Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Dah Dum....Dah Dum....Da Dum....Sharkbeat

Look at this map of shark attacks reported in the United States between 1670 and 2000. Which states have had the highest numbers of shark attacks?

Florida and California are very popular places to swim and to take beach vacations. Knowing this, why might these two states have had the highest numbers of shark attacks?

Just what is it that scares us so?

John Singleton Copley, Watson and the Shark, 1778. National Gallery of Art, Ferdinand Lammot Belin Fund 1963.6.1


What do you think you know? Which of these "FACTS" are TRUE.. which are FALSE?

Most sharks are harmful to people.
Sharks must roll over on their sides to bite.

Sharks eat continuously.
Sharks prefer human blood.

Sharks are not discriminating eaters and scavenge the sea.

Whale sharks, the largest species of sharks, are voracious predators.

The great white shark is a common, abundant species found off most beaches visited by humans.

Sharks are not found in freshwater.

All sharks have to swim constantly.
Sharks have poor vision.

Sharks are hard to kill.
Most sharks cruise at high speed when they swim.

Sharks have peanut-sized brains and are in
capable of learning.

Shark meat is poisonous to people.

All sharks have to swim constantly.
Sharks are trash fish.
The biggest enemy to sharks is man.


Read the article in The St. Pete Times ....

They're back

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor

Interactive Anatomy: The Great White’s Weapons

Welcome to RJD from R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation on Vimeo.

Join an expedition

RJD Virtual Expedition 1: Departure and Deployment from R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation on Vimeo.


  1. Hey Mr.V!
    I really enjoyed reading the blog. It was much cooler than I expected. The videos are awesome, interesting photos, and I also enjoyed feeding the fish at the bottom! Can't wait to explore more of the blog!

    Class Orange

  2. I'm glad you enjoyed it Max. Put two (2) in the bonus box.

  3. I honestly think there is no reason as to why people feel the need to kill these sharks. Honestly, I think people got that idea from Jaws. In all, most sharks will not harm you unless provoked. If people want their oh-so-precious shark teeth, they should dive down to the bottom of their 150-200 feet bay. DON'T KILL THE SHARKS.
    -Justin, Blue

  4. Well stated Justin !

    Thanks for the contributions.


  5. I agree with Justin we basically invaded there world, why should be the ones dominating. Thanks for the shark blog. Never new there was that much to sharks.


  6. Good conversation going here.. keep it up!
    (two 2)

  7. Mr. V

    You said that sharks don't live in freshwater. But Hasn't there been sightings of bull sharks in freshwater like the Mississippi river. And they have been sighted as far north as New Jersey.

    Kevin, Blue

  8. Mr. V

    You also said that all sharks need to constantly swim but can't some sharks mount themselves on a rocks were there is a strong current coming to there gills so they can still get the oxygen.

    Kevin, Blue

  9. Kevin, I never said either of those, I even shared the story of "schlafen sharks" (sleeping sharks) in Cosumel where you can go down and pet them. but if you approach from the rear they will sense is as "danger" and awaken.

    Glad to know you are reading the materials however!