Captive Feeding and Growth of Young-of-the-Year White Sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The present study provides information on the existence of a possible inshore nursery area for white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in Algoa Bay, South Africa. In total, 43 flights were conducted, using a Robinson R22 helicopter, between October 2010 and March 2012. A total of 50 white sharks was sighted, with a maximum sighting rate of seven sharks per hour in October 2010. The majority (96.0%) of sharks observed were less than 2.5 m in length, immature and sighted between October and March (98.0%). A hurdle model, comprising a logistic regression to model presence–absence and a log-normal generalised linear model for abundance showed that water temperature and barometric pressure explained the sightings of sharks, peaking in mid-December. The sighting of sharks was best explained by barometric pressure, month and year. A total of 58 white shark catches was recorded from key informant interviews with shore anglers between July 2009 and December 2011. Sharks ranged in size from 1.5 to 2.5 m in total length, with young-of-the-year sharks (<1.75 m) accounting for 69.0% of the catch. Defining key habitats for young-of-the-year and juveniles is critical for the management and conservation of white sharks worldwide.

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First insights into the movements of young-of-the-year white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in the western North Atlantic Ocean

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-018-29180-5 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Tobey H. Curtis ◽

Gregory Metzger ◽

Christopher Fischer ◽

Brett McBride ◽

Michael McCallister ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atlantic Ocean ◽

North Atlantic ◽

North Atlantic Ocean ◽

Carcharodon Carcharias ◽

Young Of The Year

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First observations of young of the year and juvenile great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) scavenging from a whale carcass

Marine and Freshwater Research ◽

10.1071/mf07223 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 59 (7) ◽

pp. 596 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

M. L. Dicken

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Foraging Behaviour ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Carcharodon Carcharias ◽

Great White Shark ◽

Young Of The Year ◽

Management And Conservation ◽

Term Management ◽

Insight Into

Observations of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) scavenging from cetacean carcasses are rare and have only been reported in the scientific literature for large (>3.5 m total length (TL)) individuals. Between 13 October and 25 November 2006, young of the year and juvenile great white sharks were observed scavenging from the carcass of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Algoa Bay, South Africa. Although more than one shark scavenged from the carcass, simultaneous feeding was not observed. The sharks showed a clear preference for soft tissue at sites along the mouth of the carcass. Protective ocular rotation was rarely observed and none of the sharks exhibited palatoquadrate protrusion while feeding. These observations provide a new insight into the foraging behaviour of young of the year and juvenile great white sharks. The prevalence of small great white sharks (1.5 m TL) and the absence of any individuals greater than 3.65 m TL suggest that Algoa Bay may function as a nursery area for great white sharks in South Africa. This information is crucial not only to improve our understanding of great white shark biology, but also for their long-term management and conservation in South Africa.

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