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The effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on wildlife aggression toward humans have received little attention. Records from French Polynesia show that the annual average of about five shark bites on humans from 2009 to 2019 increased significantly to 15 in 2020, despite the virtual absence of humans from the marine environment during a six-week curfew in April–May 2020. Bites then returned to baseline levels in 2021 (N = 4), 2022 (N = 5), and 2023 (N = 2). Most bites in 2020 occurred just after the lockdown and were attributed to gray reef sharks, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos , displaying territoriality rather than self-defense or predatory behaviours. This temporary increase in shark bites suggests that natural territorial behavior, typically suppressed by continued human presence, reemerged during the Anthropause, providing new insights into shark risks for ocean users and the management of human–predator interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on predator–prey interactions between sharks and cetaceans remain limited. Here, we report on a video of a shortfin mako shark circling a finless porpoise with a damaged caudal fin in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. The finless porpoise was neither emaciated nor inactive, but unable to swim effectively due to the complete lack of a caudal fin. Some circumstantial evidence, including a bite mark on the porpoise's head, strongly suggests that the mako shark attacked it. Furthermore, the possible time difference between the two injuries the porpoise sustained may reflect the shark's hunting tactics. While mako sharks primarily feed on small fish and cephalopods, this observation suggests they also may prey on live cetaceans more often than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How can we make rational decisions that involve transformative experiences, that is, experiences that can radically change our core preferences? L. A. Paul ([2014]. Transformative Experience. Oxford: Oxford University Press.) has argued that many decisions involving transformative experiences cannot be rational. However, Paul acknowledges that some traumatic events can be transformative experiences, but are nevertheless not an obstacle to rational decision-making. For instance, being attacked by hungry sharks would be a transformative experience, and yet, deciding not to swim with hungry sharks is rational. Paul has tried to explain why decisions involving 'sharky' outcomes are an exception to the rule. However, her putative explanation has been criticized by Campbell and Mosquera ([2020]. 'Transformative Experience and the Shark Problem.' Philosophical Studies 177: 3549–3565.). In this paper, I offer a different solution to this problem. Roughly, I argue that transformative experiences give rise a problem for rational decision-making only if the decision can lead to satisfying some of our (new) core preferences, but can also frustrate other (new) core preferences. I also argue that agents can partially project what traumatic transformative experiences are like. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), a species of sleeper shark that has recently gained scientific attention. The Greenland shark is the longest living vertebrate, with an estimated lifespan of at least 272 years. It is found in the deep-water and coastal regions of the Arctic and North Atlantic and can grow up to 5.5 meters in length. While it primarily feeds on seals and large fish, it is unclear whether it is an active predator or a scavenger. The article also mentions historical accounts of Greenland sharks consuming human remains, although it is uncertain whether these incidents involved live attacks or scavenging. The Greenland shark is not considered a threat to humans as it mainly inhabits cold and deep waters. [Extracted from the article]

The Mistaken Identity Hypothesis (MIH) interprets shark bites on surfers, swimmers and snorkelers as 'mistakes' stemming primarily from similarities in the visual appearance of ocean users and the sharks typical prey. MIH is now widely accepted as fact by the general public and some sections of the scientific community despite remaining unproven. This hypothesis assumes that 'mistaken' shark bites on humans result primarily from confusing visual cues and ignores the important role of other senses (e.g. hearing) in discriminating potential prey. A far simpler 'natural exploration' hypothesis can reasonably explain not only shark bites that have been characterized as 'mistaken identity' events but also those that cannot be reasonably explained by MIH (e.g. shark bites that occur in very clear water). Simply stated, sharks don't make 'mistakes' but instead continually explore their environments and routinely investigate novel objects as potential prey by biting them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dive studies across mammals, birds, reptiles and fish often focus on deep dives, and shallow water diving has tended to be overlooked. For air-breathers, foraging in shallow water poses challenges since the lungs generate buoyancy, and shallow divers must trade off the extent of inhalation against the negative buoyancy needed to avoid floating to the surface. Using high-resolution depth loggers, we addressed this knowledge gap around the ecology of shallow water diving at a foraging site for hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) where depth was typically < 3 m. Contrary to predictions, dive durations were long, particularly at night (mean dive duration per turtle: 17–61 min, n = 12 turtles, n = 2576 nocturnal dives), despite warm water temperatures (24–37 °C). Dive efficiency (% time submerged) for hawksbills