the first story that I wanted a share of this new work is a story about tiger
this new work is a story about tiger
this new work is a story about tiger sharks now tiger sharks if you read the
sharks now tiger sharks if you read the
sharks now tiger sharks if you read the literature described as the most
literature described as the most
literature described as the most dangerous shark in tropical waters
dangerous shark in tropical waters
dangerous shark in tropical waters they’ve considered the second most
they’ve considered the second most
they’ve considered the second most dangerous species of shark overall after
dangerous species of shark overall after
dangerous species of shark overall after the great white they’ve certainly been
the great white they’ve certainly been
the great white they’ve certainly been portrayed as mindless monsters but in
portrayed as mindless monsters but in
portrayed as mindless monsters but in reality the the cutting-edge science
reality the the cutting-edge science
reality the the cutting-edge science that’s being done right now is showing
that’s being done right now is showing
that’s being done right now is showing the teaser animals and actually have a
the teaser animals and actually have a
the teaser animals and actually have a pretty high degree of cognition and they
pretty high degree of cognition and they
pretty high degree of cognition and they have the ability to learn and the
have the ability to learn and the
have the ability to learn and the ability to remember can’t get into all
ability to remember can’t get into all
ability to remember can’t get into all that right now but but this is some of
that right now but but this is some of
that right now but but this is some of the stuff that will be published I think
the stuff that will be published I think
the stuff that will be published I think in the time ahead they’re also one of
in the time ahead they’re also one of
in the time ahead they’re also one of the most versatile species of sharks you
the most versatile species of sharks you
the most versatile species of sharks you know one day they’ll be hunting in a
know one day they’ll be hunting in a
know one day they’ll be hunting in a thousand meters of deep pacific water
thousand meters of deep pacific water
thousand meters of deep pacific water and the very next day they’ll be in a
and the very next day they’ll be in a
and the very next day they’ll be in a marina looking for fish scraps under a
marina looking for fish scraps under a
marina looking for fish scraps under a fisherman’s boat when they’re born tiger
fisherman’s boat when they’re born tiger
fisherman’s boat when they’re born tiger sharks look like this they have this
sharks look like this they have this
sharks look like this they have this amazingly stunning pattern of stripes
amazingly stunning pattern of stripes
amazingly stunning pattern of stripes which of course is where they get the
which of course is where they get the
which of course is where they get the name from the tiger like stripes that
name from the tiger like stripes that
name from the tiger like stripes that they have on their body this was a
they have on their body this was a
they have on their body this was a neonate just a few days old that I
neonate just a few days old that I
neonate just a few days old that I photographed in Hawaii last year those
photographed in Hawaii last year those
photographed in Hawaii last year those stripes begin to fade as the animal gets
stripes begin to fade as the animal gets
stripes begin to fade as the animal gets a little bit older and they’re not quite
a little bit older and they’re not quite
a little bit older and they’re not quite as as vivid in and quite striking
as as vivid in and quite striking
as as vivid in and quite striking but in you know the 20 years or so I’ve
but in you know the 20 years or so I’ve
but in you know the 20 years or so I’ve been diving from about 40 years but for
been diving from about 40 years but for
been diving from about 40 years but for about 20 years of my career I was very
about 20 years of my career I was very
about 20 years of my career I was very interested in finding tiger sharks but
interested in finding tiger sharks but
interested in finding tiger sharks but had almost no success I would do trips
had almost no success I would do trips
had almost no success I would do trips to various places but never really found
to various places but never really found
to various places but never really found them in any predictable way but a number
them in any predictable way but a number
them in any predictable way but a number of years ago a buddy of mine that ran
of years ago a buddy of mine that ran
of years ago a buddy of mine that ran around the dive business out of Palm
around the dive business out of Palm
around the dive business out of Palm Beach Florida discovered a place in the
Beach Florida discovered a place in the
Beach Florida discovered a place in the Bahamas in the northern Bahamas that he
Bahamas in the northern Bahamas that he
Bahamas in the northern Bahamas that he named Tiger Beach and this is an aerial
named Tiger Beach and this is an aerial
named Tiger Beach and this is an aerial view I use the National Geographic blimp
view I use the National Geographic blimp
view I use the National Geographic blimp to do a low altitude aerial shot here
to do a low altitude aerial shot here
to do a low altitude aerial shot here and this is a place it’s a sort of a
