Jr. Mako Shark Journeys Over 750 Miles, Bolstering Preservation Initiatives
For the first time, a Mediterranean shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) has been effectively labeled and monitored, making significant strides in the preservation of this critically endangered species. Renowned for their swiftness and slender build, these top-tier predators contribute to maintaining balance within marine food chains by controlling prey populations. However, their numbers have drastically decreased due to overfishing, frequently as unwanted bycatch in commercial fisheries.
The tagging was part of the White Shark Pursuit project, spearheaded by Francesco Ferretti, an assistant professor at Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment. Focused on white sharks, the team unexpectedly came across a young mako during a summer 2023 research expedition. Seizing this rare chance, they decided to affix an electronic tag to it. Brendan Shea, a Ph.D. student involved in the expedition, explained their decision, stating, "During that research trip, we stumbled upon a young shortfin mako shark by chance. We attached an electronic tag to it, which provides us with crucial details about its movements, aiding us in understanding how to better safeguard its population."
The shark was tagged with a pop-off archival tag, a sophisticated digital device that measures water temperature, depth, and environmental light levels. Apart from revealing the shark's movements, this data also offers clues about its preferred habitats and behavior. The tag detaches after a predefined period or when the shark dives deeper than 5,900 feet (around 1,800 meters). Upon detaching, it transmits gathered data via satellite to the researchers, offering a wealth of information about the young shark's journey. "These tags offer us valuable insights about their migration patterns," Shea explained. "To conserve them effectively, we need to do more tagging, but this act is a fantastic start."
Within just 54 days, the tagged mako swam over 750 miles–an extraordinary accomplishment for a shark presumed to be one- or two-years-old. This data calls into question the idea that safeguarding nursery zones is sufficient for shielding young sharks, raising the need for comprehensive conservation measures that take into account their wide-ranging movements. "Sharks play a vital role in ocean health," Shea stated. "A healthy ocean sustains various human activities, thereby benefiting everyone when we work towards conserving shark populations."
The data collected doesn't simply show distance traveled but offers a glimpse into the shark's three-dimensional movement–information deemed essential for crafting conservation strategies tailored to their requirements and behaviors. "Comprehending the three-dimensional movement of sharks helps us understand their migration patterns and their role within the ecosystem," Shea emphasized. "Moreover, it reveals their depth patterns, which is crucial for conservation efforts." Although the tagging of a single shark marks a significant breakthrough, the team stresses that this is merely the beginning. More data is needed to fully grasp the extent of their migrations and ecological import. Despite this, it establishes a strong foundation for future research.
The aforementioned collaborative study involved experts from various institutions worldwide, including the Polytechnic University of Marche, Stanford University, Oregon State University, and Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, among others. Funding was provided by organizations like The Explorers Club, Discovery Channel, and Sharkproject, underlining the international interest in safeguarding these awe-inspiring creatures.
- The Mediterranean shortfin mako shark is a predator often found in the ocean, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance within marine food chains.
- The tagging project was not limited to white sharks but also included observing and tagging other animals, such as the Mediterranean shortfin mako shark, to aid in conservation efforts.
- The data collected from the tagged shark's journey through the Mediterranean Sea will contribute significantly to nature conservation efforts, as it will reveal the shark's preferred habitats and migration patterns.
- Effective conservation of shark populations is essential for preserving the health of our oceans, which, in turn, supports various human activities and benefits all of us.