Keep Ocearch Out of California (protect our white sharks)

A protected and endangered species, the white shark, is being treated like a lab rat, damaged, tortured, harrassed, and driven from its habitat for the sake of ratings.  How can something like this happen? Big headlines claiming this is done for the good of the shark seems to passify most people.  However, a closer look reveals the horror of this television program.

Why are permits being issued that allow such activity?  False information? Lack of awareness? Corruption? The power of big networks?  Exactly how they are getting away with it is arguable, but there is one thing that is clear: This is not in the best interest of the shark and must be stopped.  Marine sanctuaries provide an opportunity to protect animals from such terrible treatment, but only if they deny permits to enter sanctuary waters.

Consier the following:

• No Justification. To date, Ocearch (Fischer Industries, Fox Networks, any other name they operate under.) have not produced a single shred of evidence that they have a plan to use their "research" for the good of the shark.  Just saying "this is in good for the shark" should not be enough to earn a permit, particularly for a threatened species.  What is the conservation plan? Will funds from the show go toward protecting the shark?  Are any funds at all donated back to science? Exactly how will Ocearch protect the shark with this research?  None of these questions have been answered, yet these big game fishermen are allowed to enter waters and do things that other people would be arrested for.

• No Results. The controversial SPOT tags that are BOLTED onto the sharks have yet to produce results that warrant any excitement.  Less invasive tags have been used for more than a decade providing the same if not better information.  Having said that, how can one justify the use of a tag that damages the animal and produces no considerable results?  SPOT tag research has been going on since 2007 and has yet to yield results superior to migratory data already established.  Scientists with respect for the animal's well-being have published fantastic migratory data leading to incredible discoveries without the use of these new and terribly invasive methods.  One has to ask, even if the SPOT tags produced superior information, exactly what type of aquired information justifies the horrible treatment of a threatened species?  My answer: No data justifies this.

• Death and Damage to the Species. An endangered species is being treated like a lab rat.  The numbers of white sharks in our oceans are shockingly low and cannot be exposed to treatment that can potentially changes their feeding habits, mating habits, or migratory habits.  And it should go without saying that an endangered species should not be subjucted to treatment that can and has damaged and killed the animal.  Yes, I said killed.  While filming in South Africa this sping, the crew on Ocearch killed a white shark.  Futhermore, they have damaged other white sharks and each animal that they manage to capture is subjected to the following: 1. Hooked through the mouth or gills with a giant, metal hook, 2. Dragged to the point of mortal exhaustion, 3. Hauled out of the water for 15 - 20 minutes, a time during which the not only is the animal not breathing properly, but is also being crushed under its own wieght without the support of the ocean holding its girth (white sharks regularly weigh over a ton), and a massive tag is bolted, I repeat, BOLTED onto its dorsal fin. Anyone who has seen the footage is aware that the animal sinks pathetically away from the boat, seeming to be barely alive once they are the ordeal is finally finished.  Yes, usually the animal survives due to the white shark being a stunngingly resilient animal, but an animal's resilience is not justification to push it to its limits.

• Proof of Disruption to Lifecycle.  Guadalupe, The Farallones, and South Africa have all reported the immediate disappearance of local sharks and decline of shark activity following the presence of the Ocearch vessel.  This is not debated, it is documented and proven. This means an endangered animal has been chased out of its own habitat during a crucial period of its life, the feeding season.  This is being done in the name of science? Try in the name of fortune and fame.

•  Dorsal Fin Damage.  Do a quick Google search for images of SPOT tags on dorsal fins and you'll understand quickly.  These large transmitors bend the dorsal fin, an appendage that is important to the speed, steering, and agility of this hunter.