and this is a place it’s a sort of a
and this is a place it’s a sort of a sandy shallow sand flat area in the
sandy shallow sand flat area in the
sandy shallow sand flat area in the northern Bahamas where these animals
northern Bahamas where these animals
northern Bahamas where these animals can’t congregate you’ll find on any
can’t congregate you’ll find on any
can’t congregate you’ll find on any given day a dozen or more of them so we
given day a dozen or more of them so we
given day a dozen or more of them so we see a bunch of these big old Tigers
see a bunch of these big old Tigers
see a bunch of these big old Tigers hanging out behind the boat perfect day
hanging out behind the boat perfect day
hanging out behind the boat perfect day to go swimming
to go swimming
to go swimming you see right here and this is this is
you see right here and this is this is
you see right here and this is this is what it looks like underwater this is
what it looks like underwater this is
what it looks like underwater this is the scene underwater you can swim down
the scene underwater you can swim down
the scene underwater you can swim down about maybe 20 feet or so and find
about maybe 20 feet or so and find
about maybe 20 feet or so and find yourself in the company of these big
yourself in the company of these big
yourself in the company of these big tiger sharks you know many of these are
tiger sharks you know many of these are
tiger sharks you know many of these are between 12 and 14 feet in length and
between 12 and 14 feet in length and
between 12 and 14 feet in length and they’ll come up very close to give you
they’ll come up very close to give you
they’ll come up very close to give you some great close-up encounters not using
some great close-up encounters not using
some great close-up encounters not using any cages here or anything and it’s a
any cages here or anything and it’s a
any cages here or anything and it’s a pretty extraordinary thing to be able to
pretty extraordinary thing to be able to
pretty extraordinary thing to be able to see these animals like this and and to
see these animals like this and and to
see these animals like this and and to be in their presence you know the first
be in their presence you know the first
be in their presence you know the first time I did it I was in my heart was
time I did it I was in my heart was
time I did it I was in my heart was racing through my chance but over time
racing through my chance but over time
racing through my chance but over time you you never fully let your guard down
you you never fully let your guard down
you you never fully let your guard down but I think you you relaxed at least a
but I think you you relaxed at least a
but I think you you relaxed at least a little bit to some extent part of the
little bit to some extent part of the
little bit to some extent part of the approach that I took this time when I
approach that I took this time when I
approach that I took this time when I was out there for this latest story in
was out there for this latest story in
was out there for this latest story in the magazine was to try to show these
the magazine was to try to show these
the magazine was to try to show these animals a little bit like their
animals a little bit like their
animals a little bit like their terrestrial namesake to try to make
terrestrial namesake to try to make
terrestrial namesake to try to make pictures that looked a little bit like a
pictures that looked a little bit like a
pictures that looked a little bit like a tiger on land maybe you know making its
tiger on land maybe you know making its
tiger on land maybe you know making its way through the grasses of in do
way through the grasses of in do
way through the grasses of in do something channeling my inner Steve
something channeling my inner Steve
something channeling my inner Steve winter here but you know there but the
winter here but you know there but the
winter here but you know there but the difference was of course I wasn’t on the
difference was of course I wasn’t on the
difference was of course I wasn’t on the back of an elephant you know so you have
back of an elephant you know so you have
back of an elephant you know so you have to be know I die with these guys and and
to be know I die with these guys and and
to be know I die with these guys and and that’s what some people like to do you
that’s what some people like to do you
that’s what some people like to do you like do you have a little conversation
like do you have a little conversation
like do you have a little conversation with tiger sharks you know just how was
with tiger sharks you know just how was
with tiger sharks you know just how was your day kind of have a little chat here
your day kind of have a little chat here
your day kind of have a little chat here like this divers doing actually this is
like this divers doing actually this is
like this divers doing actually this is showing the the fact that ecotourism has
showing the the fact that ecotourism has
showing the the fact that ecotourism has really prospered in this place ever
really prospered in this place ever
really prospered in this place ever since the discovery of tiger beach a
since the discovery of tiger beach a
since the discovery of tiger beach a number of companies have sprung out be
number of companies have sprung out be
number of companies have sprung out be kotor ISM dive companies that will get
kotor ISM dive companies that will get
