Baby sharks moved to ‘big school’

FOUR Scalloped Hammerhead sharks were moved to the uShaka Reef Predator Exhibit last week, after being kept in a controlled area in the Point Waterfront Canal.

On 8 May 2013, eight young Scalloped Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna Lewini) were introduced into the Point Waterfront Canal where they were to remain until such time as they were large enough to be introduced to the uShaka Reef Predator Exhibit.

They have spent the last 15 months growing at a steady rate under the care of uShaka Sea World staff and watchful eyes of the Point Waterfront Development Policing Forum. Four of the sharks, which measured between 80 and 90cm were recently deemed large enough to be relocated into the exhibit at uShaka Marine World, and the aquarists began preparations to relocate the identified four.

“The four Hammerheads were individually encouraged to swim into a purse seine net corralled to the side of the canal. In order to minimise the chances of eye damage from the sides of a stretcher it was decided the safest option would be to carry the sharks from the canal to the awaiting vehicle by hand,” said Ann Kunz from Sea World.

uShaka Sea World aquarist Rob Kyle who has many years’ experience in handling small sharks, was tasked with carrying the sharks both from the canal to the awaiting vehicle and on arrival at their destination, from the vehicle into the exhibit.

Once the vehicle arrived alongside the Reef Predator Exhibit it took no more than a few minutes before the hammerheads were introduced into the exhibit and were soon swimming among silver-tip, tawny nurse and a number of adult black-tip sharks as well as 50 to 60 large predatory fish.

Divers were stationed in the exhibit to ensure the new arrivals adapted quickly to their new home.

Populations of Hammerhead sharks in the central and southwest Atlantic as well as the western indo Pacific are listed as threatened, which means they are likely to face the risk of extinction in the future. Scalloped hammerheads can grow up to 3m in length with large dorsal fins and are targeted by the shark finning industry. Hammerhead fins are some of the most valuable on the market.

This iconic shark cannot be mistaken for another species as it distinctive powerful torpedo-shaped body and T-shaped head make it easily identifiable. They are often seen in large groups in KZN waters especially in June and July when in pursuit of migrating sardines.