprise up to86% of the total catch in the Portuguese longline fisheryfor swordfish in the Azores 2 . In the same fisheries, ShortfinMako account for 7% and

Andy Q &AMurch:…and your most memorable location?South Africa in general, and Cape Town in particular. Nowhere else can you dive withpowerful Great Whites, prehistoric looking Sevengill Sharks, houndsharks and five or sixspecies of catsharks all in the same day!Which species has been the most challenging to photograph?Hammerheads are always a challenge because they are extremely shy around divers. Tophotograph a tiny hammer species called a Scoophead Shark, I spent days on an artisanalfishing boat in the Darien jungle (Central America) and then paid the fishermen for a sharkthat came up in their nets so that I could release it and take some shots before it swamaway. Sometimes this is the only way to get images of an endangered species.Are there any locations to which you have returned and noticeddistinct changes (good or bad) in shark populations?Over the last two decades I’ve noticed far fewer reef sharks in the Caribbean but thesame number (if not greater) in the Bahamas. This clearly illustrates how a regional sharkfishing ban can effectively turn the tide on declining shark populations. Globally, I see farmore sharks with broken jaws, hook scars or steel leaders trailing from their mouths.During the course of your work, are there any species or populationswhich stand out as being under particular threat?Hammerheads seem to be having a particularly tough time. Scalloped Hammerheadsschool around many oceanic islands so they are easy targets for longliners. Hopefullytheir recent inclusion in CITES Appendix II will stop some longliners from targeting thembut their future is still far from certain.Have you photographed any elasmobranch species which havedisplayed highly unusual behaviour or characteristics?I once had a mako shark swim up to me and vibrate his open jaws at my camera. Hedidn’t try to bite me or my gear, it was a perfect threat display that said “I am obviouslythe superior animal so I suggest you leave and then I won’t have to show you whatthese things can do”Who, or what, inspired you to become an underwater photographer?How did your career develop?I have always needed to record what I see on my dives. It’s verging on an addiction.As a new diver I would sketch intricate drawings in my dive log when anything newcaught my eye. Film was costly for me back then but when the digital revolution arrivedI embraced it immediately. By 2002 I had built a fairly large shark and ray portfolio andcreated www.elasmodiver.com to share my images and shark knowledge with thegeneral public. Shortly afterwards I met Eli Martinez from Shark Diver Magazine. I wasbarely making a living as a research submarine pilot at the time and he convinced meto turn pro. These days my time is shared between photographing sharks and runningexpeditions so that other divers can.13Why did you choose to specialise in sharks and rays?I’ve never been able to adequately answer this question but it has nothing to do withadrenaline or danger. I am utterly intrigued by the visual spectacle of a shark orray gliding across the reef. They have a fluidity and confidence that no other fishespossess. I can’t imagine a world without them so I record as many as I can – both formy personal satisfaction and in order to provide images for conservation initiatives.In your opinion, how does photography benefit marine conservation?I believe that images are an absolutely critical component of conservationcampaigns. I try to convey the animal’s beauty in order to show that they are worthsaving, but it is also important to show them in distress, to illustrate their plight andgenerate support.2What are the most challenging conditions to work in, and why?Lately it seems that I’m either dealing with the physiological challenges of shooting atextreme depth or trying to shoot shark species in coffee-coloured inshore water. Trimixcan help with the narcosis but nothing can help with bad viz. Unfortunately, in the 21 stcentury, the real challenge is finding any sharks left to shoot.Have you ever had a photography ‘disaster’?I’ve had a couple of catastrophic camera floods but so far I’ve been very lucky in findingthe sharks that I have gone looking for and coming home with the shot.Which elusive shark, skate, ray or chimaera sits at the top of your‘hit-list’ of species you haven’t yet photographed?There are quite a few! I would love to shoot a Longfin Mako but perhaps the mostpressing one for me is the Daggernose Shark from Brazil. In one decade it has gonefrom locally abundant to Critically Endangered. If we don’t focus on that one soon therewon’t be any left to protect.4Andy Murch is a freelance photojournalist specialising in sharksand rays. Andy is a long-term supporter of the Shark Trust, aswell as a judge in the Shark Trust’s 2013 Sharks in Focus photocompetition www.sharktrust.org/competition. In this edition ofShark Focus magazine, the Trust has taken the opportunity to findout more about Andy’s career, favourite species, preferred gear, aswell as tips for taking that photo…What is your favourite species, or group of species, to photograph?I love all sharks but my favourite group is definitely the catsharks. Small, cute,graceful, non-threatening and usually exquisitely patterned; catsharks are the ‘anti-Jaws’.Can you provide three tips for getting a great shot of a shark, skate,ray or chimaera?Give yourself enough time in the water to make mistakes and learn from them and stillget the shot. Use a very wide lens even for smaller species and get as close as youpossibly can. Try to get some eye contact in the shot. It will draw in your viewers.What is the biggest ‘no-no’, hindrance or mistake in marine photography?Firstly, don’t touch the marine