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October 2005 - Sharks in the Gulf of Carpentaria
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| We love sharks! |
October was the month for some very, very different research for my family, Wes, the Croc One crew and me. We conducted some very rigorous and toothy shark research in the Gulf of Carpentaria, which is the huge expanse of water between the most northern tip of Australia - the Torres Strait Islands - and the Northern Territory. This place is absolutely loaded with sharks, and illegal shark fisherman from south-east Asia poaching our sharks.
The barbaric slaughter of at least 100 million sharks per year is the result of a rising demand for shark fins and products pushing many species to the brink of extinction.
Croc One is the ultimate shark research vessel, with her massive marlin board (now known as the ‘Shark Board’) and huge lower deck working area. The capture and release of sharks is adrenaline-pumping and physically demanding. Each and every shark has to be hauled on board, identified, measured, photographed and released quickly, placing the least amount of stress on the sharks as possible.
One of the biggest honours for me on this research project was sharing the exhilaration of working with sharks, with my family – Terri, Bindi, Bob and my mates, Wes and Mick.
We had an absolute blast!
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