The sharks are only ‘borrowed’ from their environment to inspire people, but then they must be returned
WHEN RELEASING AN ANIMAL BACK INTO THE WILD, DEPENDING ON THE ANIMAL, AND IF IT’S DEEMED APPROPRIATE, THE TRACKING OF THEM AND THE FOLLOW UP IS CRITICAL
wild animals – their instinct is to feed. We borrow them from the environment to help inspire people and aid conservation and then we need to return them. That’s why we don’t name the sharks. I don’t want to sound cold, but that’s the reality.
How can bycatches be prevented?
Bycatch is something that can’t be stopped. Some fi sheries do target the bycatch when it has a very high value but, this is not one of those cases. The chal- lenge is that we don’t have a real good understanding of how common these incidents are. We have a very good rapport with what the fi shers are seeing and doing, but there are isolated camps of fi shers in Mexico and in both countries fi shermen work out at sea – there’s no observer pro- gramme, we’re relying on their honesty.
How do the sharks change public attitudes?
Seeing the white sharks live takes away the fi erce, television stereotype of a very large,
AM 3 2010 ©cybertrek 2010
teethy animal gorging itself on a small seal or a large whale. Instead people see how majestic the animal is moving through the water. We replace the fear and hype with beauty and a sense of placement for the animal in the environment. It’s become one of our greatest ambassadors for conserva- tion of the oceans.
Do you currently exhibit any great whites?
No. Our outer bay water exhibit, where we have our tunas and where the great white would usually reside, is coming down in August for nine months’ repair. We’ll con- tinue the research, then when the exhibit comes back next June we’ll be in the right position to display another white shark.
What are the planned renovations?
We’re improving the life support, fi ltration, lighting and the overall feel of the exhibit. Technology has advanced in the last 15 years – this exhibit was constructed 18 years ago. The improvements are partly to
enhance the public’s experience, but the higher costs are to improve animal care and wellbeing.
What advice do you have for other operators?
When releasing an animal back into the wild, depending on the animal, and if it’s deemed appropriate, the tracking of them and the follow up is critical. You have a responsibility and it doesn’t end with exhibit. You have to be practical, you can’t do it with everything, but we have a respon- sibility beyond the exhibit of animals. But we’re also in a position to support that from our memberships, management and board. Not all aquariums have that.
What have you learned?
It was an unfortunate event, but it’s the truth and you have to communicate that and learn from it. I’ve learned that the wild is still a dangerous place for animals grow- ing up, fending for themselves and with the potential for human interaction. ●
Read Attractions Management online
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© MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM/RANDY WILDER
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