Already the world’s largest shark species, male whale sharks can swim around the ocean for up to 130 years, according to a recently published study by scientists at Nova Southeastern University‘s (NSU) …
Venezuela Bans Shark Finning, Establishes Shark Sanctuary
22 Jun 20127:04 PM
NOTE: This post was excerpted from an article by Douglas Main on OurAmazingPlanet. Click here to read the full article.
Some much-needed good news for sharks has come from Venezuela this week: The South American country announced it is banning shark finning in its waters and has established a new shark sanctuary.
The country became the last in the Americas to outlaw the practice of cutting off the fins of live sharks and tossing the animals back into the ocean to slowly die.
The country also has created a sanctuary where several important shark species breed, outlawing commercial shark fishing there. The sanctuary consists of 1,440 square miles (3,730 square kilometers) of the Caribbean Sea surrounding the Los Roques Archipelago, a popular tourist destination.
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![](mailto:?subject=Venezuela Bans Shark Finning, Establishes Shark Sanctuary&body=<a href="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/img_1501.jpg"><img title="Tiger shark - Photo courtesy of Steve Valetta" src="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/img_1501.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" /></a>
NOTE: This post was excerpted from an article by Douglas Main on <a title="OAP.com" href="http://www.ouramazingplanet.com" target="_blank">OurAmazingPlanet</a>. Click <a title="Venezuela Bans Shark Finning, Establishes Shark Sanctuary" href="http://www.ouramazingplanet.com/3072-venezuela-bans-shark-finning.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read the full article.
Some much-needed good news for sharks has come from Venezuela this week: The South American country announced it is banning shark finning in its waters and has established a new shark sanctuary.
The country became the last in the Americas to outlaw the practice of cutting off the fins of live sharks and tossing the animals back into the ocean to slowly die.
The country also has created a sanctuary where several important shark species breed, outlawing commercial shark fishing there. The sanctuary consists of 1,440 square miles (3,730 square kilometers) of the Caribbean Sea surrounding the Los Roques Archipelago, a popular tourist destination. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/venezuela-bans-shark-finning-establishes-shark-sanctuary/){kind=link}
 <a href="https://cnso.nova.edu/ghri/index.html">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a> (GHRI) and collaborators from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme.
The research on whale shark aging growth dynamics, published in the Marine and Freshwater Research Journal, was conducted in the Republic of Maldives using a unique approach.
According to Cameron Perry, the first author of the scientific paper, and at the time a graduate student at NSU’s GHRI, “What makes this a novel approach is that we took repeated noninvasive underwater measurements of live sharks over the course of a decade.
“Up to now, such aging and growth research has required obtaining vertebrae from dead whale sharks and counting growth rings, analogous to counting tree rings, to determine age. Our work shows that we can obtain age and growth information without relying on dead sharks captured in fisheries. That is a big deal.”
You can read the full study <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/MF/MF17393">ONLINE</a>.
According to the research study, “Comparing length-measurement methods and estimating growth parameters of free-swimming whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) near the South Ari Atoll, Maldives,” taking repeated measurement of the same sharks over many years was possible because many of these sharks came back to the same place every one to two years, and individuals could be recognized by their unique spot patterns. The researchers then modeled their measurement results and found that:
• male whale sharks can live as long as 130 years (that means some whale sharks swimming the world’s oceans today were born when Grover Cleveland was President of the United States);
• whale sharks may grow as large as 61.7 feet on average, which is longer and bigger than previously believed (nearly 17 feet longer than a school bus.)
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/WhaleSharks__2-Zozi-2017_02_16-20_46_24-UTC.jpg"><img class="wp-image-5122 size-medium" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/WhaleSharks__2-Zozi-2017_02_16-20_46_24-UTC-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /></a>Photo by George Schellenger
“Growth and reproduction of whale sharks, which are endangered in many places, are poorly understood,” said Mahmood Shivji, Ph.D., director of NSU’s GHRI. “When you couple this lack of knowledge with the fact that whale shark products such as fins, meat and oil are highly valuable – they are harvested in many countries – one can quickly see the urgency in learning as much as possible in order to help save these majestic creatures.”
Perry agreed.
“The more we learn about these animals, their growth dynamics, where they go, what areas may be their nurseries, it can lead to a better understanding of their life history, which is imperative to guide conservation efforts,” he said.
Primarily funded by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, NSU’s GHRI works on initiatives and studies to provide the necessary information to better understand, conserve, monitor and effectively manage shark populations.
