The Atlantic Ocean - South Bimini sharks
Locations
The Atlantic Ocean
Location map
Introduction
The Atlantic is the second largest ocean on the planet. It is the resting place of the Titanic, home to the mysterious Bermuda Triangle and is the youngest of the Earth's great oceans. It reaches depths of 8,500 metres. Oceans investigates this influential body of water from a group of islands in its western reaches - the Bahamas.
South Bimini sharks
Overview
Sharks are top predators that are essential to the ocean's ecosystem. Although they have been vilified in the media as one of man's greatest threats, sharks are actually far more likely to be killed by humans. Today, 189 different species of shark are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
There is some ground breaking research being carried out which could be used to help save vulnerable sharks. A solution has been developed that recreates the smell of dead sharks. This smell is designed to trigger a flight reaction in sharks and keep them away - like a "shark repellent". It is hoped this solution could be used to coat fishing lines and nets that sharks commonly get caught on.
| Importance: | This research could help save vulnerable sharks. |
| Dive category: | This is a scientific research dive. |
| Access: | This dive should only be carried out under the supervision of scientists and with safety divers and first aiders on hand. |
Interesting for
- Shark repellents
- Detailed information about the shark repellents by the company developing these products.
- Sharkdefense
- Project overview
- The work being carried out on shark repellent research by the Bimini Biological Field Station.
- Chemical Shark Repellant and Development
BBC related content
- Oceans presenter biography: Philippe Cousteau
- Oceans 360° video: Lemon sharks
- Oceans image gallery: The Atlantic Ocean
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