Aquarium Fisheries’ Post

Diving into #FishOfTheWeek, Meet the ‘jaw-dropping’ basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus)! 🦈⁠ ⁠ 🦈 The basking shark, ranked as the second largest species of fish surpassed only by the whaleshark, may have an intimidating appearance with its massive size but is one of three filter-feeding sharks that feed primarily on microscopic animals called zooplankton (and sometimes small fish).⁠ ⁠ These gentle giants are rather docile and are more known for their non-aggressive nature towards humans. Although typically living solitary lives, they have been observed gathering in small groups during feeding. ⁠ ⁠ You can spot these gentle giants across the British coastline by their large triangular dorsal fins - towering over 1m tall in some instances! ⁠ ⁠ 🌊 IUCN Red List Category: Endangered. ⁠ ⁠ As slow-growing sharks with long gestation periods (12-16 months), the basking shark has a slower rate of reproduction, which can leave them vulnerable to extinction especially as they often fall victim to by-catch, entanglement, ship strikes/collisions, and even at risk of ingesting microplastics.⁠ ⁠ 💙 The basking shark has been safeguarded by bans on fishing in British waters since 1998 and across EU waters since 2007. ⁠ ⁠ These sharks are now heavily protected in the UK by various international and national laws, so it’s important to brush up on your knowledge on what to do if you happen to encounter one!⁠ ⁠ 🥰 Keep a respectful distance and try and avoid disturbing or startling the animal - look but don’t touch. ⁠ ⁠ ⛵ Boats should slow down and go around, giving a wide berth. ⁠ ⁠ 🤿 If you’re a diver or in the water, avoid interfering and keep a safe distance - focus on prioritising their well-being.⁠ ⁠ To stay informed, follow 👉 The Marine Diaries for more! ⁠ 📸 Marine Conservation Society UK, Bertie Gregory / NOAA Fisheries Service #MarineBiology #Conservation #Ocean #ScienceCommunication #Wildlife #BaskingSharks

⭐ Reversing the Red ⭐ Mussels are the heroes of the marine ecosystem, filtering seawater, providing protection to smaller fishes, and serving as food for other animals. The Hauraki Gulf, which was once carpeted with more than 600 sq km of mussels, witnessed a rapid decline in 1950s and 60s due to human consumption. In an effort to repopulate the Gulf, several tonnes of adult mussels have been deployed and are thriving. However, mussel babies or spat are reluctant to grow. Spat is known to latch onto seaweeds. Therefore, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium has teamed up with Revive our Gulf and the University of Auckland to understand the relationship between spat and seaweed. Seaweed samples are taken to Kelly Tarlon's lab to study and trial spat growth. Which seaweed could be the answer to rehabilitate mussel spat? Find out more in the video below. Reverse the Red IUCN Species Survival Commission World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

"The National Oceanic and Oceanographic Administration lists the narrow sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata), dwarf sawfish (Pristis clavata), largetooth sawfish (collectively Pristis pristis; formerly Pristis pristis, Pristis microdon, and Pristis perotteti), green sawfish (Pristis zijsron), and the non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata)—at risk of extinction throughout all of their ranges and should be considered an endangered species. eBay is openly allowing the traffic of endangered shark parts, namely sawfish rostrum and shark jaws protected under the Endangered Species Act, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), without monitoring traffic or required permitting. With the entire families of Carcharhindae (Requiem sharks including great white, silky and other threatened and endangered sharks) and the Sphyrnidae (all hammerhead sharks), body parts from more species are openly trafficked without tracing to source, a permitted fishery, or permits required to sell." Source: Shark Stewards Full disclosure: I am a Board member. https://lnkd.in/ghvTtBTn

Did you know technology is helping fishing boats catch their target species sustainably, while also protecting marine mammals? To be satisfied that the certified Cornish hake fishery is having limited interactions with dolphins and porpoises, the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at the University of St Andrews fitted Dolphin Deterrent Devices on the fleet’s 15 boats and arranged for observers to monitor cetacean interactions. These acoustic pingers proved effective in keeping dolphins away from the fishing nets and in 2019 the fishery reported zero interactions with marine mammals. The SMRU research also determined that acoustic deterrents could reduce the bycatch level of the harbour porpoise by over 80% when used in hake gill nets. Read more about this and other improvements to UK fisheries in our State of the Water report here https://bit.ly/3rmpYo5

🚨 SPCA Pioneers Research Into the Impact of Fireworks on Marine Wildlife! 🚨 🌟🐟 In a South African first, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA commissioned a short-term study of the impacts of fireworks on marine species. This followed the dismissal of our High Court application to interdict a New Year’s Fireworks display from taking place at V&A Waterfront at midnight on the 31st December 2023. 📄 The study indicates that both Hartlaub’s gulls and Cape fur seals (subjects of the study) exhibited a strong behavioural response to the firework display, including increased vocal behaviour and a shift from sleeping to vigilant and locomotive behaviour. 🌿🐙 The V&A waterfront is home to several threatened and globally endangered marine and coastal species, and the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 prohibits the harassment of all listed protected or vulnerable species, unless for scientific, conservation, or management purposes. ☝🏻 Harassment is defined as human activity that triggers behavioural alterations in wild animals, which can result in increased energy use or injury, (Webster & Young, 1997). This includes anthropogenic noise disturbance when there are indications that an animal has heard a sound or when their behaviour is altered (Bowles, 1995; Cavanagh, 2000; Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972). 🎇 The study found that fireworks constitute harassment by definition. Download the full study here 👉🏼https://lnkd.in/dzc8-8RU #BanFireworks #EndFireworks #WildlifeConservation #WildlifeRescue #AnimalCruelty #Fireworks #WildlifeStudy #WildlifeBehaviour #WildlifeStress #CapeSPCA #CapeTown

