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| Sandbar sharks come to Boncuk Bay to mate and breed. |
After a long absence, I have some wonderful news to share with you! Every year, sandbar sharks (Charcarhinus plumbeus) come to Boncuk Bay in the Gulf of Gokova to breed. These sharks measure 2-2.5 metres long and weigh around 100 kg. This past May, my friends at the SAD-EKOG (the ecology group) set up a research group to study the sharks in their environment.
Contrary to their reputation, sharks are very shy and easily frightened, so it is impossible to get close to them underwater using noisy scuba equipment. However, our team got special permission to use closed circuit rebreather equipment that is silent and allowed them to get close to the beautiful creatures. Boncuk Bay is the only known spot in the Aegean where sharks come to mate and breed. An Italian team working here captured on film a shark giving birth to a baby. Mothers give birth to around 8-15 babies that measure around 45 cm long and are an exact replica of the adults.
The sandbar shark is a protected species as its population is rapidly falling due to its low birth rate and illegal hunting. Since they are at the top of the food chain, these animals need our help. As a result, the SAD-EKOG have decided to set up a scientific project with the aim of working with other teams in the area, attracting international funding, and protecting the sharks from hunting and scuba divers so that they can breed in peace. I hope you will show my shark friends the same support you have shown us seals!
Sleepyhead
To become a Mediterranean monk seal mother or father, your donation must be at least 50 YTL. To become a seal sibling, your donation must be at least 30 YTL. 20 YTL or more makes you a seal friend. Contact the SAD-AFAG for details. Tel: +90 312-213 08 34. www.afag.org