kotor ISM dive companies that will get you out there and get you in in the
you out there and get you in in the
you out there and get you in in the company of tiger sharks like we see
company of tiger sharks like we see
company of tiger sharks like we see right here sometimes it can get a little
right here sometimes it can get a little
right here sometimes it can get a little dicey especially when you get multiple
dicey especially when you get multiple
dicey especially when you get multiple sharks coming around but in my
sharks coming around but in my
sharks coming around but in my experience is out there in the weeks
experience is out there in the weeks
experience is out there in the weeks that I’ve spent out in Tiger Beach I
that I’ve spent out in Tiger Beach I
that I’ve spent out in Tiger Beach I have to say that they’re all very well
have to say that they’re all very well
have to say that they’re all very well behaved but generally well behaved for
behaved but generally well behaved for
behaved but generally well behaved for the most part occasionally they’ll try
the most part occasionally they’ll try
the most part occasionally they’ll try to eat my camera like this one did right
to eat my camera like this one did right
to eat my camera like this one did right here but he once they realized that it’s
here but he once they realized that it’s
here but he once they realized that it’s not especially tasty they they sort of
not especially tasty they they sort of
not especially tasty they they sort of just move on and during my time out
just move on and during my time out
just move on and during my time out there on these recent trips I also
there on these recent trips I also
there on these recent trips I also wanted to move away from those shallow
wanted to move away from those shallow
wanted to move away from those shallow sandy places Tiger Beach proper and try
sandy places Tiger Beach proper and try
sandy places Tiger Beach proper and try to photograph tiger tracks out in the
to photograph tiger tracks out in the
to photograph tiger tracks out in the deeper weeks because they hang out there
deeper weeks because they hang out there
deeper weeks because they hang out there – lots of tigers in the Bahamas and I
– lots of tigers in the Bahamas and I
– lots of tigers in the Bahamas and I wanted to see if I could get you know
wanted to see if I could get you know
wanted to see if I could get you know the lord of the reef sort of patrolling
the lord of the reef sort of patrolling
the lord of the reef sort of patrolling over these these sponges and coral
over these these sponges and coral
over these these sponges and coral that we see here or to look at you know
that we see here or to look at you know
that we see here or to look at you know the behaviors of multiple animals we do
the behaviors of multiple animals we do
the behaviors of multiple animals we do see a lot of different sharks here and
see a lot of different sharks here and
see a lot of different sharks here and there there definitely seems to be sort
there there definitely seems to be sort
there there definitely seems to be sort of some higher rocky some social
of some higher rocky some social
of some higher rocky some social behavior it’s not fully understood I
behavior it’s not fully understood I
behavior it’s not fully understood I mean to some degree it’s usually the big
mean to some degree it’s usually the big
mean to some degree it’s usually the big shark wins the other one usually goes
shark wins the other one usually goes
shark wins the other one usually goes the other way but but there is something
the other way but but there is something
the other way but but there is something going on there that I think will figure
going on there that I think will figure
going on there that I think will figure out in time and you know we see this a
out in time and you know we see this a
out in time and you know we see this a lot – sharks with hooks in their mouths
lot – sharks with hooks in their mouths
lot – sharks with hooks in their mouths and it’s not it’s not relegated only to
and it’s not it’s not relegated only to
and it’s not it’s not relegated only to tiger sharks pretty much everywhere I go
tiger sharks pretty much everywhere I go
tiger sharks pretty much everywhere I go in the world you see evidence of fishing
in the world you see evidence of fishing
in the world you see evidence of fishing pressure this Tiger had two big hooks in
pressure this Tiger had two big hooks in
pressure this Tiger had two big hooks in its mouth but we see jewelry as it’s
its mouth but we see jewelry as it’s
its mouth but we see jewelry as it’s often called on many sharks all over the
often called on many sharks all over the
often called on many sharks all over the world it’s a it’s a very troubling trend
world it’s a it’s a very troubling trend
world it’s a it’s a very troubling trend that seems to be happening everywhere
that seems to be happening everywhere
that seems to be happening everywhere and thanks to a grant from the National
and thanks to a grant from the National
and thanks to a grant from the National Geographic Society on these these latest
Geographic Society on these these latest
Geographic Society on these these latest projects we were also able to fund some
projects we were also able to fund some
projects we were also able to fund some some research out there this is in the
some research out there this is in the
some research out there this is in the and the right of the frame this is dr.
