The Porbeagle is a muscular shark known for its playful behavior and hydrodynamic shape. It has a dark grey-blue color on top and a white belly, and it belongs to the mackerel shark family, which includes powerful sharks like the White Shark. Found in cold-temperate waters worldwide, Porbeagles can travel great distances, such as one…
The Epaulette Shark is a small shark that has a unique way of moving—it can walk using its pectoral fins. These sandy-brown sharks have dark spots for camouflage and can be found in warm, shallow waters of Northern Australia and New Guinea. They are mostly active during low tide and at night, often foraging between…
Electric rays are a special type of ray that can produce electric shocks ranging from 20 to 200 volts. They have a unique electric organ, making them different from other ray species. These rays generally have thick and flabby bodies, leading to low human consumption and being often discarded by fishers as bycatch. One example…
The Cownose Ray is a unique species of eagle ray that has two lobes on its head, resembling a cow’s nose. Its broad shape and distinctive fin tips make it often mistaken for a shark when viewed from the beach. These rays typically feed on clams and oysters in calmer waters during the early morning…
The article highlights the Common Skate, now identified as two species: the Flapper and Blue Skate. Once common in the Northeast Atlantic, both species are now endangered due to historical overfishing. The Flapper Skate can grow quite large, up to 3 meters long, and primarily feeds on crustaceans and fast-swimming fish. They reproduce very slowly,…
Bull Sharks are interesting creatures known for their stout snouts and territorial behavior. They often hunt in murky waters, relying on their excellent sense of smell. With a varied diet, they primarily eat fish, crabs, and even dolphins. Unique among sharks, Bull Sharks can survive in both saltwater and freshwater, traveling great distances up rivers….
In December, two important shark-related stories emerged. A megamouth shark was found dead while trying to give birth in the Philippines, highlighting the unknown factors affecting these creatures. Additionally, for the first time, researchers observed fin regeneration in a silky shark after it experienced trauma. These discoveries remind us of the ongoing mysteries and challenges…
Sidemount diving can be a great choice for some divers, but it’s not suitable for everyone. It requires patience and a willingness to adjust and tinker with equipment. If you enjoy challenges and have regular access to dive sites for practice, sidemount diving may be rewarding. However, being the only sidemount diver in a group…
The State of The Dive Industry (SOTI) 2024 aims to provide valuable insights into the scuba diving market. This annual survey collects data from various stakeholders, including dive centers and gear manufacturers, to gauge industry performance. Participants will compare 2023 results with previous years regarding certifications and sales across different diving activities. The goal is…
The Shark Trust hosted the EEA Conference 2023 from October 18-20 in Brighton, a lively seaside town. The event featured a full schedule of speakers and poster presentations focused on marine life and conservation. Participants engaged in discussions about protecting sharks and their habitats. This conference is an important platform for sharing knowledge and promoting…