Lemon Shark in black and white

Sharks

Baby hammerhead during development with a nascent hammerhead snout.
Baby hammerhead during development with a nascent hammerhead snout.

How hammerheads grow their hammers

In an unprecedented study, scientists from the University of Florida (UF) have delved into the development of hammerhead sharks' skulls, uncovering the process behind their iconic hammer-like shape at the embryonic stage.

Led by UF professor Gareth Fraser, the study focussed on bonnetheads, the smallest among the hammerhead shark species. The species’ abundance in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, along with their near-shore presence, made them ideal subjects for the study.

social sharks
Research has begun to challenge the long-standing perception of sharks as solitary hunters, revealing instead a complex social structure that requires a high level of cognitive function.

Sharks as social and sentient beings

Recent scientific research has begun to challenge the long-standing perception of sharks as solitary hunters. Rather, it reveals their complex social structure that is borne out of a high level of cognitive function.

In fact, these studies suggest that sharks possess a level of social intelligence, problem-solving skills and even emotional intelligence that far surpass previous beliefs, offering a fresh perspective on their behaviour and potential sentience.

Great white shark
Great white shark

Not all great white sharks journey alone

Two male great white sharks, named "Jekyll" and "Simon", tagged off Georgia's coast in December, displayed a groundbreaking migration pattern.

From April, Jekyll and Simon's joint journey saw them traverse the Atlantic Coast, passing places like Ocracoke and Virginia Beach in a synchronised manner. While sharks sometimes gather for mating or feeding, their migrations are usually solitary.

University of Florida biologist Karly Cohen operating the ROV from a pier in Seattle
University of Florida biologist Karly Cohen operating the ROV from a pier in Seattle

Shedding light on the mysterious ghost shark

In a bid to learn more about ghost sharks, researchers from the University of Florida (UF) and the Seattle Aquarium are using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore the oceanic depths 100 meters below the surface of the Pacific Northwest.

In particular, they want to find the nesting grounds of the Pacific spotted ratfish, as currently very little is known about their spawning habits and embryonic development.

Fresh shark fins drying on sidewalk at Hong Kong
File photo of Fresh shark fins drying on sidewalk at Hong Kong

Brazil seizes record haul of illegal shark fins

Brazil's environmental protection agency, Ibama, estimated that approximately 11,000 blue sharks and shortfin mako sharks, which Brazil listed as endangered last month, were killed.

The fins, which were destined for Asia, where shark fin soup is considered a delicacy, were found in two locations.

Announcing Shark Angels 2023 World Oceans Day Auction

Featuring some unbelievable dive expeditions around the globe, items are up for bid until June 17th and can be viewed here:  auction.sharkangels.org

“This year’s auction is bigger & better than ever,” says Executive Director, Jamie Pollack. “We’re thrilled with the support we’ve received from many of our regular donors and excited about our partnerships with new donors.

The new species of catshark has shiny white irises, which is unusual of a deep-sea species
The new species of catshark has shiny white irises, which is unusual of a deep-sea species

New shark species discovered off Australia

Most sharks give birth to live young, but a few species, known as oviparous sharks, lay eggs. The new species could be identified because researchers noticed something interesting about its egg cases, pouches that attach to a surface in the ocean and hold onto a fertilized shark eggs as it develops.

Rui Matsumoto taking an ultrasound reading on a whale shark. Photo by Simon Pierce
Rui Matsumoto taking an ultrasound reading on a whale shark. Photo by Dr Simon Pierce

Studying wild whale sharks in the Galapagos with underwater ultrasound and blood sampling

(VIDEO: Researcher Al Dove collecting a blood sample. Video by Dr Simon Pierce)

DS: What were some of the challenges encountered when doing underwater ultrasounds? How did the team overcome them?