life! Also, bait is a controversial but sometimes necessarycomponent of shark photography. Try to avoid images where the animals are actuallyfeeding. It is much more effective to show sharks and other marine life in a natural state.What is your preferred equipment?My work is tough on gear so I mostly use lower-end DSLRs and treat them assomewhat ‘disposable’. Right now I’m using a Nikon D7000 in a robust Aquaticahousing. The Tokina 10-17 is a great go-to lens for wide-angle shark work. I also carry aSigma 17-70 for shooting smaller subjects. I like to shoot over/unders so I carry a big domeport for that purpose but I also bring along a 4” dome which is better for free diving with.It’s also handy to have that back up dome in case a shark scuffs my larger one.Andy Murch is the CEO and Expedition Leader at Big Fish Expeditions and the founderand driving force behind Predators in Peril – a project recognising the need topublicise the fragile position of many lesser known sharks. With around 300 species ofsharks yet to be recorded, Andy spends his free time tracking down endangered sharkswhich have not yet been photographed. Some of the conservation organisations thathave utilised Andy’s images include: WWF, IUCN, Shark Alliance, Ocean Conservancy,Shark Trust, Smithsonian, Pew Institute and many other NGOs and government bodies.Find out more about Andy’s work and expeditions:Big Fish Expeditions www.bigfishexpeditions.comElasmodiver Shark and Ray Picture Database www.elasmodiver.comPredators in Peril Project www.PredatorsInPeril.orgMain image: Blue Shark Prionace glauca © Andy Murch.Image 1: Pyjama Catshark Poroderma africanum © Andy Murch.Image 2: Redspotted Catshark Schroederichthys chilensis © Andy Murch.Image 3: Scoophead Shark Sphyrna media © Andy Murch.Image 4: Puffadder Shyshark Haploblepharus edwardsii © Andy Murch.6 www.sharktrust.org/competition Shark Focus 47Shark Focus 47 www.sharktrust.org/competition 7

Andy Murch / Elasmodiver.comDOGFISH ARE SHARKS TOOCoastal species oftencalled “dogfish” needsound conservationpolicies and strictfinning bans, just likebigger sharks.Spiny and smooth “dogfishes”are among the world’sMOST HEAVILYFISHEDsharks.Smooth dogfish areactually in theSMOOTHHOUNDgenus (Mustelus), not truedogfishes (Family Squalidae).Smoothhound fisheries aremanaged in some places, butUNREGULATEDin the US and EU as catches rise.Dusky smoothhound shark, also knownas smooth dogfish, Mustelus canis.US Atlantic spiny dogfishquotas have doubledin the time it takesthe species to producepups (TWO YEARS).US Atlantic coastwidestate ban on removingshark fins at seaEXCLUDES smoothdogfish.The smooth dogfish isthe ONLY US Atlanticspecies that is targetedin commercial fisherieswithout fishing limits.The US Shark Conservation Actsingles out smooth dogfish forpotential exceptions.Smoothhounds are commerciallyimportant in Argentina, ranked5th in global shark catch*.Spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthiasIllustration: Marc DandoEU spiny dogfish fisherieshave been closed due toserious DEPLETION.Follow our efforts on Twitterby using #dogfishRsharks2UK shark catches are made up ofmostly dogfishes (including smoothhounds)*which are sold as “rocksalmon” in fish and chip shops.Smoothhounds rank 4thin EU shark catches*, butare UNREGULATED.South Africa exports substantial,UNLIMITED amounts of smoothhoundsto Australia for fish and chips. 1SHARKADVOCATESINTERNATIONALStudies of Hong Kongfin trade auctions foundthat 39% of FINS byweight were from small,undifferentiated sharks,including dogfish. 3Spiny dogfish andsmoothhound FINSretail for $160/kg inSingapore markets. 2Most sharks taken inNew Zealand fisheriesare smoothhounds orspiny dogfish, and aremanaged with quotas*.Australian fisheries for smoothhounds (alsocalled “gummy shark” and “flake”) areSUSTAINABLE thanks to strict management.*See: Fischer, J., Erikstein, K., D’Offay, B., Guggisberg, S. & Barone, M. 2012. Reviewof the Implementation of the International Plan of Action for the Conservation andManagement of Sharks. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1076. Rome, FAO.1Da Silva,C and Burgener,M. 2007. "South Africa's Demersal Shark Meat Harvest".In: TRAFFIC Bulletin. TRAFFIC International. Cambridge UK..2Clarke, S. 2005. Trade in Shark Products in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.Southeast Asian Development Center and ASEAN, Singapore.3Clarke, S., unpublished data.Learn more about dogfishes of all kinds at www.iucnredlist.orgSMOOTHHOUND LANDINGS BY UK >10M VESSELSLive weight (t)300250200150100500US SHARK LANDINGS, 2011Dogfish(spiny andsmooth)All othersharksSharks,unspecified10%2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010US ATLANTIC SMOOTH DOGFISH (SMOOTHHOUND) LANDINGSMillions of pounds3.02.52.01.51.00.502000 2002 2004 2006 2008 20100 5 10 15 20 25 30Landings (millions of pounds)US SHARKEXPORTS, 2011Driedshark fins1%Dogfish(spiny andsmooth)89%Source: Marine Management Organisations (UK)Source: US NMFS Fisheries Statistics & Economics Division Source: NMFS Source: Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program10 www.sharktrust.org/id Shark Focus 47Shark Focus 47 www.sharktrust.org/id 11