was 98%, the highest recorded for any air-breathing marine vertebrate including penguins (60–78%), seals (51–91%), cetaceans (68–87%), and other sea turtle species (68–95%). Hawksbills usually dive for much longer (42–286% increase) than green and loggerhead turtles when depth and temperature are accounted for. Hawksbill turtles likely forage in very shallow water to reduce predation risk from sharks: of 423 hawksbills captured by hand, none had any evidence of shark attack, although large sharks were present in nearby deeper water. Our results challenge the prediction that shallow water dives by air-breathers will usually be short and open the way for comparative studies of the ecology of shallow water diving in a range of other taxa. Our work emphasises the likely importance of predation risk in shaping patterns of habitat utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

But the lesson does indicate that data from five animals are reported: red brocket deer, lowland tapir, collared peccary, lowland paca, and black agouti. However, when scientists work with data, they look for all three kinds of differences when making sense of data, as each influences how they interpret what the data patterns could mean. Making sense of patterns in data and talking effectively about our conclusions from data requires nuance. The students are trying to take data from two mammals and make broad statements about all mammals (note this is especially tricky as collared peccaries and lowland tapirs seem to have different relationships with lick size). [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: A thorough search of traditional and digital libraries was conducted for retrieving issues on the interaction of the Greek fisheries with shark species. A significant contribution was made through newspaper collections covering both the Athenian and provincial press including Crete Island for a century (1883–1983). Our historical search showed that large species were common in the Greek Seas, a phenomenon not suspected from datasets of modern fishery surveys. The detection of sharks due to local media gradually increased up to 1969, with most records being more frequent for the Aegean Sea, whereas the number of sharks being sighted declined leading up to the middle of 1980s. The crucial point is that a large number of these observations were related to shark attacks on people, whereas this is not currently evident. The historical records presented here show us that the knowledge of the past can motivate us to identify strategies and policies that can be more acceptable for communities and thus succeed for conservation. The lack of historical data on shark presence, distribution, and status in the Eastern Mediterranean undermines efforts to manage and protect their populations. An exhaustive review of anecdotal references related to shark presence during the early and development phase of Greek fisheries (1883–1983) was conducted. In the early-20th century (1912), the first sighting of the presence of a dead shark was reported in the Ionian Sea. Later on, the presence of sharks gradually increased up to 1969, with most records being more frequent for the Aegean Sea, whereas the number of sharks being sighted declined leading up to the middle of 1980s. The increase in shark attacks during the mid-20th century led to a calling for culling of sharks in co-operation with the competent authorities promoting the permission to hunt sharks with firearms and offering rewards for killed individuals. A high number of these observations potentially resulted from shark attacks on people, whereas this is not currently evident. This is an indicator of the lower abundance of sharks in modern times and subsequently an alteration in the way that our current modern society is approaching the protection of such vulnerable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While personal electric deterrents can reduce the risk of shark bites, evidence for the efficacy of other products is limited. We assessed two versions of a novel electric deterrent—80 and 150 volts (V)—designed to protect a large area (8 m deep × 6 m wide) or to be linked together for greater spatial coverage. We did 116 experimental trials on 43 white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) to assess: (a) percentage of baits taken; (b) distance between bait and shark; (c) number of passes; and (d) whether sharks reacted to the deterrent. The proportion of baits taken was reduced by 24% (80 V) and 48% (150 V), although the high variance of the effect coefficient precluded statistical differentiation. Only the 150-V deterrent increased the distance between bait and shark (control: 1.59 ± 0.28 m versus active deterrent: 3.33 ± 0.33 m), but both versions increased the likelihood of a reaction (average reaction distance: 1.88 ± 0.14 m). Results were similar whether we measured distances using stereo-cameras or estimated them in situ , suggesting that stereo-cameras might not be necessary to quantify distances between sharks and baits. Our findings provide more evidence that electric deterrents can reduce the risk of shark bite, but the restricted efficacy limits the suitability of this device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding predator–prey relationships is critical in ecology, but relatively challenging when investigating elusive marine megafauna. In this study, we document the presence of shark-inflicted injuries on coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mesoamerican Reef System using photo-identification methods. We analyzed data from a total of 533 photo-identified bottlenose dolphins in Mexico (Ascención Bay, Espíritu Santo Bay, and Chetumal Bay), Belize (Turneffe Atoll, Drowned Cayes, Barrier Reef, and Placencia), and