About NSU’s Guy Harvey Research Institute: Established in 1999, the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) is a collaboration between the renowned marine artist, scientist and explorer, Dr. Guy Harvey, and Nova Southeastern University. The mission of NSU’s GHRI is to provide the scientific information necessary to understand, conserve, and effectively manage the world’s marine fishes and their ecosystems. The institute is one of only a handful of private organizations dedicated exclusively to the science-based conservation of marine fish populations and biodiversity. The research, education and outreach activities of NSU’s GHRI are supported by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, AFTCO Inc., extramural research grants, philanthropic donations by private businesses and individuals, and NSU. Please visit http://cnso.nova.edu/ghri for more information.
About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation: The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The GHOF also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem. Please visit www.GHOF.org for more information.
PHOTO CREDITS: Daniel Bruehlmann (Laser measurement); George Schellenger (Whale Shark opens mouth) https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/novel-approach-studies-whale-shark-ages-the-best-way-while-they-are-swimming/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Plunge into the History of Diving Museum, Islamorada, Florida&body=Come celebrate 100 years of Diving History August 23rd with a wine & cheese reception at the Museum just up the road from the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost. August 24th the Museum will have FREE KIDS ACTIVITIES from noon to 3pm. The reception begins at 7pm Saturday August 23rd and includes admission to the History of Diving Museum, raffle prizes & silent auction. Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for Museum members. There will be special video footage from the Abyss with some familiar faces.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/deep-dive-suits.png"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2166 size-full" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/deep-dive-suits.png" alt="Deep Dive Suits" width="545" height="362" /></a>
To purchase tickets or for more information about the <a href="http://www.divingmuseum.org/">History of Diving Museum, CLICK NOW</a>.
Sunday starting at noon, the free Kids' Activities will include: designing your own deep diving suit, deep sea coloring, "Fun with Pressure," and learning about deep deep-sea creatures. The History of Diving Museum is just a mile from the Islander Resort. While you are at the Museum, check out the tiger shark Guy Harvey painted by the front door. For more information on the <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/destinations/florida/islamorada-fl/islamorada-fl-overview.html">Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost in Islamorada</a> call (800) 513-5257.
History of Diving Museum
82990 Overseas Highway; Islamorada, FL 33036<br /> (Mile Marker 83, Upper Matecumbe Key, Florida Keys)
The Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost
82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
(Mile Marker 82, Upper Matecumbe Key, Florida Keys) https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/plunge-into-the-history-of-diving-museum-islamorada-florida/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Bimini February Fishing Report from Coastal Angler Magazine&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/wahoo1.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1088 " title="Wahoo" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/wahoo1.jpg" alt="" width="495" height="662" /></a>Stephanie George shows off her first wahoo catch. Photo by Capt. Skipper Gentry.
The new year got off to a great start in <a title="About Bimini" href="http://www.bahamas.com/out-islands/bimini" target="_blank">Bimini</a>. In January, we caught a little bit of everything, from a scale bending 101.4 pound wahoo to a bright, beautiful sailfish that was hooked up and later released by a couple of newlyweds. As is customary this time of year, we also landed some big bull dolphins and several nice yellowfin tuna. The one thing all this action had in common – we caught everything right out front between Bimini and Cat Cay.
February is a great month to be in Bimini, with a wide range of target species in good numbers. We should see a few blue marlin showing up in the current edges, somewhere in the range of 600 to 1200 feet of water. Successful anglers targeting blues will be pulling mainly artificial. The blue marlin bite was pretty strong last year and should be the same this year.
For anglers wanting to do some high speed trolling, the wahoo bite will be in full swing this month. Zig zagging between 120 to 450 feet of water from Bimini to Ocean Cay will be the most productive grounds for wahoo. If you’re just looking for table fare, ballyhoo on mono, as well as a few #9 wire rigs, will produce a few wahoo, as well as a few dolphin. And, as always, deep dropping for yelloweye and queen snapper is an awesome way to guarantee a great meal for the entire crew.
FORECAST BY : Capt. Skipper Gentry
<a title="BBGC web site" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club</a>/ <a title="GHO web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Outpost Resort</a><a title="GHO web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com" target="_blank"> </a>
Phone: (305) 320-3011 or (242) 347-3391
Email: <a href="mailto:skipper@carolinagnetleman.net">skipper@carolinagnetleman.net </a>
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/bimini-february-fishing-report-from-coastal-angler-magazine/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=New GUY HARVEY® Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Game Debuts Today&body=<a href="http://www.flalottery.com/promote.do"><img title="Guy Harvey Scratch-Off Game " src="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/flalotterymobilelandingpage.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="508" /></a>
Proceeds benefit education and marine conservation in the State of Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—APRIL 3, 2012— For fans of marine wildlife artist and conservationist <a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guy Harvey</a> there’s a new collector’s series of lottery tickets that will be available starting today—priced at just $2.
