Together, we are currently developing and building evidence for non-capture methods of studying blue sharks with minimal disturbance. Gonzalo accomplishes this using a collaborative multidisciplinary approach, working with different groups from NGOs to academics and governments to the general public. MARECO, founded by Dr Gonzalo Araujo, works to tackle marine conservation challenges focusing on threatened marine megafauna, such as sharks. Both Richard and Nicki are true conservationists, actively participating in preserving and protecting the marine world. Richard Rees and Nicki Meharg founded Celtic Deep to connect people with the extraordinary marine life found off the Pembrokeshire coast by creating exciting trips that provide opportunities to observe and experience wildlife in its natural habitat. And it has completely opened my eyes to the incredible wildlife and ecosystems found here. Thankfully, collaborating with Celtic Deep and MARECO was the perfect opportunity for me to get involved with shark research in British waters.
Thankfully, as soon as I learned about sharks, their behaviour, diversity and intelligence, these preconceived perceptions, which turned out to be based more on fiction than fact, quickly began to wash away.Īs a postgraduate student during COVID, I struggled to find a research project. Instead, it’s born from a persistent perception painted by the media depicting sharks as evil, cold-blooded, mindless, man-eating villains that should be feared, or better yet, exterminated. However, I don’t believe this is innate at all. Like many people, I had what appeared to be an innate fear of sharks. Instead, it was slowly built during my early 20’s through increased awareness and personal experience. This change in mindset from unwarranted fear to an informed love of sharks didn’t happen overnight. Rather than running from the ocean at the word ‘shark’, I now find myself running towards it, hoping to get a glimpse of these amazing animals as they go about their business. The first sign of a fin or shimmer of their bodies swimming through the water sends waves of excitement through my body. Fast forward to the present, and I am part of the Celtic Deep and Marine Research and Conservation Foundation (MARECO) team, actively looking for sharks. Every now and then, whilst playing at the coast, we would freak out, thinking a shark was going to get us. A majestic blue shark ( Prionace glauca) has arrived.ĭespite growing up in the countryside, the fear of sharks had not escaped me. After witnessing these animals’ vibrant colours and elegant movements, you will never mistake them for anything else again. As the anticipation of getting a glimpse of the incredible blue sharks grows, your brain starts to play tricks on you, making you see what you want to see.
Wondering if it is what we have all been waiting for. Aware of every flick of colour and breaking wave. We spent many hours drifting out in the Celtic Deep somewhere between Wales and Ireland, hoping for someone to shout “SHARK!”Įveryone’s eyes are on the water. The exciting thing about any trip into the blue is that you never know what you might see.
Deep blue shark skin#
In this online feature, she tells us about a new, non-invasive method to take blue shark skin swabs which might prove invaluable for the wellbeing of the sharks. Marine biologist Emma Williams researches blue sharks in the Celtic Deep, a stretch of water found off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales.
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