Honduras (Utila). We identified 16 individuals with shark-inflicted injury scars consistent with attacks by large sharks of the Family Carcharhinidae. Additionally, two bottlenose dolphins were encountered with round-shaped crater wounds, likely inflicted by a cookiecutter shark (Isistius spp.). The prevalence of shark-inflicted wounds in bottlenose dolphins varied markedly between sites, with the highest prevalence in Placencia and Ascención Bay (Mexico), and lowest in Turneffe Atoll and Drowned Cayes (Belize). Further research is required to evaluate how predation risk shapes the ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Mesoamerican Reef region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species identification following shark-related incidents is critical for effective incident management and for collecting data to inform shark-bite mitigation strategies. Witness statements are not always reliable, and species identification is often ambiguous or missing. Alternative methods for species identification include morphological assessments of bite marks, analysis of collected teeth at the scene of the incident, and genetic approaches. However, access to appropriate collection media and robust genetic assays have limited the use of genetic technologies. Here, we present a case study that facilitated a unique opportunity to compare the effectiveness of medical gauze readily available in first-aid kits, and forensic-grade swabs in collecting genetic material for shark-species identification. Sterile medical gauze and forensic-grade swabs were used to collect transfer DNA from the bite margins on a bitten surf ski which were compared to a piece of shark tissue embedded along the bite margin. Witness accounts and the characteristics of the bite mark impressions inferred the involvement of a Carcharodon carcharias (white shark). The morphology of a tooth found on the boat that picked up the surf ski, however, suggested it belonged to an Orectolobus spp. (wobbegong). Genetic analysis of DNA transferred from the shark to the surf ski included the application of a broad-target nested PCR assay followed by Sanger sequencing, with white shark contribution to the 'total sample DNA' determined with a species-specific qPCR assay. The results of the genetic analyses were congruent between sampling methods with respect to species identification and the level of activity inferred by the donor-specific DNA contribution. These data also supported the inferences drawn from the bite mark morphology. DNA from the recovered tooth was PCR amplified with a wobbegong-specific primer pair designed for this study to corroborate the tooth's morphological identification. Following the confirmation of gauze used for sampling in the case study event, two additional isolated incidents occurred and were sampled in situ using gauze, as typically found in a first-aid kit, by external personnel. DNA extracted from these gauze samples resulted in the identification of a white shark as the donor of the DNA collected from the bite marks in both instances. This study, involving three incidents separated by time and location, represents the seminal application of gauze as a sampling media after critical human-shark interactions and strongly supports the practical implementation of these methods in the field. • Successful species ID in three incidents involving human-shark interactions. • Transfer DNA collected using swabs and gauze, given the same species ID as tissue. • Novel gauze used for transfer DNA collection from shark bites in situ is supported. • qPCR and Sanger sequencing techniques provided species ID 33 days post-incident. • Guidelines for assay selection and usage in complex ecosystems discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Shark hazard mitigation measures are often introduced after human-shark interactions, which are increasing. Such measures are often contentious, and care is needed to reduce the risk to ocean users without causing negative ecosystem impacts. Here, we examined the effectiveness of Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time (SMART) drumlines to catch, tag, relocate and release white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in the Capes region of Western Australia. The project aimed to examine the movement patterns of white sharks' post-release to determine whether their relocation provided a reduction in risk for ocean users. The effectiveness of the program was also evaluated in terms of minimising the mortality of all animals caught. In total, 352 fish were caught over the 27-month trial period and 91% of animals were released alive in good condition. Only two white sharks (target species) were caught, both of which moved immediately offshore after capture and remained predominantly in offshore waters for the duration of tag deployment. The detection of 24 other tagged white sharks within the acoustic array during the trial period confirms that the target species were not always amenable to capture. Our results reiterate there is no simple remedy for dealing with the complexities of shark hazards and reinforce the importance of trialing mitigation measures under local conditions. The management of human-shark interactions can benefit from the implementation of effective shark hazard mitigation measures. A Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time (SMART) drumline trial in the Capes region of Western Australia was instigated after several serious incidents involving surfers and white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). The project aimed to determine whether white sharks (target species), which were relocated after capture, remained offshore using satellite and acoustic tagging. Over a 27-month period, 352 fish were caught, 55% of which