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| Call To Protect Shark-Filled Sea |
September 17, 2007Release from: Phil MercerBBC News Conservationists are urging the Australian government to protect the Coral Sea, one of its last tropical marine wildernesses. The sea was recently declared a "predator diversity hotspot" because of its abundant shark populations. Campaigners fear the region could be targeted by illegal shark fishermen as well as oil and gas prospectors. The Coral Sea comprises 780,000sq km, and borders the Great Barrier Reef off of Australia's east coast. Environmental groups have described the Coral Sea as a stunning blue water highway full of oceanic predators. The area is a haven for hammerhead and white-tipped sharks, as well as manta rays. Illegal fishing Wildlife groups want the government in Canberra to give it full environmental protection and create what would be the world's largest marine park. Gilly Llewellyn, from the conservation charity WWF, says the region is likely to face serious threats in the future. "It could potentially be targeted by illegal fishermen," she says. "Sharks are increasingly rare in our oceans today. These are the sort of lions and tigers of the sea and unfortunately they are prized for their shark fin, which commands a high price in the Asian marketplace. "So illegal fishers looking for sharks for their fin are becoming increasingly bold. Without formal protection for the Coral Sea we are afraid it might be vulnerable to that in the future." An Australian government spokesman said that calls for the Coral Sea to be protected were being investigated by a specialist panel. The area is considered to be one of the most spectacular diving destinations anywhere, largely because there are so many sharks in the water. Campaigners, though, are asking just how long will it be before this pristine eco system faces potentially destructive challenges from the outside world. |
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Shark Avoids Suffocation by Turning Off Electricity Lack of oxygen can do in most creatures, but a new study has found epaulette sharks have evolved a clever solution for avoiding suffocation -- they shut down their body's electrical activity and even go temporarily blind until they can properly "breathe" oxygen again through their gills. Is the World's Largest Shark Shrinking? Humans have over-exploited the whale shark -- the world's largest living fish -- to such a degree that the ocean giants are actually shrinking in size, according to new research. Pulling DNA from sharks' teeth A technique that can analyse DNA from sharks' teeth is helping conservation biologists to study endangered species of the poorly understood fish. Conservationists Criticise Anglers The Conservation Council has criticised anglers for killing a large Tiger Shark during a weekend fishing competition in the North West. Garrett urged to suspend shark fin exports The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is calling on the Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett to suspend the export of shark fins from Australia. Golden Ray photos of amazing mass migration Looking like giant leaves floating in the sea thousands of Golden Rays are seen here gathering off the coast of Mexico. Conservationists applaud fisherman's suspension Conservationists have welcomed a two year suspension imposed on a professional shark fisherman for operating illegally in north Queensland. Wobbegong world: Unravelling the mystery The underwater world of Sydney's wobbegong sharks will be revealed in the first ever study of the species. Whale-shark survey for East Timor tourism Australian researchers have completed an aerial survey of the ocean surrounding East Timor looking for whale-sharks. Shark antibodies can save lives According to them, the process involves taking genes from sharks and modifying them in a laboratory just by adding proteins that cause random mutations -- essentially mimicking the way the human immune system works -- to develop antibodies capable of a repertoire of defensive responses.
RESEARCHERS have discovered that whale sharks swim much faster than first thought, and they are seeking public help to track their movements.
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