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We had some regulars with us this trip. Mary O’Malley and Lupo Dion of Shark Savers, along with our old friend Douglas Seifert were on with us. Ila France Porcher joined us to meet back up with sharks for the first time in years. We also had diving legend, Stan Waterman with us, which is always a treat. With such a great group we wanted to offer all we could. We started with turtles, which turned out some great photo opportunities. Soon after, we were moored shark paradise, where we were greeted by 3 tigers, 1 lemon and about 20 reefs. Immediately we went to End of the Map. We had numerous bulls and tigers but were unable to pull in any Great Hammerheads for Stan to see. With weather picking up we decided to head back to Tiger Beach. Over the next few days we dove with numerous tigers, having 8 at the most on one dive. One new tiger was named Matti after our crew member who seemed to have a friendship with her immediately. She was with us on every dive this trip. The big shark news from this trip though, EMMA IS BACK. She snuck right in on us at the beginning of the last day. How an enormous, PREGNANT, Tiger Shark sneaks in so gracefully is beyond me. She was amazing to dive with. Immidately upon Jim hearing of her return, he was in the water enjoying the day with his old friend. We spent the entire day with the numerous tigers before heading home. Goodbye Emma, we will be back in a month after our Oceanic Whitetip trips.

 

Last week was all French, this week our guests come from Spain. We treated them to dives at sites such as Hammertime and Crystal Tiger. One of our favorite sharks, Jamin Shark, was around this week. When she is in the water everyone gets pictures and video. We had 8 tigers and climbing, but seceded to head over to End of the Map a little early in hopes of even more species. We were able to find around 30 Bull Sharks, 7 Tigers, and one shy Great Hammerhead. We had to be very patient but eventually the hammerhead gave great photo opportunities. Hopefuly by next trip she will have warmed up to us and comes back for more.

 

Drastic decline of oceanic due to exploitative commercial fishing have placed many pelagic sharks at risk of extinction. Once, one of the most abundant shark on the planet, Oceanic Whitetip shark populations have plummeted. For example, a recent study demonstrated that Oceanic whitetips population have declined by 99 percent in the Gulf of Mexico in the past fifty years and continue to disappear. The time to act is now..

What: Join a special expedition to the Bahamas to study, film, photograph and research the magnificent and mysterious Oceanic whitetip shark. Led by University of Miami Scientist – Dr. Neil Hammerschlag – and world-renowned shark expert – Jim Abernethy – this unique expedition will provide participants with the opportunity to contribute to exciting shark conservation research. Time will be spent above and below the water with Oceanic whitetip sharks.

Who: We are seeking the help of dedicated photographers and filmmakers to document Oceanic Whitetip shark conservation and research activities. We also need the help of shark enthusiasts and dedicated conservationists to assist in hands-on shark research activities. During this expedition we will be deploying the latest in satellite tag technology on Oceanic Whitetip sharks. We will also have an opportunity to get in the water and interact with these magnificent species.

When: May 17-26, 2012 (10 days)

Price: $4,000.00 per person.

Bahamian Departure and Usage tax are not included. Nitrox is also not included.

Target species: Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Check out a cool video montage of our expeditions here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1te6D3SDpuM&feature=player_embedded

The lack of data on Oceanic Whitetip sharks coupled with the growing body of evidence of recent declines and the surge of destructive fishing activities is the motivation of this unique expedition of scientists, photographers, film-makers and conservationists.

The objectives of this expedition are three-fold: (1) satellite tag Oceanic Whitetips; (2) document this species and our research activities through film and photography; (3) scuba dive with these amazing sharks in their natural environment, while promoting shark conservation.

For more information: email Dr. Neil Hammerschlag at neilhammerschlag@gmail.com or call (305) 951-6577

Booking info: To reserve your spot on this trip, please contact Christina at info@scuba-adventures.com or call toll free: 888-901-DIVE (3483) or local: 561-842-6356

For more information and our ongoing research and conservation efforts, please visit:

http://www.rjd.miami.edu

SPACE IS LIMITED  – SO PLEASE RESERVE SOON