and the right of the frame this is dr.
and the right of the frame this is dr. Neil ham Hamish lag from the University
Neil ham Hamish lag from the University
Neil ham Hamish lag from the University of Miami who’s been studying tiger
of Miami who’s been studying tiger
of Miami who’s been studying tiger sharks in this region for some time and
sharks in this region for some time and
sharks in this region for some time and one of the ways he does this is he built
one of the ways he does this is he built
one of the ways he does this is he built this special platform that can submerge
this special platform that can submerge
this special platform that can submerge just below the back of our boat you tie
just below the back of our boat you tie
just below the back of our boat you tie it up to the back of the boat and then
it up to the back of the boat and then
it up to the back of the boat and then he brings a tiger shark in and I’m not
he brings a tiger shark in and I’m not
he brings a tiger shark in and I’m not sure his insurance company of seeing
sure his insurance company of seeing
sure his insurance company of seeing these pictures but but nonetheless what
these pictures but but nonetheless what
these pictures but but nonetheless what could go wrong and and he brings it in
could go wrong and and he brings it in
could go wrong and and he brings it in and then they they work up the Sharks
and then they they work up the Sharks
and then they they work up the Sharks they do some science here but the
they do some science here but the
they do some science here but the standard procedure has always been to
standard procedure has always been to
standard procedure has always been to measure the shark take a DNA clipping
measure the shark take a DNA clipping
measure the shark take a DNA clipping you know maybe a fin clipping for DNA
you know maybe a fin clipping for DNA
you know maybe a fin clipping for DNA sample they tag the shark usually
sample they tag the shark usually
sample they tag the shark usually sometimes that’s done surgically they
sometimes that’s done surgically they
sometimes that’s done surgically they implant a body cavity tag so they can
implant a body cavity tag so they can
implant a body cavity tag so they can track the animal over time but some of
track the animal over time but some of
track the animal over time but some of the newest research is ultrasound work
the newest research is ultrasound work
the newest research is ultrasound work that’s going on right here and that’s
that’s going on right here and that’s
that’s going on right here and that’s what this woman researcher is doing in
what this woman researcher is doing in
what this woman researcher is doing in the center of the frame here with the
the center of the frame here with the
the center of the frame here with the goggles because Tiger Beach it’s been
goggles because Tiger Beach it’s been
goggles because Tiger Beach it’s been discovered seems to be a maternity ward
discovered seems to be a maternity ward
discovered seems to be a maternity ward most of the sharks there are females and
most of the sharks there are females and
most of the sharks there are females and many of them are pregnant and that
many of them are pregnant and that
many of them are pregnant and that shallow warm water seems to promote
shallow warm water seems to promote
shallow warm water seems to promote gestation so they’re doing these
gestation so they’re doing these
gestation so they’re doing these sonograms that they can keep a video
sonograms that they can keep a video
sonograms that they can keep a video graph of and they can see how many pups
graph of and they can see how many pups
graph of and they can see how many pups are inside and then the tagging data
are inside and then the tagging data
are inside and then the tagging data will show where the animal goes
will show where the animal goes
will show where the animal goes don’t actually have their pups in the
don’t actually have their pups in the
don’t actually have their pups in the Bahamas they’re going up into northern
Bahamas they’re going up into northern
Bahamas they’re going up into northern Florida Georgia water so in terms of
Florida Georgia water so in terms of
Florida Georgia water so in terms of conservation this would be a very
conservation this would be a very
conservation this would be a very critical habitat we might want to
critical habitat we might want to
critical habitat we might want to protect in the future and we also did
protect in the future and we also did
protect in the future and we also did some credit cam work I think so most of
some credit cam work I think so most of
some credit cam work I think so most of you might know about national
you might know about national
you might know about national Geographics Crittercam where they attach
Geographics Crittercam where they attach
Geographics Crittercam where they attach cameras and various scientific
cameras and various scientific
cameras and various scientific instruments to animals and let them sort
instruments to animals and let them sort