MEMBER’S pagesSharks Temples of Hawai’iRory SacreeJuniorMEMBER’S pageUpper Beeding Primary School learn about raysOn Wednesday 8th May a special event took placeat Upper Beeding Primary School in West Sussexto complement ‘the seaside’ topic the childrenhave been working with over the past few weeks.Popular local author Cathy Watts visited the schoolfor the day with a sea-themed reading from herbooks (see www.beachhutbooks.co.uk) and helda craft event which involved ninety children makingmermaid’s purses! Thanks to the Shark Trust’sleaflet, we were able to see what a baby ray lookedlike - and then the children drew one to placeinside their own mermaids’ purses. The range ofdifferently-coloured purses (complete with glitterof course) was amazing as you can see from thephotos and now the children are looking forward tovisiting the local Sea Life Centre in Brighton to seesome rays in real life!Cathy Watts has also written a short story for SharkTrust supporters called Adam & The Embryo, whichcan be read at www.sharktrust.org/sharkstories.Photo. Mermaids © Photographer. purses. © Cathy Watts.A Whitetip Reef Shark Triaenodon obesus, viewed by some Hawaiians as an aumakua, or ancestral spirit. © Steve Jones.In recent years I have been very fortunate to sea-kayak with Basking Sharks off theCornish coast, dive with Great Whites off South Africa and see Tiger Sharks feeding ona dead Humpback Whale off the Napoli coast, Kauai.But no experience can quite compare with what my girlfriend and I witnessed asvisitors to the Big Island, Hawai’i in 2012. We were camping at Spencer Beach Parkcompletely oblivious to the fascinating daily occurrences around the corner at PelekaneBeach. One evening around a BBQ we got speaking to a local native Hawaiian manand his wife. The subject of sharks (a common topic amongst us surfers) came up inconversation. He immediately informed us that we were almost certain to see sharks inthe shallow waters just around the corner at Pelekane Beach, below Pu’ukohola Heiau(temple) National Historic Site.He continued to tell us that sharks play an important role in traditional Hawaiian cultureand are believed to be ‘aumakua’ or ancestral spirits. He, as do many, believed thatsharks come into the bay because of Hale O Kapuni Heiau, a temple dedicated to theshark god, Kauhuhu. In the past, human sacrifices, offerings and gifts were made hereto the sharks in return for good weather, plentiful fish and protection. The Heiau is nowsubmerged about thirty metres from the shore due to modern developments further upthe coast.Since he could remember, sharks had visited here on a daily basis, with the best timeto see these Blacktip, Whitetip Reef, Grey Reef, hammerhead and occasional TigerSharks being early morning or evenings. So with no further ado we set off with ourtorch in hand, a little concerned I must add, as we had been swimming all day off thepopular beach neighbouring this apparently ‘sharky’ bay. It was an incredible sight andin an instant, in the beam of the light, cruising around the shallow murky waters, wereseveral Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks, just as he had described. I was completelyblown away!We returned on several occasions over the next month, never failing to capture theamazing sight of these sharks. It has been said that as many as twenty-six have beenspotted here at once. Whatever you believe, I can assure you that it is difficult to walkaway from this extremely fascinating and unique spot not convinced that these amazingcreatures have a spiritual connection with Pelekane Beach and the submerged Hale OKapuni Heiau.If only international governments and fisheries could take greater notice of traditionalHawaiian beliefs, people could learn to respect, rather than fear these beautifulcreatures. This would lead to the realisation that healthy shark populations in factcontribute to plentiful fish stocks, and perhaps even reduce the likelihood of sharksmistakenly biting humans in search of food. By managing the ocean’s resourcessustainably we would all be better off in the long term – you never know, it may evenbring us some good weather!AlohaSite of Hale o Kapuni Heiau, Pu’ukohala Heiau National Historic Site, Hawai’i.© Ken Lund.Oceanic Whitetip SharkThis species is easily recognised by itslarge rounded dorsal fin and longpaddle-like pectoral fins –all of which have white tips.A huge number ofOceanic Whitetip Sharks arecaught each year. But the good news is that, at the 2013 CITESconference in Thailand, governments from around the world agreedto a list of rules for trading and selling Oceanic Whitetips – a hugestep forward for the conservation of this species!Drawing by Samantha Young.Whitetip Reef SharkStephen Cook from Diss, Norfolk, wrote to the Shark Trust:Dear all at Shark Trust,My name is Stephen Cook and I am 10 years old, I have loved sharks since I was7 and can’t bear the see them die the way they do. I have drawn you a pictureof Blacktip Reef Sharks and a beautiful coral reef. When I’m older I want to be amarine biologist so I can see all of the marine life, especially sharks. I have beensnorkelling in the Red Sea and saw stingrays, groupers, minnows, clown fish anda barracuda. Mum and Dad have been to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean andsaw Blacktips, Whitetips, Hammerheads, Manta Rays and puffer fish.I do scuba diving and I am a PADI Seal and I’m nearly a PADI Master Seal.I’m going for my open water dive in September. At school I’m reading a veryinteresting book called ‘Sharks in British Waters’. I am also trying to get the HeadTeacher, Mr Carlyle, involved in the Great Eggcase Hunt.My parents are extremely supportive to me. I hope to have a great futurewith the sharks and to stop the killing of them because it is sickening. If there isanything I/we can do to help please let me know.Yours sincerelyStephen12 www.sharktrust.org/members Shark Focus 47 Shark Focus 47 www.sharktrust.org/juniors 13