comprised tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier). Ninety-one percent of animals were released alive in good condition. Only two white sharks were caught; both were relocated ≥ 1 km offshore before release and moved immediately further offshore after capture, remaining predominately in offshore waters for the duration of their 54-day and 186-day tag deployments. Our results confirm that desirable animal welfare outcomes can be achieved using SMART drumlines when response times are minimised. The low target catches and the detection of 24 other tagged white sharks within the study area supported the decision to cease the trial. Our results reiterate there is no simple remedy for dealing with the complexities of shark hazards and reinforce the importance of trialing mitigation measures under local conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This brief report looks at the language used by The New York Times to report on human-shark interactions and whether they go beyond the phrase "shark attack". "Shark attack" is a phrase that holds a powerful psychological position in the mind of the public and directs the way sharks are talked about in society. However, it raises concerns because the phrase "shark attack" tells a one-dimensional story of shark behavior, which is often misleading. Data shows that between 32–38% of reported shark "attacks" have no injury at all. As a result, scrutiny of media reporting on different types of human-shark interactions is important. This study found The New York Times still uses shark "attack" language but has begun to layer it with more scientifically accurate shark "bite" and "sighting" narratives that convey less sensational stories. This is part of a growing trend to incorporate a broader lexicon that explains that not every interaction with sharks' results in injury or fatality. The social and political dynamics around human–shark interactions are a growing area of interest in marine social science. The question motivating this article asks to what extent media reporting by The New York Times has engaged beyond the lexicon of "shark attack" discourse to describe human–shark interactions. It is important because different styles of reporting on human–shark interactions can influence the public's perceptions about sharks and support for shark conservation. This media outlet is also a paper of record whose editorial style choices may influence the broader media landscape. I review reporting language from The New York Times for 10 years between 2012 and 2021 (n = 36). I present three findings: first, I argue that The New York Times has had an increased frequency in use of the term "shark bite" to describe human–shark interactions. Secondly, I find that shark "attack" is still used consistently with other narratives. Third, there appears to be an increased use of "sightings; encounter; and incident" descriptors since 2020. The implication of this is a layered approach to reporting on human–shark interactions that diversifies away from a one-dimensional shark "attack" discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World's Most Misunderstood Predator" by David Shiffman is a book that aims to dispel myths and misconceptions about sharks. The author, a marine conservationist, argues that healthy shark populations are beneficial for humans and that fear of sharks has led to the marginalization of shark conservation efforts. The book provides an overview of shark ecology and explores the challenges and controversies surrounding shark conservation. It also includes personal anecdotes, humor, and references to popular culture. The book concludes with information on shark organizations and ways for readers to get involved in shark conservation. [Extracted from the article]

"The Killer Whale Journals: Our Love and Fear of Orcas" by Hanne Strager is a captivating book that takes readers on a journey studying killer whales. The book combines elements of history, natural history, autobiography, and travel writing, providing a unique perspective on the relationships between humans and killer whales. While it may not be a traditional natural history book, it offers detailed descriptions of killer whale behaviors and explores various human-whale relationships around the world. The book is a fast-paced and enjoyable read, suitable for those interested in travel writing, research history, and encounters with the natural world. [Extracted from the article]

Shark attack-related injuries (SARIs) are rare but may result in highly complex wounds requiring reconstruction by plastic surgeons. Here, we present an unusual case of SARI of the breast and briefly review literature on reconstructive management of (1) breast injuries from other large animals and (2) SARIs to other parts of the body. Our patient was a 39-year-old woman who experienced massive bilateral breast tissue loss from a shark attack. After primary surgical wound management, including debridement and washout, the patient underwent completion mastectomy with bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction. Literature review revealed that reports of animal-related injuries to the breast are rare, with ours being the first on SARI to the breast and the only describing major reconstruction of animal-related breast injury. Literature on reconstruction of non-breast SARI wounds is limited to two case reports describing severe tissue damage akin to that seen in our patient, both necessitating extensive debridement followed by reconstruction. Overall, our findings demonstrate the uniquely devastating damage resulting from SARIs and the value of primary wound management and abdominally based free flaps in successfully reconstructing these wounds. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]