Listening to Dr. Greg Skomal talk about sharks is not only entertaining, it’s informative, enlightening, a master class in shark research.
A presentation sponsored in partnership with Sippican Lands Trust, Skomal’s July 11 presentation at the Marion Museum of Natural History headquarters was an opportunity for the public to hear firsthand from an expert, the real story versus the TV version. Of the documentary-style programming featured during “shark week,” the good doctor said, “I wish they would get it right.”
For Skomal, getting it right means science over sensationalism, examining decades of data gathered in a variety of forms. In the early days of marine animal studies, he said, “We studied dead fish because that’s all we had.” Marine samples either came from specimens culled from the ocean or a kill that scientists were able to collect before Mother Nature’s children gobbled it up for lunch.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and what you’ll find are high-tech devices primarily developed by marine scientists searching for ways to capture data. Skomal spoke of Frank Carey’s work in the development of satellite transmitters that allow the scientists to track the movement of the Great White Shark.
In 1979, Carey was the first to track a shark using these devices. It has made it possible to study, predict and even forecast shark behavior. The types of devices currently being deployed are acoustic telemetry (broad-scale arrays, live receivers and fine-scale arrays), satellite tags, behavior tags and drones.
Looking back at where research has been conducted and where it is now was the major focus of Skomal’s talk. He said that marine research now is building the understanding of shark behavior, but also “… how much there is to still discover.” With the aid of modern technology and “predictable access” now available due to technological advances, more data is being gathered.
For instance, despite knowing the migratory paths of the Great White Shark and its primary feeding area, shark-breeding habits remain largely unknown. They have tracked shark movement and identified a range from Florida to Canada, but they have not unlocked the attack triggers.
What has been determined are the current hot spots for these apex predators. Cape Cod (Provincetown to Chatham) between August and October, and South Africa, southern Australia, New Zealand and Mexico, sharks are feeding on seals and dolphins.
In our front yards lie Buzzards Bay and Nantucket Sound. Of these two, Skomal said that detection buoys have not found sharks in Buzzards Bay. Why? No seals. A random seal found in local waters simply isn’t interesting enough for the hunters to expend the energy. And putting a finer point on this thought, Skomal said, “…in a contest between who wins, the shark or the seal, the seal is more likely to win.” It escapes being eaten due to its ability to twist and get out of the way swiftly and its ability to see danger coming.
What is known about the Great White Shark is in itself fascinating. Skomal pointed out that the sharks are very slow growing over a lifespan of 70-odd years. Vertebrae rings similar to those found in trees map the age of deceased animals. Another fact is that sharks can change their body temperatures, elevating it above water temperature.
Since the 1800s, marine scientists have been studying these massive animals. Slowly over time building on data collected year upon year. So that today, as computer and satellite technology have proven invaluable to the data-collection effort, the wealth of information is huge. And yet more is needed primarily to protect both humans in the water and sharks hunting in the same places.
As species protection has allowed seal populations to explode, the intersecting of human and animal is happening with greater frequency. Tracking devices placed along the shorelines of Buzzards and Cape Cod Bay are helping towns cope with patrolling sharks looking for their next meal.
And continued research and public education remain critical elements for the protection of both animal and human life.
To learn more about Skomal’s research program, visit atlanticwhiteshark.org/shark-center.
Studying the Great White Sharks of Cape Cod
By Marilou Newell