The Sharksafe Barrier Project:A new and eco-friendly solutionto detrimental beach netsby Craig O’ConnellPh.D. Candidate, University of Massachusetts, DartmouthSharks are perfectly evolved predators occupying a wide range of ecological niches, andplay a key role in maintaining the delicate balance within marine ecosystems. However,over time, certain shark species have been construed as ‘man-eaters’ – a misconceptionthat has played a role in the substantial declines observed in many shark populations.As a marine scientist I see this negative reputation as wholly undeserved. Over the pastseven years my research has required me to share water with White Sharks Carcharodoncarcharias, Bull Sharks Carcharhinus leucas, Great Hammerhead Sharks Sphyrna mokarran,and Tiger Sharks Galeocerdo cuvier, outside the confines of a cage. Although I was understrict supervision, these encounters remained peaceful, with the mutual curiosity betweenthe sharks and myself making for some of the most interesting moments of my life. If donecorrectly (e.g. avoiding murky waters that contain sharks and avoiding recreational activitiesthat result in motivational stimuli located in close proximity to bathers or yourself), negativeincidents can be minimised.Beach netting programmesBesides having a poor reputation, populations of manyshark species have declined due to a variety of sourcesof anthropogenic (human-induced) mortality, includingbeach netting programmes. Beach nets are deployedin several locations around the world and are used tominimise shark populations, as a means of reducingthe probability of an exceedingly rare encounterbetween a water-user and a predatory shark. Althoughbeach nets are highly successful at killing sharks,there are several aspects of netting programmes whichremain misunderstood and misrepresented in themedia. First, these nets are not continuous betweenthe sea surface and seafloor, and thus do not fully1a1c1b1dexclude sharks from the area. Secondly, these nets arenot only responsible for shark mortality, but also for asubstantial amount of bycatch (non-target) mortality,including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, bony fish andany other species capable of becoming entangled in themeshing.In an average year, approximately 2,500 sharks arekilled within the major beach netting programmesaround the world 1 . Because, as research continuesto demonstrate, the current rate of shark mortality(from all sources) exceeds the population reboundpotential for many species, this is a major cause forconcern. Due to the inherent K-selected biologicalcharacteristics of sharks – late age of maturity, lowfecundity (producing few offspring per breeding cycle)and slow growth – the effects of the continued removalof these predators through netting programmes maybe catastrophic for local and global populations, aswell as wider marine ecosystems. For example, Myerset al.’s (2007) study demonstrated that the removalof large predatory sharks had a ‘cascading’ ecologicaleffect extending to the base of the food chain. Here, inNorth Carolina, USA, Cownose Ray Rhinoptera bonasuspopulations, released from predation by (now absent)large sharks, increased rapidly, leading to significantdepletion of commercially important Bay ScallopArgopecten irradians fisheries 2 . Although the findingsfrom this study were correlative and not causative,the implications were alarming, not only for sharkpopulations, but for ocean ecosystems also.Electrosensory overstimulationIn response to this, a variety of bycatch reductionstudies have recently been conducted, focusing onelasmobranch’s (sharks, skates and rays) uniqueelectrosensory system, known as the ampullaeof Lorenzini 3,4,5,6 (image 2). This system giveselasmobranchs the ability to detect the bioelectric fieldsassociated with prey and may also be capable of detectinggeomagnetic fields (0.25-0.65 Gauss). Using theseconcepts, scientists are exploring the use of electrosensorystimuli, such as permanent magnets, to repel sharks byoverstimulating their electrosensory system. Researchdemonstrates that magnets, when placed in associationwith baited hooks, can partially reduce shark capture;however research also demonstrates that if sharksare hungry enough, the magnet will be only minimallyeffective. Interestingly, the utilisation of permanentmagnets for more passive applications, such as swimpatternmanipulation experiments (i.e. magnets placedthroughout the water column without a bait stimulus), wasdeemed to be maximally effective.2The development of the Sharksafe BarrierTherefore, research was conducted by the author on fourkey predatory shark species: the White Shark (Vulnerable– IUCN Red List), Bull Shark (Near Threatened), TigerShark (Near Threatened) and Great Hammerhead Shark(Endangered). This research aimed to determine: (1)if these sharks were sensitive to, and deterred by,permanent magnets and (2) if a magnetic barrier couldbe used to manipulate swim patterns. Findings fromthese studies, known as Phase I, demonstrated thatthe feeding and swimming behaviours of each specieswere highly modified by the presence of magnets (seeFigure 1). More specifically, during bait experiments,the feeding behaviours of the sharks were significantlyreduced on magnet-associated baits. Additionally, duringsmall-scale barrier trials, sharks rarely swam throughthe magnet regions of the barrier in comparison to controland procedural control regions (image 3). These data arepromising and illustrated the need for a more thoroughand large scale analysis (Phase II and Phase III).3a3bFor Phase II an international team of researchers fromthe University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (the author,Dr. Pingguo He), Stellenbosch University (Dr. ConradMatthee, Sara Andreotti), and Shark Diving Unlimited(Michael Rutzen) came together, with Shark DivingUnlimited (www.sharkdivingunlimited.com) funding theproject. For Phase II, the findings from the small-scalestudy (Phase I) were applied and a new and noninvasivetechnology, known as the Sharksafe Barrier,was developed. Besides utilising permanent magnetsas potential shark deterrents, the Sharksafe Barrieralso incorporates an additional interesting component.Main image: Shark warning, Byron Bay, Australia. © ScottAtkinson.Image 1: Examples of shark mortality: A] Tiger Shark displayedas a trophy at