All posts tagged: save sharks

Sharkwater Extinction Review

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We are honoured to have a guest post written by Julia Barnes. I was a little nervous to watch Sharkwater Extinction. I knew it would make me emotional. Rob Stewart has been my hero since I was 12. Losing him was devastating and I didn’t want to relive his death. But I was also excited to see his new film, so I attended the premier at TIFF. Hearing his voice and seeing him on the screen, I found myself smiling all the way through. Sharkwater Extinction is not a sad film. It is overwhelmingly inspiring, filled with Rob’s passion and energy. It’s a film that will make you realize you can change the world. Rob’s voice is a constant throughout the movie. His narration guides you through the story as he and his team investigate the trade in endangered shark species, uncovering corruption, deception, and mafia rings. There are plenty of dangerous, heart-pounding moments. At one point Rob goes into a ship’s freezer, alone, with a camera, to film piles of dead sharks. It would …

Weird and Wonderful Sharks

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Sharks have been roaming the oceans for over 400 million years and there are about 500 different species that we know of.  They are a majestic and fascinating creature.  As apex predators, sharks play a key role in maintaining the health and the balance of the ocean.  Sharks control populations of various marine species that fall below them on the food web, keeping populations at a healthy size and removing weak and sick individuals. All of which supports a healthy marine ecosystem and biodiversity.  Focusses research continues to allow us to learn more about the characteristics and behaviour of various shark species to give us a better understanding of their important role in the marine environment. Sharks are present in all oceans, and a few species including the Bull shark are able to survive in fresh water. Unlike boney fish, the skeleton of sharks is made up from cartilage.  Sharks control their buoyancy by constant swimming. The perfectly shaped fins and tail provide lift, while the oily liver also helps with buoyancy. Most sharks, like …

Shark Tales: 5 Common Shark Myths Debunked

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We have all heard our fair share of “Shark Tales”.  These tales have certainly added to the allure, mystery and intrigue around sharks.  The many misconceptions of sharks have led to a myriad of rumours and myths about them some of which keep feeding into the public fear.  Over time, thanks to shark research, many popular shark myths have been debunked.  More and more organizations and media are beginning to share actual shark facts which, rather than add to the mystery, make it clear that sharks deserve our respect and not fear. Below we are sharing 5 popular common myths about sharks debunked.   5 Popular Shark Myths Debunked 1. Will a shark drown if it stops swimming? This popular myth does not apply to all species of sharks. Sharks will sink to the sea floor if they stop moving but, depending on the species, they may not drown. That being said, most species of sharks would in fact drown if they were to stop moving.  The constant forward movement together with a slightly opened …

Why Shark Week?

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  Eco Chic Cayman is proud to team up with Shark Conservation Cayman for our second annual “Shark Week.” Last year our collaboration aimed to accompany Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” with real information that is relevant to Cayman and our community. We shared interesting facts about our local sharks and conservation efforts and Cayman loved it. That being said, we are excited to share all new content to celebrate “Shark Week” in Cayman this year. Shark Conservation Cayman’s mission is “To better understand Cayman’s shark populations and to raise awareness of the importance of sharks to healthy reefs and the marine environment”. The research and conservation efforts are supported by the White Tip Conservation Fund from the Cayman Islands Brewery. Read more about the collaboration, between the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and Marine Conservation International, and their work on their brand new website. Each day of the following week, July 22-28, we will feature a new collaborative blog post sharing interesting shark facts, debunked myths about sharks, the latest in local shark conservation initiatives …

I (Heart) Sharks

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(Photo Credit: Michael Maes) I (Heart) Sharks! As an ocean lover, I love sharks! Sharks deserve a lot of love. Why? They are amazing and majestic animals. Sharks have inhabited the ocean for more than 400 million years, and they play a key role in maintaining the health of the ocean. Sharks are the apex predators of the ocean, as a result, they are responsible for keeping other marine life in healthy balance and regulate the oceans. The decline in shark populations cause the balance of the eco-system and the balance of the ocean to be seriously upset. Thus, it is imperative that we come together and raise awareness about the importance of sharks and the pivotal role they play in maintaining the eco-system and the health of the ocean. It is vital that we ensure that there are healthy populations of sharks worldwide. Top 5 Reasons To Love Sharks 1. There are more than 500 species of sharks swimming in the ocean. Which one is your favorite? 2. Hammerheads do not lay eggs. A …

Sharks In Hot Water: Combating The Negative Perception of Sharks

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Photo Credit: Ellen Cuylaerts Sharks are not only swimming in an ocean that is literally heating up- and melting icecaps but “hot water” due to the negative representation the media has created around sharks. More than ever, sharks find themselves in hot water because of the damaging affects of the negative image the media portrays of sharks as well as the constant targets placed on their backs as they are hunted for their fins. It is said that tens of millions of sharks are killed every year, creating a rapid decline in shark populations. In comparison, only 5-8 people are reported as being killed by sharks per annum. Primarily, sharks are killed for this fins, to make Shark Fin Soup. The practice of killing sharks for their fins is abhorrent. Thankfully, many countries have united together to standup for sharks and place a ban on shark fin soup, and ban the cruel practice of shark finning altogether. There are many conservation organizations working to protect sharks such as Fin Free, Shark Savers, Wild Aid, Shark …