Predation on Harbour Porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, by a White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias

1972 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 1213-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. W. Arnold

A specimen of the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, brought into Leonardville, Deer Island, N.B., on August 13, 1971, contained three harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, in variable states of digestion. This record on predation is discussed in conjunction with literature reports of a similar nature and one other previously unpublished observation.

Copeia ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 1992 (3) ◽  
pp. 680 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Peter Klimley ◽  
Scot D. Anderson ◽  
Peter Pyle ◽  
R. P. Henderson

1991 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 2429-2435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas H. Woodley ◽  
Andrew J. Read

We estimated the potential intrinsic rate of increase (r) of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) population in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine using empirical data on reproductive rates (mx) and several hypothetical survival (Ix) schedules. Schedules of Ix, to maximum ages of 12 and 15 yr, were calculated from two potential natural mortality (nx) schedules combined with several schedules of incidental mortality (hx) estimates. The most realistic results were obtained when nx of non-calves were calculated from Caugley's (1966. Ecology 47: 906–918) smoothed age-frequency equation for Himalayan thar (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and applied in conjunction with a range of calf natural mortality estimates, this model indicates that harbour porpoises have a limited capacity for population increase, and populations are unlikely to sustain even moderate levels of incidental mortality (4% of the population per year). Extending the maximum age used in the models from 12 to 15 yr does little to increase estimates of r for the harbour porpoise population, and hence their susceptibility to incidental mortality.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. G. Gauthier ◽  
E. Chateauminois ◽  
M. G. Hoarau ◽  
J. Gadenne ◽  
E. Hoarau ◽  
...  

Abstract Although relatively rare, human-shark interactions and sharks bites are increasing globally, which has led to the development of various mitigation measures. Electric shark deterrents (ESDs) have, so far, been the most effective personal deterrents, but have only been scientifically tested on one of the species most frequently responsible for shark bites, i.e. white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). We tested the effectiveness of five ESDs (E-Shark Force, NoShark, Rpela v2, Freedom + Surf, Freedom + Surf—Shortboard) on bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, over a period of 21 days in September 2019, in New Caledonia. Standardised bait was attached 30 cm below an experimental board that had an active ESD for up to 15 min, or until a bull shark touched the bait or the board. We compared the numbers of baits taken, numbers of passes and reactions around the board, as well as the distance between the sharks and the board among ESDs and against a control board with bait and no active ESD. The Freedom + Surf was the most effective ESD, reducing the amounts of baits taken by 42.3%, while the Rpela v2 and Freedom + Surf—Shortboard also significantly reduced the number of baits taken by 16.5% and 16.2% respectively. Mean distance between sharks and the bait was not affected by the ESDs, but the number of approaches and the proportion of reactions were both significantly higher when the Freedom + Surf was active compared to other ESDs. The effectiveness of all ESDs decreased over time, with the likelihood of the bait being taken increasing and the number of approaches and distance between sharks and the bait decreasing. Our findings show that the ability of ESDs to deter bull shark varies between products, with the Freedom + Surf resulting in the most behavioural changes, followed by the Rpela v2 and Freedom + Surf—Shortboard. However, none of the products tested completely stopped sharks from taking the bait.


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