shark tournament. B] Scalloped Hammerheadcaptured on commercial longline vessel. C] Spiny Dogfishbycatch from trawling vessel. D] Nurse Shark butchered onFlorida Keys dock. © Craig O’Connell.Image 2: The ampullae of Lorenzini (red dots on snout) on aTiger Shark. © Craig O’Connell.After two decades of field observations, MichaelRutzen realised that the Cape Fur Seal Arctocephaluspusillus, a prey-favourite of the White Shark, utiliseskelp forests in Gansbaai, South Africa, as an antipredationmechanism. If these seals can outmanoeuvrea motivated White Shark and find refuge within a highdensitykelp forest, the White Shark will rarely continuepursuit, continually encircling the kelp forest, althoughnot entering into it.4Therefore, the team has intertwined the magnetictechnology with large vertical pipes that resemble kelp,creating a device that provides promise as a WhiteShark deterrent, or more specifically, a device that canmanipulate the swim patterns of this formidable predator(image 4). Furthermore, because the magnets are atechnology that specifically targets the electrosensorysystem of elasmobranchs, the Sharksafe Barrier is‘elasmobranch-specific’, and data illustrate that theswimming patterns of other marine organisms (i.e. CapeFur Seals and teleosts) are not observably impacted bythe barrier.Figure 1. The compiled avoidance and feeding behaviourstowards control (C) and magnet (M) associated baits of 20different White Sharks during the bait experiment of PhaseI. The data clearly demonstrate that avoidance behaviourswere higher and feeding behaviours were lower towards Massociated baits illustrating that White Sharks are sensitiveto permanent magnetic fields. Figure taken from O’Connellet al. (2012).Image 3: Tiger Shark detection (a) and avoidance (b) awayfrom a magnetic barrier. © Craig O’Connell.Image 4: A White Shark swimming behind the SharksafeBarrier during the first season of experimental research.Although the design was promising during the first season,substantial structural modifications were made to maximise thelifespan of the barrier (5-7 years). © Jean Pierre Botha.Testing: Shark Alley, GansbaaiThis Sharksafe Barrier is currently deployed in anincredibly dynamic ecosystem known as Shark Alley inGansbaai, South Africa. Besides being a cage-divingmecca, this location is also considered one of the mostideal locations on the planet to study White Sharkbehaviour. When weather permits, the team heads to theresearch site, commences chumming through the barrier,and collects behavioural data on the interacting WhiteSharks. From the first and second years of observation,the barrier has been highly successful at manipulatingthe swimming behaviours of the interacting WhiteSharks. With clear indications that this barrier is highlyeffective and with small-scale studies illustrating similarresults on other large predatory species of concern, thenext step is to obtain funding to conduct large-scaleexclusion experiments (Phase III). With such studies, andif Phase II continues to be successful, this barrier holdspromise as being a new and non-invasive technologythat will not only provide beachgoer safety, but will alsoserve as a shark-specific barrier that could be adoptedby current beach net/shark control programmes and usedto replace the detrimental beach nets.Sharks are an integral part of our oceans. Whenattacks do occur, we often act by making very rashdecisions (i.e. shark culls and/or deployment of beachnets). Therefore, rather than solving the problemof declining shark populations, we only amplify it.As humans, we must be more responsible for ourbehaviour and acknowledge that there are a variety ofnon-invasive precautions and preventative measureswhich can minimise the likelihood of shark-beachgoerinteraction. The key is keeping the “long term” in mind.We must think about the consequences and how ouractions may impact future generations. Although theSharksafe Barrier provides promise, what we mustrealise is that beach nets are incredibly detrimental tomarine ecosystems and thus, we must continue to findand develop new, non-invasive solutions to ensure ouroceans remain healthy for generations to come.References:1. Dudley, S.F., Gribble, N.A. 1999. Management of shark controlprogrammes. Australian Shark Assessment Report. Pgs.1-42.2. Myers, R.A., et al. 2007. Cascading effects of the loss ofapex predatory sharks from a coastal ocean. Science. 315,1846-1852.3. Brill, R., et al. 2009. The repulsive and feeding deterrenteffects of electropositive metals on juvenile sandbar sharks(Carcharhinus plumbeus). Fish. Bull. 107, 298–307.4. O’Connell, C.P., et al. 2012. The use of permanent magnetsto reduce elasmobranch encounter with a simulated beachnet. 2. The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias)Ocean and Coast. Manag. Special Issue. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2012.11.006.5. Tallack, S.M., Mandelman, J.W. 2009. Do rare-earthmetals deter spiny dogfish? A feasibility study on the useof electropositive “mischmetal” to reduce the bycatch ofSqualus acanthias by hook gear in the Gulf of Maine. ICES J.Mar. Sci. 66, 315–322.6. Rigg, D.P., et al. 2009. Do elasmobranch reactions tomagnetic fields in water show promise for bycatchmitigation? Mar. Fresh. Res. 60(9), 942–948.14 www.sharktrust.org/sharkattack Shark Focus 47 Shark Focus 47 www.sharktrust.org/senses 15

