We Love Sharks!

Bonnet head shark captured and released on of our shark fishing trips!

One of the apex predators of the tidal salt marsh is the shark! In South Carolina waters there are about 38 species of sharks, skates, and rays. These are all cartilaginous fish—the same squishy stuff that makes up your nose & ears. Though sharks have backbones like we do, theirs is made up of cartilage. Sharks also have senses just like we do but they have a 6th sense. Touch, taste, smell, sound, sight, and electromagnetic sensory. With this sixth sense sharks are able to pick up “vibrations” or electric pulses of other potential prey items heart beat. 

There are several threats to sharks and most of them are human caused. Fishing gear (nets or line), plastic pollution, shark finning, and decreased prey items from over fishing are just some of the threats to sharks. It is important to have sharks in our ecosystems to maintain the fish population balance. If there were no sharks there would be a terribly unbalanced ocean. Unfortunately scientists estimate that about 100 million sharks are killed every year by human causes. 

By learning more about these incredible predators and the vital role they play in our oceans, we can all take small steps to protect them. Whether it’s reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable seafood, or simply spreading awareness, we each have the power to make a difference. Sharks may seem scary, but the real danger is an ocean without them.