Tag: sharks
Shark feeding has put local divers at risk, DoE warns
(CNS): It appears that sharks swimming in local waters have begun to associate food with SCUBA divers. The department of environment recently received a report of a shark closely approaching a SCUBA diver who had a lionfish culling spear and empty bucket. When the diver lifted the spear for self-defense, the shark opened its mouth. […]
Over 500 reef and nurse sharks in local waters
(CNS): Scientists from the Department of Environment have published the first estimates of population sizes and home ranges for Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks in Cayman Islands waters and the first estimate of the reef shark population globally. Footage from baited underwater video systems (BRUVS) and photo ID, used as a non-invasive alternative to […]
At least seven sharks killed in local waters
(CNS): The Department of Environment recovered the bodies of six dead sharks from local waters last month and the fins of a nurse shark were found left on the dock at the Lobster Pot. Two of the dead sharks were Caribbean reef sharks found at the Newlands boat dock and had been killed with a […]
Protection, changing culture sees sharks flourish
(CNS): Shark numbers are now higher in Cayman Islands’ waters than in many other Caribbean islands, research data has revealed, as a result of conservation measures and a shift in attitude towards these critically important reef predators. Although there is still some way to go to ensure that they flourish, local shark populations have benefitted […]
DoE calls for photos of Cayman’s ocean predators
(CNS): As part of an ongoing research project monitoring the shark, grouper and snapper populations around the Cayman Islands, the Department of Environment is calling on divers, snorkellers and fishermen to upload any pictures they snap of these ocean predators to Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtag #SpotThatCayFish, to help scientists in their work. The citizen […]
Local shark numbers declining warns, DoE
(CNS): Marine researchers have found that the number of sharks found in local waters are lower than expected when compared to research conducted just a few years ago. Sharks have a key role to play in keeping reefs healthy with strong fish numbers and work is underway by a team from the Department of the […]
Funding secured to protect local sharks
(CNS): The Department of Environment has secured a funding award of around $300k to continue the study and conservation of local sharks and other big fish on Cayman’s reefs, which experts say are essential to the enhancement of reef resilience in the islands’ marine habitat. The two-year Darwin Plus Award will fund an ongoing project to […]