The Great Eggcase Hunt goes on tour!additional funding by:The Great Eggcase Hunt (GEH) was launched on Wembury Beachback in 2003; ten years on, the Trust returned to the same spotto engage a new generation of shark enthusiasts and beachcombersby kick-starting a series of events around the UK coastline. In total,six Great Eggcase Hunts took place this spring in a collaborationbetween The Shark Trust and The Co-operative Membership team,partnering with a local organisation at each location. Each eventvaried immensely in terms of attendance, activities and the number/species of eggcases found, while The Co-operative Membershipprovided access to a whole new audience of eggcase hunters.Remember that any trip to the beach can be an eggcase hunt and itdoesn’t need to be part of an organised Great Eggcase Hunt event!SubtitleCat with the Winsor family on Wembury Beach© sghaywood photographySouthwest event: Wembury Beach, DevonLocal Partners: Plymouth National Marine Aquarium# Eggcases Found: 10Species Found: Smallspotted Catshark, ThornbackRay, NursehoundNotes: This was the inaugural event for the GreatEggcase Hunt roadshow with The Co-operativeand it certainly didn’t disappoint! The interestingitems on display at the Shark Trust and NationalMarine Aquarium stands proved to be a big draw foreveryone, including beach goers who hadn’t registeredto join in with the Hunt,so the message was spreadfar and wide!Dylan with Smallspotted Catshark find on Wembury Beach© sghaywood photographyEggcase hunters at Lytham St Annes © The Co-operativeNorthwest: Lytham St Annes, LancashireLocal Partners: Blackpool Sealife Centre# Eggcases Found: 142Species Found: Thornback Ray, SmallspottedCatshark, Spotted RayNotes: Blackpool Sealife Centre was the settingfor the Northwest event, a coach took Co-operativeMembers down to Lytham St Annes beach andafter just a few hours, an incredible 142 eggcaseshad been found and reported! Hunters were theninvited to enjoy the aquarium for the remainder of theafternoon – everyone thoroughlyenjoyed the event and were keento take part again!Successful eggcase hunters at Lytham St Annes© The Co-operativeSpotted Ray find in Whitby © John Bates PhotographyNortheast: Whitby Beach, North YorkshireLocal Partners: CBBC’s Deadly Art presenterand sand sculptor Nicola Wood# Eggcases Found: 2Species Found: Spotted RayNotes: This was actually a great result for usas the Northeast coastline has been somewhatof a black-hole in terms of data submitted to theproject, so we’re never sure if people are not outhunting or if the eggcases are not there to be foundin the first place! CBBC’s Deadly Art presenterNicola Wood joined us to create an incredible sandPorbeagle, while attending members combed thebeach for eggcases before creating their own sandsculptures.Nicola Wood‘s sand Porbeagle. © John Bates PhotographyBirsay, Orkney GEH & Bag-the-Bruck team. © Tom O’BrienScotland: Birsay Beach, OrkneyLocal Partners: Environmental Concern Orkney(ECO) and Orkney Skate Trust.# Eggcases Found: 251Species Found: Flapper Skate, SmallspottedCatshark, Thornback RayNotes: ECO organise an annual Bag-the-Bruckwhich encourages Orcadians to clear their localbeaches, loch sides and ditches. This year the SharkTrust joined forces with ECO and the OrkneySkate Trust, and asked people to hunt for eggcaseswhile they collected bruck. This was a particularlyinteresting event as this area is one of the lastremaining strongholds for the Critically Endangeredand largest species of skate, the Flapper Skate. Thededicated eggcase hunters at this event found anincredible 246 eggcases from this species alone -difficult to explain that the species is under seriouspressure when you’re tripping over their eggcases!Eggcase hunting on Llandudno Beach © Kineta KelsallCreating art out of eggcases in Margate. © Phil WeedonWales: Llandudno Beach, North WalesLocal Partners: Anglesey Sea Zoo# Eggcases Found: 92Species Found: Smallspotted Catshark, ThornbackRay, Spotted Ray, NursehoundNotes: This idyllic seaside town was the setting forthe Welsh event, with staff from Anglesey Sea Zoojoining us for the Hunt. It was a slow start, but oncethe first few eggcases were found and hunters knewthe best spots to look at theback of the beach, there was nostopping them!Llandudno, North Wales © Kineta KelsallSoutheast: Margate Main Sands, KentLocal Partners: Thanet Coast Project# Eggcases Found: 49Species Found: Thornback Ray, SmallspottedCatshark, Spotted RayNotes: As well as the eggcases, a plethora of otherobjects were found along the strandline, includingIntroduction text.whelk eggs, cuttlefish eggs, cuttlefish bones, variousshells and even two Smallspotted Catsharks (whichproved useful to show the dermal denticles on sharkskin). Everyone was kept busy filling uptheir collection tubs before helping out theThanet Coast Project by creating somebeach art using their finds.Hunters with their beach art on Margate Main Sands© Phil WeedonThank you to all Co-operative Membershipgroups that helped to organise an eventand to all of the local partners that turnedup to support the Great Eggcase Hunt.A special thank you to all hunters thatcame along to comb their local beach,this project certainly wouldn’t be possiblewithout you! With over 35,000 eggcasessubmitted to date, this public recordingproject is still going strong, proving to beas popular as ever and even being namedas one of the “10 Best Hands-on WildlifeProjects” by Coast Magazine. With moreand more people engaging in the project,the Shark Trust is looking forward toreceiving more eggcase finds than ever!Common Skate ConundrumWe’ve previously reported that the Common Skate is now scientifically recognised as being two distinctspecies - the Flapper Skate and the Blue Skate - that had long been confused under the single scientificname Dipturus batis. The Flapper Skate (Dipturus cf. intermedia) is found primarily around the north andwest coast of Scotland and Ireland, the eggcases are very large at approximately 20cm in length (if fresh;older more desiccated eggcases won’t rehydrate as much and will be smaller). The Blue Skate (Dipturus cf.batis) is known to be present off the southwest coast of Ireland along the continental shelf; however theeggcases have not previously been identified, until now. In June the Shark Trust was excited to receivea batch of eggcases from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), whichwere taken from adult Blue Skate. Although displaying some similarities, the eggcases of the Blue Skateare in fact much smaller than the Flapper Skate cases, at approximately 14cm in length. Skate lay pairedeggs, one from each oviduct, and having measured all of the ‘twin’ eggcases, the Trust found that themeasurements were almost identical, with just a few millimetres difference in each set. Findings of this workwill be published later in the year.Flapper Skate haulfrom Orkney.© The SharkTrustFlapper Skate Vs. Blue Skate eggcases © The Shark Trust16 www.eggcase.org Shark Focus 47 Shark Focus 47 www.eggcase.org 17