Dr. Harvey and the <a title="Florida Lottery web site" href="http://www.flalottery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Lottery</a> today are officially launching the <a title="Guy Harvey Scratch-Off Game" href="http://www.flalottery.com/promote.do" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GUY HARVEY® Scratch-Off game</a>, featuring a series of <a title="Guy Harvey Scratch-Off Tickets" href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150586035320966.370981.120398390965&type=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">six colorful wildlife illustrations</a> designed by the world renowned marine artist.
During a March 23rd <a title="Video highlights from press conference" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DrGuyHarvey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">press conference</a>, Dr. Harvey announced that his licensing proceeds from the sale of the tickets will benefit the <a title="GHOF web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation</a>, a marine conservation organization that funds educational programs aimed at informing children and young adults about their role in conserving Florida’s marine ecosystem.
Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O’Connell anticipates sales of the GUY HARVEY® Scratch-Off Game to generate about $3.5 million for Florida’s education system.
“This partnership with the Florida Lottery is unique and I am happy to launch a product that will help Florida’s schools as well as the state’s precious marine resources,” said Dr. Guy Harvey. “I am especially looking forward to fishing with the winner of the <a title="Cayman Islands web site" href="http://www.caymanislands.ky/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grand Cayman</a> trip. We will have a great time!”
Dr. Harvey was referring to a <a title="About the Second Chance Promotion" href="https://secondchance.flalottery.com/secondchance/howtoplay_2012-GuyHarvey.do" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Second Chance Promotion</a> that offers players the chance to win the fishing trip of a lifetime.
The $2 GUY HARVEY® Scratch-Off game offers cash prizes of up to $30,000 and overall odds to win of one-in-4.37. Additionally, non-winning GUY HARVEY® tickets may be entered in the Guy Harvey® Sportsman’s Paradise Second Chance Promotion on the Lottery’s website.
Four drawings will be held between April 25 and June 27 with 12 winners selected in each drawing.
Grand prize winners will receive a Sportsman’s Paradise fishing trip for two to one of several fantastic fishing destinations including St. Petersburg Beach, Hawks Cay, Rum Cay in the Bahamas, or Grand Cayman Island, where one lucky winner and a guest will get the opportunity of a lifetime – to go fishing with Guy Harvey himself!
Second prize winners in the drawing will receive an original Guy Harvey® framed watercolor painting and the third prize winners will receive a $200 gift certificate to <a title="GHS web site" href="http://www.guyharveysportswear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GuyHarveySportswear.com.</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/new-guy-harvey-florida-lottery-scratch-off-game-debuts-today/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=GHOF and The Humane Society of the U.S. Team Up with Shark-Free Marina Initiative&body=I am pleased to announce that the <a title="GHOF web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation</a> is participating in a new campaign with <a title="HSUS web site" href="http://www.humanesociety.org" target="_blank">The Humane Society of the United States</a> and the <a title="SFMI web site" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/" target="_blank">Shark-Free Marina Initiative</a> that will raise the bar in protecting shark populations in the U.S. and the Bahamas, while also generating awareness of shark conservation on a global scale.
<a href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-181" title="SFMI Logo" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/sfmilogo.jpg?w=280" alt="" width="196" height="210" /></a>
The <a title="Mission of the SFMI " href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/about/about-us" target="_blank">goal of this campaign</a> is to significantly increase the number of resorts and marinas that are designated "shark-free", which means they actively prohibit any sharks from being landed at their docks. In support of this program, the <a title="BBGC web site" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina</a>, has been officially declared a "Shark-Free Marina".
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/biminibiggameclub"><img class="size-medium wp-image-183" title="The Cleaning Station at the Bimini Big Game Club's "Shark-Free Marina"" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cleaning-station-shark-free.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>The Bimini Big Game Club's cleaning station proudly displays the "Shark-Free Marina" sign
To learn more about this program, read the <a title="SFMI press release" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/news/sfmi-news/602-october-campaign" target="_blank">SFMI press release</a> and then visit the <a title="SFMI web site" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/" target="_blank">SFMI web site</a> to learn how you can help sign up new "shark-free" resorts and marinas.
Cheers!
<a title="SFMI Press Release" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/news/sfmi-news/602-october-campaign" target="_blank">SFMI Press Release</a>
<a title="SFMI Advisors" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/about/board" target="_blank">List of SFMI Advisors</a>
<a title="Celebrity Endorsements" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/about/board/celebrity-endorsements" target="_blank">List of Celebrity Endorsements</a>
<a title="SFMI web site" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/" target="_blank">SFMI web site</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/ghof-and-the-humane-society-of-the-u-s-team-up-with-shark-free-marina-initiative/){kind=link}
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