Seamount

The secret lives of silky sharks: unveiling their whereabouts supports their protection

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, July 30, 2023

We know very little about the secret lives of ocean sharks, where they live and why they are there.

Key Points: 
  • We know very little about the secret lives of ocean sharks, where they live and why they are there.
  • A solid understanding of the distribution of oceanic sharks is fundamental to their protection and our new research provides valuable insights into the secret lives of these wide-ranging predators.
  • Read more:
    Oceanic sharks and rays have declined by 71% since 1970 – a global solution is needed

Silky by name, silky by nature

    • Silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), named for the silky-smooth feel of their skin, are emblematic of open ocean sharks.
    • In 2017 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature classified this species as vulnerable to extinction.

What we did

    • Baited remote underwater video systems, or BRUVS for short, are used to document the wildlife of the open oceans.
    • Armed with a pair of small action cameras and baited to attract predators, BRUVS are suspended at 10m depth and drift with ocean currents.

A love affair between silky sharks and seamounts

    • Silky sharks love seamounts.
    • The closer we sampled to seamounts, the more frequently we observed silky sharks, and in higher numbers.
    • Our results also reveal the smallest silky sharks hang out closest to seamounts.

A human footprint on silky sharks

    • Only the most remote areas had high numbers of silky sharks.
    • Silky sharks close to ports and human populations were also smaller than those observed further away.
    • The distribution of silky sharks exemplifies the pervasive and negative impacts of human activity on oceanic sharks more generally.

A path to protection

    • The need for improved protection for oceanic wildlife is well-recognised and marine protected areas are a key tool to deliver this protection.
    • In 2023, the High Seas Treaty was ratified by the 193 member states of the United Nations, paving the path towards strong and effective protection of the vast swaths of ocean beyond national jurisdiction.
    • We hope recent commitments to ocean protection will spur research to further unveil the secret lives of oceanic sharks and ensure their survival in the face of their greatest threat yet.

Government of Canada releases report on the state of Canadian Pacific marine ecosystems

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 9, 2022

Seamounts, hydrothermal vents and glass sponge reefs highlight the incredible biodiversity that lies below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.

Key Points: 
  • Seamounts, hydrothermal vents and glass sponge reefs highlight the incredible biodiversity that lies below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the release of Canada's Oceans Now: Pacific Ecosystems, 2021, the fourth report of the annual ocean series on the current status and trends of marine ecosystems in Canada.
  • The report was prepared by Fisheries and Oceans Canada with contributions from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Government of British Columbia and the Council of Haida Nation.
  • Ocean observation, research and monitoring work along with conservation activities help us better understand marine ecosystems and how to protect Canada's Pacific ocean.

Odyssey Marine Exploration Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Retrieved on: 
Friday, August 9, 2019

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.(NASDAQ:OMEX), a pioneer in the field of deep-ocean exploration, reported results for the second quarter endedJune 30, 2019, and provided an update on current projects.

Key Points: 
  • TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.(NASDAQ:OMEX), a pioneer in the field of deep-ocean exploration, reported results for the second quarter endedJune 30, 2019, and provided an update on current projects.
  • This company owns an exclusive exploration license covering at least five (5) prospective exploration targets within two different mineralization types: seamount-related epithermal and modern placer gold.
  • Odysseys previous exploration work in this license area indicates a strong probability of polymetallic resource with commercially viable gold content in the license area.
  • Consolidated financial statements as well as Odyssey's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period endedJune 30, ,2019, are available on the company's website at www.odysseymarine.com as well as at www.sec.gov
    Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.(Nasdaq:OMEX) is engaged in deep-ocean exploration using innovative methods and state-of-the-art technology to provide access to critical resources worldwide.

Two Tiger Sharks Tagged in Cocos Island National Park: Researchers also Tagged Hammerhead, Silky, Galapagos and Whale Sharks

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 27, 2018

The movements of animals tagged with acoustic tags are tracked by acoustic receivers, or listening stations, deployed around Cocos Island and surrounding seamounts.

Key Points: 
  • The movements of animals tagged with acoustic tags are tracked by acoustic receivers, or listening stations, deployed around Cocos Island and surrounding seamounts.
  • Over 130 tissue samples were also collected from 23 different species, including sharks and rays, for stable isotope analysis.
  • Tiger sharks were once-rare visitors to Cocos Island, but have become regularly sighted since 2009.
  • Since 2015, researchers are deploying acoustic receivers in Las Gemelas, a seamount located 40 miles southwest of Cocos Island at 180 meters of depth.

New science mission launched to study unique seamounts in the northeast Pacific Ocean

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 5, 2018

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Haida Nation, Oceana Canada and Ocean Networks Canada are working together to further ocean research and help protect seamounts in the Pacific Ocean.

Key Points: 
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Haida Nation, Oceana Canada and Ocean Networks Canada are working together to further ocean research and help protect seamounts in the Pacific Ocean.
  • The Northeast Pacific Seamounts Expedition, taking place from July 5 to 21, 2018, will explore three seamounts in the Northeast Pacific Ocean: SGaan Kinghlas-Bowie, Dellwood and Explorer.
  • During the 16-day expedition aboard Ocean Exploration Trust's vessel, E/V Nautilus, partners will survey and collect data on the physical features and ecosystems of the seamounts.
  • The findings will support protection measures for these unique seamount habitats, which are critical for ensuring a healthy ocean.