Although the public fascination with sharks is sure to pull huge interest and rating numbers during the annual Shark Week 2013 that begins Monday, marine scientists such as Guy Harvey are reminding the public that shark conservation is a 52-week obligation.
From seeding money to support a tag-and-release structure for shark tournaments, launching expeditions to study these apex predators in their environment and funding ongoing scientific research, such as the national Guy Harvey Fisheries Symposium scheduled for September in Florida, Harvey and fellow conservationists are working hard to give sharks a fighting chance.
Shark populations around the world are continuing to spiral downward, the result of devastating commercial fishing techniques and an exotic taste for shark-fin soup — an expensive delicacy for which tens of millions of sharks are killed annually.
Late last month, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation provided $10,000 in cash prizes to the top anglers in the Shark’s Eye tournament held in Montauk, N.Y., a satellite tag-and-release tournament, with 64 total sharks caught over two days. All sharks were tagged and released, and four received satellite tags so their movements can be tracked.
More highlights from the Shark’s Eye tournament will be aired nationally Monday on NBC’s “Today” show.
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