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CATCH A BULL at four... Scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory tag bull and hammerhead sharks in an effort to determine the effects these top predators have on the ocean food chain...
While living in the Florida Keys I had the opportunity to work on one of the better Sportfishing boats (SeaBoots Charters) and with one of the most knowledgeable Captains in the area. It was not just the 30+ years of fishing experiences in the Florida Keys but the marine biology knowledge that Captain Jim Sharpe brought to his charters.
Another benefit was that Mote Marine Lab had their Tropical Research Center just 100 yards down the dock from where the SeaBoots was kept. While most of the research at the Mote lab focused on coral research and growth, other Mote scientist would visit and conduct other research on other species such as the Bull shark…
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Above is a photo of me hand lining a Bull shark in the Gulf of Mexico while the Mote Marine scientist measured, tagged, and took blood samples, from the above shark. I have always enjoyed showing this photo at work to co-workers who enjoy local trout fishing and the conversations that follow...
Recently I was emailed the link to “You-Tube” footage of the shark fishing trip that produced the above catch. As the video shows there was much work and effort put into catching the bait and setting the lines for this research project and fortunately it paid off with this impressive catch. The amazing thing is what a Bull Shark of this size will allow you to do once you get them up to the side of the boat.
My first surprise was when lead Mote Marine Scientist Michael Heithaus leaned over the side of the boat and flipped this shark over onto her back where she offered very little resistance and allowed numerous tests, measurements, and tags to be attached.
Great video and great research team to work with…
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