instruments to animals and let them sort of carry it and then it pops off this is
of carry it and then it pops off this is
of carry it and then it pops off this is the first time that one had been
the first time that one had been
the first time that one had been attached and deployed underwater so this
attached and deployed underwater so this
attached and deployed underwater so this is Neil Hamish lag after he just put
is Neil Hamish lag after he just put
is Neil Hamish lag after he just put that thin clamp on the tiger shark here
that thin clamp on the tiger shark here
that thin clamp on the tiger shark here and he’s sort of checking it making sure
and he’s sort of checking it making sure
and he’s sort of checking it making sure it’s alright and then off it goes for
it’s alright and then off it goes for
it’s alright and then off it goes for the better part of a day recording both
the better part of a day recording both
the better part of a day recording both video and all kinds of other data and
video and all kinds of other data and
video and all kinds of other data and here we can see the sharks that are
here we can see the sharks that are
here we can see the sharks that are swimming around a little shark cameraman
swimming around a little shark cameraman
swimming around a little shark cameraman here just another example of animal
here just another example of animal
here just another example of animal taking our job but but in any case you
taking our job but but in any case you
taking our job but but in any case you know what this this date I mean they
know what this this date I mean they
know what this this date I mean they only did it a little bit while we were
only did it a little bit while we were
only did it a little bit while we were out there but it did yield some
out there but it did yield some
out there but it did yield some interesting thing you know most of the
interesting thing you know most of the
interesting thing you know most of the eco tourism operators they’re out there
eco tourism operators they’re out there
eco tourism operators they’re out there felt that they knew exactly what these
felt that they knew exactly what these
felt that they knew exactly what these sharks are doing they’re going from one
sharks are doing they’re going from one
sharks are doing they’re going from one Operator to the next you know and just
Operator to the next you know and just
Operator to the next you know and just staying on that shallow area but the the
staying on that shallow area but the the
staying on that shallow area but the the Cree cam showed that in between some of
Cree cam showed that in between some of
Cree cam showed that in between some of those visits they’re making these very
those visits they’re making these very
those visits they’re making these very deep dives we don’t quite know exactly
deep dives we don’t quite know exactly
deep dives we don’t quite know exactly what’s happening down there but clearly
what’s happening down there but clearly
what’s happening down there but clearly there’s a lot more going on in these
there’s a lot more going on in these
there’s a lot more going on in these animals lives than we realize here’s a
animals lives than we realize here’s a
animals lives than we realize here’s a little video that I wanted to share
little video that I wanted to share
little video that I wanted to share behind the scenes just a short video
just give you a sense of what it’s like
just give you a sense of what it’s like to be down there with those giant
to be down there with those giant
to be down there with those giant animals it can be a little unnerving at
animals it can be a little unnerving at
animals it can be a little unnerving at times but as I said it’s all been pretty
times but as I said it’s all been pretty
times but as I said it’s all been pretty good so this sum for that same story on
good so this sum for that same story on
good so this sum for that same story on tiger sharks I also work in South Africa
tiger sharks I also work in South Africa
tiger sharks I also work in South Africa this is a photo my assistant made of me
this is a photo my assistant made of me
this is a photo my assistant made of me on assignment here with a tiger shark up
on assignment here with a tiger shark up
on assignment here with a tiger shark up in the water column and this site is a
in the water column and this site is a
in the water column and this site is a new site that was sort of discovered by
new site that was sort of discovered by
new site that was sort of discovered by a researcher named dr. Ryan Daly it’s up
a researcher named dr. Ryan Daly it’s up
a researcher named dr. Ryan Daly it’s up near the Mozambique border and what Ryan
near the Mozambique border and what Ryan
near the Mozambique border and what Ryan Daley found is that there’s a deep water
Daley found is that there’s a deep water
Daley found is that there’s a deep water reef there the tiger shark seemed to
reef there the tiger shark seemed to
reef there the tiger shark seemed to frequent but if we dive in the shallow
frequent but if we dive in the shallow
