Dead Shark Souvenir
Hundreds of floppy baby Shark corpses in a liquid preservative. Snatched from our ocean before being stuffed into a jar. Shouldn’t they be in the ocean where they belong?
Being a massive fan of the ocean and all creatures within, this got me a bit upset when I walked into the souvenir shop and seen rows upon rows of what at first I thought were toys. After a closer look I realised what I was seeing. I was shocked.
Before you jump to the conclusion, this must be China or a 3rd world country behind the times of the modern world, it may surprise you to learn this was in Miami, Florida. AMERICA, the land of the free.
Shark in a jar to buy as a 'souvenir'
When I asked the lady in the ‘souvenir gift shop’ why on earth they were selling these baby sharks in jars for $10 each, she seemed quite upset and just shrugged her shoulders, indicating to me, it is what it is.
I instantly realised this was not a one off unique find and became aware that these baby sharks in jars were being sold all over Miami and further. WTF! I now understand this is something that has been going on for many years.
These ‘sharks’ as they are labelled are Spiny Dogfish Sharks. After a bit of research, I have found that they are caught up in fishing nets and killed as a result. The shark is then crammed into a jar sometimes too small to hold its lifeless body, having its little neck bent to fit.
The spiny dogfish is considered as “Vulnerable” by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) due to intense fishing pressure 2019.
While I respect our fishermen for the tough work they do and the struggle they endure to earn their income to provide for their families and food for us all, I do believe there is a way we could work without thousands of sharks being killed for no reason each year.
Endangered Spiny dogfish a product of 'bycatch'?
All Sharks need to be protected and the government can start by making a small but simple solution to stop this.
- Providing education and training for fishermen on sustainable fishing practices and the importance of protecting juvenile sharks.
- Engaging with fishermen, scientists, conservationists, to develop and implement effective management plans.
- Offering financial incentives or compensation to fishermen for adopting shark-friendly practices and technologies.
To reduce the bycatch of small sharks in fishing nets, fishermen can adopt several strategies and techniques:
1. Use of Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs): BRDs are specially designed to allow non-target species, like small sharks, to escape from nets. Examples include escape panels and grid systems.
2. Mesh Size Adjustment: Increasing the mesh size of nets can help smaller sharks escape while still catching the target species.
3. Circle Hooks: Switching to circle hooks instead of J-hooks can reduce shark bycatch as they are less likely to catch sharks in the first place.
4. Time and Area Closures: Avoiding fishing in areas known to have high populations of juvenile sharks or during times when they are most active can reduce bycatch.
5. Shark Repellents: Research is ongoing into chemical and magnetic repellents that can deter sharks from entering nets.
6. Modified Fishing Practices: Techniques such as avoiding setting nets at depths where juvenile sharks are common, or using different bait can also help.
7. Visual and Acoustic Deterrents: Using lights, noise makers, or other deterrents can scare sharks away from nets.
Implementing these methods can help reduce the unintentional capture of small sharks and contribute to the sustainability of marine ecosystems. 7 points from ChatGPT, conduct your own analysis personal to you before heading out fishing.
It’s upsetting that this is happening in the 21st century. With the advancements in technology, I know we can resolve this problem. I hope by showcasing this we can help keep sharks in the oceans where they belong. Helping keep a balanced eco system.
One of many 'batches' from 'gift shops in Florida
I hope you have found this article interesting, let me know your thoughts and feelings. These are my own personal opinions and would like to gain yours too.
Jamie.