We’d like to say a big thank you to all of our supporters who have generously given theirtime and energy to raise money for the Shark Trust. We’ve been particularly impressed bythe commitment and stamina of our fundraisers these past few months – with many peopleundertaking gruelling runs to raise awareness and funds.Marine biologist, Graham Hill, from theDeep Aquarium in Hull, ran both theSilverstone Half Marathon (3rd March)and the London Marathon (21st April),in a three metre long handmade sharkcostume. To date, Graham has raisedan amazing £2113!Graham writes: ‘Race day was mindblowing, the support, people comingup to have their photo taken with itjust made the whole day an absolutepleasure. I would just like to say amassive thank-you to everyone whodonated money and to my Mum whohelped out a lot with the sewing!’You can read more about Graham’sfundraising journey on his blog atuk.virginmoneygiving.com/HamHill.Duncan Coston ran the Reading HalfMarathon in a time of 2 hours 11minutes:Fundraising‘The culture of out of sight out ofmind is just not fitting anymore andthe work the Shark Trust do to bringthe oceans top predator to light bothby education and research is a noblegoal. I felt proud to cross the finishline knowing that the money I haveraised is for a very good cause. Thankyou to everyone who sponsored meraising a total of £220’.Rachael Semple ran the BelfastMarathon on the 6th May, raising atotal of £236.20.‘I wouldn’t really consider myselfmuch of a runner, so the trainingat times has definitely been tough!26.2 miles may be a gruellingchallenge for me, but the challengesconstantly faced by sharks at ourhands are shocking. As a lifetimelover of sharks, I think the SharkTrust does a great job in educatingothers and helping to conservethese magnificent, misunderstoodcreatures. This is why I wanted toraise money for the the Shark Trustand hopefully in doing so, I can alsohelp promote the fantastic workthe Trust does for sharks to family,friends and fellow runners’.Liam Byrne completed the Hull 10KRun with a time of 49:32 min. Liamraised £107.49 and writes:‘I would like to thank my mum formaking my great shark fin and to allthose who sponsored me. This charityhas been close to my heart for manyyears and I am delighted to help outand raise awareness for sharks’.Pete Philp ran the London Marathon,raising £250. Pete wrote to the Trust:‘The reason I chose to raise moneyfor the Shark Trust is because ofthe love for the sea both my wifeand I have. She loves whales, butfor me, it’s always been sharks. Iam fascinated by them. They are soelegant, graceful, yet such powerfulanimals which we are still discoveringso much about. They have beenaround for such a long time whenmost other creatures didn’t survive,which to me, shows they are perfectlyadapted to their environment.I hope the money raised helps insome way, and I would like to saykeep up the good work, there aremany of us that thoroughly appreciateand support it’.Upcoming eventsMongol Rally 2013A group of six friends are undertakingthe Mongol Rally this July and havechosen the Shark Trust as one of theirprimary charities to support. Find outmore at dingosanddropbears.wix.com/mongolrally2013.All our fundraisers can be viewedon our online Walls of Fame. Youcan now also check out our newfundraiser event galleries atwww.sharktrust.org/fundraise.WebsiteUpdateThe new website has now been live for severalmonths and we’re very keen to find out whatyou think. To do so, we’re launching a websitequestionnaire – please visit the Shark Trusthomepage to take part. If you have a spare coupleof minutes we’d love to know your thoughts - goodor bad - so we can ensure a user-friendly websitethat you’ll enjoy visiting.If you’ve had a chance to browse our site over thepast few months, we hope you like the new designand layout, and have enjoyed navigating throughthe latest content. We’re aware of a few gremlinsin the system, so please bear with us while wework to resolve these. If you do encounter anyproblems please let us know so we can look into it.Sharks in Focus 2013Photography Competition(1 May – 28 August)The team have really enjoyed looking at all theimages entered into the Sharks in Focus 2013photography competition, since its launch on the1st May. All of the images can now be viewed inour online galleries, which are found in the GetInvolved section of the website – they’re wellworth a look!If you have any shark images you’re particularlyproud of, why not enter the competition for yourchance to win an exciting bespoke package ofactivities based in the Southwest of England. Or,if you know a talented shark photographer, makesure you let them know about the competition– you could even send them a Sharks in FocuseCard from our website.The prize will include shark watching andsnorkelling/diving with tour operator Charles Hoodoff the Cornish coast and a sleep-over with thesharks at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium.The best shots will also make up the SharkTrust-themed 2014 Diver Calendar. However,all entrants will gain the satisfaction of havingcontributed to shark conservation, as