sharks

Are Sharks and Rays Using Offshore Wind Farms as Habitats?

Are Sharks and Rays Using Offshore Wind Farms as Habitats?

In new research, scientists from the Wageningen University & Research have confirmed regular activity by sharks and rays at offshore wind farms around the Netherlands. The team was able to confirm the presence of these elasmobranchs through traces of environmental DNA, or eDNA, in the waters around Dutch wind farms. The researchers collected 436 seawater […]

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    These Unique Reef Sharks Can Walk on Dry Land

    These Unique Reef Sharks Can Walk on Dry Land

    The epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) is a small species of reef shark with a set of unique abilities. It can use its fins to walk both in and out of the water, and it can go without oxygen for up to two hours.  These traits have helped the species succeed in rapidly-changing coral reef environments, […]

    International Shipping Threatens Endangered Whale Sharks

    International Shipping Threatens Endangered Whale Sharks

    Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, but even they can’t go up against a large shipping vessel and emerge unscathed.  A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Monday found that international shipping may be a “cryptic” cause of death for this endangered species.  “The maritime shipping […]

    The Food You Feed Your Pet May Contain Endangered Shark Meat

    The Food You Feed Your Pet May Contain Endangered Shark Meat

    Ambiguous pet food labels like “fish,” “ocean fish,” or “white bait” may be hiding a secret ingredient: endangered shark meat.  A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science Friday found that 31 percent of samples of pet food tested by the researchers contained shark DNA.  “The majority of pet owners are likely lovers of […]

    Rare Baby Ghost Shark Found Off New Zealand

    Rare Baby Ghost Shark Found Off New Zealand

    Scientists have discovered a very rare baby ghost shark in deep waters off the coast of New Zealand.. Ghost sharks are a poorly understood relative of sharks and rays also known as chimeras, but the new find may help change that.

    Ecuador Creates New Marine Reserve North of Galápagos Islands

    Ecuador Creates New Marine Reserve North of Galápagos Islands

    A volcanic mountain landscape with lava plateaus and white coral sand beaches rimmed with blue-green sea, the Galápagos archipelago is inhabited by more than 180 species found nowhere else on Earth. The first recorded visitor to the group of islands was Tomás de Berlanga, fourth Bishop of Panama, who happened upon it on his way […]