frequent but if we dive in the shallow waters just below the surface Tigers
waters just below the surface Tigers
waters just below the surface Tigers will often rise up and so to check us
will often rise up and so to check us
will often rise up and so to check us out and he’s just beginning his research
out and he’s just beginning his research
out and he’s just beginning his research out there to find out what these animals
out there to find out what these animals
out there to find out what these animals are do and where they’re going and so
are do and where they’re going and so
are do and where they’re going and so forth but he invited me to come out and
forth but he invited me to come out and
forth but he invited me to come out and it was a chance for me to make pictures
it was a chance for me to make pictures
it was a chance for me to make pictures in a sort of different environment
in a sort of different environment
in a sort of different environment instead of being on the bottom but these
instead of being on the bottom but these
instead of being on the bottom but these are completely wild sharks they’re not
are completely wild sharks they’re not
are completely wild sharks they’re not acclimated or habituated to humans
acclimated or habituated to humans
acclimated or habituated to humans whatsoever
whatsoever
whatsoever very very wild and you’re definitely
very very wild and you’re definitely
very very wild and you’re definitely part of the food chain when you’re when
part of the food chain when you’re when
part of the food chain when you’re when you’re out there and on the like Tiger
you’re out there and on the like Tiger
you’re out there and on the like Tiger Beach you can’t stand on the bottom you
Beach you can’t stand on the bottom you
Beach you can’t stand on the bottom you don’t have that sort of safety blanket
don’t have that sort of safety blanket
don’t have that sort of safety blanket of being able to stand on the bottom so
of being able to stand on the bottom so
of being able to stand on the bottom so you’re really kind of out there but I
you’re really kind of out there but I
you’re really kind of out there but I have another little video that shows
have another little video that shows
have another little video that shows what we would do a video job I see
what we would do a video job I see
what we would do a video job I see melisandre bonamana come on
melisandre bonamana come on
melisandre bonamana come on my Allah my Allah my Allah love Italy
my Allah my Allah my Allah love Italy
my Allah my Allah my Allah love Italy doc you’re gonna be pharmacy on another
doc you’re gonna be pharmacy on another
doc you’re gonna be pharmacy on another problem as it all you know they’re due
problem as it all you know they’re due
problem as it all you know they’re due to Ali’s who that you too
to Ali’s who that you too
to Ali’s who that you too [Music]
[Music]
[Music] none not where is Nam a lot more work to
none not where is Nam a lot more work to
none not where is Nam a lot more work to do in South Africa so these are just a
do in South Africa so these are just a
do in South Africa so these are just a few frames that I made of those sharks
few frames that I made of those sharks
few frames that I made of those sharks and again they have sort of a different
and again they have sort of a different
and again they have sort of a different look up in the Bluewater they’re big
look up in the Bluewater they’re big
look up in the Bluewater they’re big beefy sharks a little bit unnerving when
beefy sharks a little bit unnerving when
beefy sharks a little bit unnerving when they come real close to you but you know
they come real close to you but you know
they come real close to you but you know a stunning scene this was one that was
a stunning scene this was one that was
a stunning scene this was one that was just covered in remoras adorned in
just covered in remoras adorned in
just covered in remoras adorned in remoras it was actually a silver tip
remoras it was actually a silver tip
remoras it was actually a silver tip shark in the bottom right of the frame
shark in the bottom right of the frame
shark in the bottom right of the frame there were many other species out there
there were many other species out there
there were many other species out there dusky sharks and bull sharks but the
dusky sharks and bull sharks but the
dusky sharks and bull sharks but the Tigers of course that I was interested
Tigers of course that I was interested
Tigers of course that I was interested in but when sort of turning you know
in but when sort of turning you know
in but when sort of turning you know it’s one of those things when you’re in
it’s one of those things when you’re in
it’s one of those things when you’re in the water out there you know you want to
the water out there you know you want to
the water out there you know you want to get close to them and then when all the
get close to them and then when all the
get close to them and then when all the sudden one turns and starts coming at
sudden one turns and starts coming at