their workwill be widely appreciated and showcased throughthe activities of the Shark Trust.To find out more, and to view the Sharks in Focusgalleries, visit www.sharktrust.org/competition.Good luck to all our entrants – we look forward toseeing more images in the next couple of months.Members AreaAs a member you’re entitled to a web account withextra privileges, including access to the very latestissue of Shark Focus. If you haven’t already gota members web account and would like to createone, you can sign up at www.sharktrust.org/signup. Once you’ve created an account emailhannah@sharktrust.org to upgrade your access.17th EEA ConferencePlymouth, UK1 – 3 November 2013The Shark Trust is delighted to be hosting the 17th European Elasmobranch Association (EEA) conferencein Plymouth this November. Perfectly situated on the South Devon coast, Plymouth is a centre of marineexcellence and the Trust is pleased to announce the conference will be hosted in association with theMarine Institute of Plymouth University and the National Marine Aquarium. The theme of this year’sconference is: “From science to policy: How applied studies of elasmobranch biology can provide theevidence to support stock assessments, advice and management decisions”The opening address will be delivered by Fiona Harrison, Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor for theDepartment of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).The Trust can also announce that a keynotepresentation will be given by Sarah Fowler, who was a founder of both the EEA and the Shark Trust, and isa leading voice in global shark conservation management.SCHEDULE1st Nov EEA Board meeting and AGM.Evening reception at the National Marine Aquarium Plymouth. Registration opens.2nd Nov Registration and EEA Conference Day 1 at Plymouth University.Conference dinner and student bursary auction at the National Marine Aquarium.3rd Nov EEA Conference Day 2 at Plymouth University.CONFERENCE FEESThe EEA annual scientific conference is open to everyone - conference fees are listed below and include a conferencepack, 1st November evening reception, lunch and refreshments:Non Members - £90EEA Members - £80Students (University/College) - £75The conference dinner will cost delegates £28. Additional guests are welcome at £34 per person.REGISTRATIONAttending the conferenceTo attend the conference, please register by completing the online form at www.sharktrust.org/eea2013. If onlinepayment is not possible select the ‘Pay Later’ option and contact the Trust to arrange an alternative method ofpayment. Registration after 16th September incurs a £15 late fee. Final registration is 20th October.Oral and poster presentationsComplete the abstract form at www.sharktrust.org/eea2013. Delegates must have registered for an abstract to beconsidered. Abstracts must be submitted by 16th September and the programme will be selected with the guidanceof members of the Shark Trust Scientific Committee: Dr Jim Ellis (Cefas – Centre for Environment, Fisheries andAquaculture Science) and Prof. David Simms (MBA – Marine Biological Association). Please consider the conferencetheme when submitting your abstract, however abstracts will be considered on all relevant topics.Student travel bursaryTo register your interest in applying for a student travel bursary, email your details to the Shark Trust Head ofFinance/EEA Treasurer Glenys Heafield on glenys@sharktrust.org. Please note that bursaries are only awarded todelegates presenting work.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONInformation on travelling to and from Plymouth, conference location and accommodation can all be found onwww.sharktrust.org/eea2013.IMPORTANT DEADLINESRegistration - 16th September (late registration will incur a £15 surcharge). Registration closes 20th October.Abstracts - 16th SeptemberPlymouth Sound. © Oliver Quinlan.The Barbican, Plymouth. © Oliver Quinlan..The Barbican at night, Plymouth. © Oliver Quinlan..Sherwell Centre, Plymouth University. © Tom Bastin..In the next issue of SharkFocusStudying the elusive BlackmouthCatshark.New population estimates forSouth African White Sharks.18 www.sharktrust.org/fundraising Shark Focus 47Shark Focus 47 www.sharktrust.org/eea2013 19

Sharks in Focus01 May–28 Aug 2013Blacktip Reef Shark © Alec Connah.The photography competition that aimsto change attitudes through imageryIf you’ve taken any photos you’re particularly proud of, enter themtoday for your chance to win an exciting bespoke package of activitiesbased in the Southwest of England. This will include shark watchingand snorkelling/diving with tour operator Charles Hood off the Cornishcoast and a sleep-over with the sharks at Plymouth’s National MarineAquarium. All entrants will also have their work showcased throughthe activities of the Shark Trust.Lemon Shark © Goos van der Heide.You can view all current entries in our online galleries, including theimages to the right.The categories are:Shark!The White Shark has become infamous, and even has its owntheme tune. However there are over 500 species of sharkfound worldwide, let’s celebrate them all!Shark PersonalitySharks are known as formidable predators but they can also beplayful, lazy, calm, shy and inquisitive…how do you see them?Smallspotted Catshark © Yo-Han Cha.Best of BritishBritish waters are home to over 50 species of shark, skate andray, including some of the fastest and rarest in the world –here’s your chance to showcase them.Skates & RaysThese flat, cartilaginous fish are closely related to sharks, andwith over 600 species worldwide, there are more than enoughto choose from!Human EncountersThis category provides an opportunity to explore the relationshipbetween humans and sharks, whether positive or negative.Spotted Eagle Rays © Goos van der Heide.www.sharktrust.org/competition