On March 30, NOAA Fisheries announced the death of North Atlantic right whale #1950—an adult female who gave birth to her sixth calf this winter. She was found floating approximately 50 miles offshore east of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. Her young calf was not seen in the vicinity and is not expected to survive. This week, a necropsy was completed—preliminary findings identified a catastrophic dislocation of the whale’s spine and fractures to all vertebrae in the lower back. These injuries are consistent with blunt force trauma due to a vessel strike prior to death. With fewer than 360 North Atlantic right whales remaining, every reproductively active female and calf is critical to the species’ survival. Mother-calf pairs are at heightened risk for vessel strikes because they spend nearly all their time at or close to the water surface and are extremely difficult to spot. “Losing not only one of the few remaining reproductive females but also her calf is a gut-wrenching loss for the North Atlantic right whale population already on the edge of extinction. The Biden administration must take immediate action to finalize the expanded vessel speed rule for the species to recover and survive." – Ericca Gandolfo, AWI policy advisor TAKE ACTION: In November, NOAA announced further delays to a long-awaited proposed rule that would strengthen regulations protecting North Atlantic right whales from fatal vessel strikes. Please use AWI’s Action Center to urge the agency to immediately finalize the proposed vessel speed rule: https://lnkd.in/eQtJ_iTu 📷 : Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #24359. Aerial survey funded by United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Celebrating World Aquatic Animal Day! When we talk about #aquatic animals, we're not just referring to fishes or whales. This term encompasses a vast array of species, including amphibians, marine mammals, crustaceans, reptiles, mollusks, aquatic birds, insects, starfish, and corals. Each of these animals plays a unique role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. It's imperative that we prioritize conservation efforts to ensure the survival of these species and the preservation of their habitats. Checkout the carousel to know more. #WorldAquaticAnimalDay #AquaticBiodiversity #SaveOurSeas #AquaticHabitats #ProtectOurOceans #MarineLifeMatters #Freshwater #Marine #Rivers #Water #Animals #Fauna #FreshwaterEcology #MarineEcology

The Great Barrier Reef is a spectacular and diverse natural wonder. The diversity of this World Heritage Area lies not only with its resident wildlife, but also in the unique ecosystems within. Every species, every organism, and every habitat within the Marine Park plays a critical role in maintaining balance, both above and below the water - even if that species may give us the shivers, like jellyfish! 🪼 November to May in Queensland is peak jellyfish, or stinger, season. The #GreatBarrierReef is home to over 100 species of jellyfish, however only a small number are considered dangerous to humans. When we talk and hear about 'stingers', we're referring to the more dangerous species, like the Box jellyfish, Irukandji or Bluebottle. Whereas the numerous other species of jellyfish, like the Moon jelly seen here, are harmless to us, and a tasty snack if you're a turtle. Remember, if you're diving into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef this summer, make sure you stay protected from any stingers (and the sun) and use a full-length Lycra suit - they're very flattering too! Did you know? 🪼 Box jellyfish have up to 60 tentacles 🪼 Irukandji jellyfish are 1-2cm in diameter and have tentacles of up to 1m long 🪼 Most jellyfish spawn through asexual reproduction 🪼 Irukandji are found throughout the world, including in Hawaii, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and even the United Kingdom 🪼 Bluebottles are not jellyfish, but siphonophores, colonies of tiny animals that work together as one - like a coral colony 🎥 | @jellyfish_science via Instagram #seethereef #lovethereef #protectthereef

Yesterday's anniversary of the catastrophic 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico serves as a reminder of the devastating impact that disaster had on wildlife in the Gulf. For example, according to NOAA Fisheries, "4,900–7,600 large juvenile and adult sea turtles and between 56,000–166,000 small juvenile sea turtles were killed by the spill. Furthermore, an estimated 35,000 hatchlings were lost due to the effects of the spill and associated clean-up activities on sea turtle nesting beaches." Bottlenose dolphins, birds, fish, invertebrates and other marine mammals also suffered staggering lethal impacts. The anniversary -- and tomorrow's Earth Day -- also serves to highlight the impact on one much lesser known species, the critically endangered Rice's whale. This whale, one of the most endangered whale species on the planet, was, was only officially designated as a new, distinct species in 2021. Scientists estimate that the Deepwater Horizon spill resulted in the loss of approximately 22% of this species. The best estimates suggest that there are less than 100 -- and probably much closer to 50 -- Rice's whales remaining on Earth. The Biden Administration is working on a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the whale. https://lnkd.in/eFrzKjTV

Q) What is the heaviest animal ever recorded? African Elephant Saltwater Crocodile Blue Whale White Rhinoceros A) Blue Whale. The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) holds the title of the heaviest animal ever recorded, reaching astonishing weights of up to 200 tons (approximately 181 metric tonnes) and lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters). This colossal marine mammal, found in oceans worldwide, is not only the largest animal alive today but also the largest that has ever existed on Earth. Blue whales possess a long, streamlined body with a flat, U-shaped head and a prominent ridge running from the blowholes to the blowhole. Their immense size is complemented by a heart that can weigh as much as a small car and a tongue that can weigh as much as an elephant. These gentle giants primarily feed on small shrimp-like creatures called krill, consuming up to 4 tons per day during feeding seasons. Despite their size, blue whales are endangered due to historical whaling practices and ongoing threats from ship strikes and climate change. Their immense presence in the ocean ecosystem plays a crucial role in the health of marine environments. Understanding the blue whale not only highlights the extremes of animal life but also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect such magnificent creatures and their habitats. #DYK #FYI #BlueWhale #FWTB #ToyeenB #TBW xx VISIT: https://lnkd.in/fh4-Rux