Research project helps ‘allay public fears’ about great white sharks

They’re apex predators whose name may evoke fear in avid beachgoers, but a shark scientist who studies great white shark movement in the Bay of Plenty’s waters said his research We hope it helps people avoid adverse interactions and reduce “unnecessary hype and fear,” reports Emma Haupt.

A shark scientist who discovered eight great white sharks in the Bay of Plenty’s waters this month said his research helps create a “respectful coexistence” between the animals and the people who frequent the ocean. said it would help.

Dr. Riley Elliot of Tairua received permission from the Department of Conservation in June to track and satellite tag 20 great white sharks. This project allowed people to see where animals were moving through a live app.

We have seen eight great white sharks in Tauranga and Bowentown harbors since we started our research in early December. The animals he saw ranged from 1.2m to about 3m in length.

Out of eight sightings, he tagged two sharks in Bowentown.

The satellite tagging project was driven by public funding and support, costing $4000 for people to sponsor sharks.

It was run through the Sustainable Ocean Society, a non-profit organization founded by Elliott and a group of his friends.

But despite the cost, 17 of the 20 animals had already received funding, and there was an “incredible” response to the call for financial assistance.

“The beautiful thing is that I love the ocean and want to learn more, it’s all about the everyday kiwi.”

In his first two weeks at sea, Elliot said he felt “mixed emotions” along with a sense of responsibility for his success.

The first shark he spotted was a 1.2-meter baby great white shark in Tauranga Harbour.

“On the one hand, we were shocked that this apex predator was in our holiday hotspot. It was that we were so vulnerable to these boats, nets and carnage that we were about to throw into a peaceful life.”

Elliot on Discovery Channel shark weekthe research project is all about helping people avoid harmful interactions with animals, rather than creating “unnecessary hype or fear.”

His goal was to educate people about the great white population while reducing concerns among swimmers, surfers, divers and boat enthusiasts.

The study will also help us better understand the animals’ habitat use and behavior, he said.

“Having that knowledge allows us to respectfully coexist where animals live. Knowing where sharks are and reducing risk around them.

“Through technology, we can reduce that risk, coexist and protect this amazing and endangered apex predator.

“Don’t be afraid of this project. The unknown no longer exists, so you can reduce your anxiety.”

He said that while apex predators seem to be commonly understood to be “fascinated animals that need protection,” it is also something to be aware of when on or in the ocean.

Elliott explained that tagging a shark is a “challenging endeavor” because the animals are often shy and avoid boats.

He called on those who spotted the species to report their sightings, which he said would make his job “a lot easier.”

“What has really helped is public engagement reporting to me where people are looking. That is how citizen science continues to power this project.

“If you see one, take a picture and report it. I want to put a million eyes on the water.”

Elliot said the satellite tagging process involved boarding his commercial research vessel and “basically doing what a fisherman does.”

“I just started fishing. When I see a great white shark, I put a small bait on the rope and bring it near the rope.”

Then, using a “little broomstick pole,” I placed a dart with a tag at the base of the nerveless shark’s dorsal fin.

“The dart has a small cable that holds a tug like a small airship.

“Every time a shark in those days emerged from the water and the airship took off, it would connect to a satellite and instantly tell us where the shark was.”

When asked what motivates him to work on the project, Elliott said it was his “purpose” to live in the area and acquire the skills necessary to do so.

“These animals have no one to stand by them. I want to stick with them. That’s my purpose.”

In November of this year, the coroner recommended increased research and surveillance of great white sharks following the death of a woman in a shark attack in the Bay of Plenty.

On January 6, 2021, 19-year-old Kaela Marlow died after being bitten by a great white shark at the south end of Bowentown on Waihi Beach.

Attacks by great white sharks are rare, but most are fatal, according to a coroner’s report released in November.