Learning About Sharks

When I was younger, one of my favorite videos to watch was a National Geographic special on sharks. I stared in awe at the screen, drinking in every movement of these aquatic hunters, and when the tape was over, I would rewind it and watch it all again. For me and for many others, sharks hold a certain fascination. Their sharp rows of teeth and predatory behavior juxtaposed with their graceful swimming patterns and ability for speed make these creatures at once fearful and wonderful.

Unfortunately, learning about sharks can often prove frustrating. Research was not particularly comprehensive up until the 1980s, and even now, much of shark behavior remains unknown and unexplained. This is mostly due to the fact that the vast majority of shark species do not survive well in captivity. They often contract disease and die, or they become aggressive and attack any other animal swimming with them in a tank. For this reason, scientists have begun to explore other ways to gain information on these fascinating creatures.

Update in Shark Research

There are a variety of organizations that are dedicated to shark research. They send out teams of experts who are charged with the task of placing satellite tags onto sharks living in the wild. These tags allow scientists to gather data on shark migration patterns, eating habits, and in particular, mating habits. While much is now known about how sharks reproduce, there have not been many sightings of mating sharks. Most of the shark sightings are in shallow waters, and sharks typically mate in the deep ocean.

For those interested in learning about sharks, there are also shark diving organizations that stress education and conservation of sharks. These organized diving expeditions are often lead by experts in the field of shark study who can supplement each shark viewing with data and facts. Shark dives are a wonderful way to gain a better understanding of the ocean environment and its most powerful inhabitants.