sudden one turns and starts coming at you you’re not so sure you want to be
you you’re not so sure you want to be
you you’re not so sure you want to be closer to many more it’s really that
closer to many more it’s really that
closer to many more it’s really that interesting dance that that we do in the
interesting dance that that we do in the
interesting dance that that we do in the water out there well anyway the next
water out there well anyway the next
water out there well anyway the next shark that I wanted to share with you
shark that I wanted to share with you
shark that I wanted to share with you one of the four is the shortfin mako the
one of the four is the shortfin mako the
one of the four is the shortfin mako the mako shark and you know I have to say
mako shark and you know I have to say
mako shark and you know I have to say being in the water with all sharks is
being in the water with all sharks is
being in the water with all sharks is pretty extraordinary and I love looking
pretty extraordinary and I love looking
pretty extraordinary and I love looking at all animals but there is truly
at all animals but there is truly
at all animals but there is truly something very special about being in
something very special about being in
something very special about being in the water with a mako I’ve always found
the water with a mako I’ve always found
the water with a mako I’ve always found these animals they tend to be coastal
these animals they tend to be coastal
these animals they tend to be coastal animals but but not really close you
animals but but not really close you
animals but but not really close you don’t see them swimming over the bottom
don’t see them swimming over the bottom
don’t see them swimming over the bottom you have to go several miles offshore
you have to go several miles offshore
you have to go several miles offshore and try to attract them difficult to
and try to attract them difficult to
and try to attract them difficult to attract but when you do see them you
attract but when you do see them you
attract but when you do see them you know they just come in all jacked up
know they just come in all jacked up
know they just come in all jacked up just sort of powering their way through
just sort of powering their way through
just sort of powering their way through the water just full of muscle this was
the water just full of muscle this was
the water just full of muscle this was one that I photographed in San Diego I
one that I photographed in San Diego I
one that I photographed in San Diego I work in a few places San Diego New
work in a few places San Diego New
work in a few places San Diego New Zealand and in Rhode Island for Makos
Zealand and in Rhode Island for Makos
Zealand and in Rhode Island for Makos but this was one in beautiful blue water
but this was one in beautiful blue water
but this was one in beautiful blue water off the San Diego bite when the Sun was
off the San Diego bite when the Sun was
off the San Diego bite when the Sun was shining on a on a beautiful September
shining on a on a beautiful September
shining on a on a beautiful September day but you know these are very scary
day but you know these are very scary
day but you know these are very scary animals this is probably the last thing
animals this is probably the last thing
animals this is probably the last thing that a yellowfin tuna sees before it’s
that a yellowfin tuna sees before it’s
that a yellowfin tuna sees before it’s lights out there are ambush predators
lights out there are ambush predators
lights out there are ambush predators Makos you know attack from below they
Makos you know attack from below they
Makos you know attack from below they have that big eye that allows them to
have that big eye that allows them to
have that big eye that allows them to see very well in deep dark waters and to
see very well in deep dark waters and to
see very well in deep dark waters and to be able to look up and and see those
be able to look up and and see those
be able to look up and and see those patterns
patterns
patterns and then when they see a prey fish they
and then when they see a prey fish they
and then when they see a prey fish they come up and so often bite the tail off
come up and so often bite the tail off
come up and so often bite the tail off of their prey whether it’s a tuna or a
of their prey whether it’s a tuna or a
of their prey whether it’s a tuna or a Marlin or something like that
Marlin or something like that
Marlin or something like that and then wait for it to bleed out a
and then wait for it to bleed out a
and then wait for it to bleed out a little bit circle around and then come
little bit circle around and then come
little bit circle around and then come in and finish it off and those are the
in and finish it off and those are the
in and finish it off and those are the things that are always foremost in my
things that are always foremost in my
things that are always foremost in my mind when I’m swimming with a mako and
mind when I’m swimming with a mako and
mind when I’m swimming with a mako and it’s nipping at my fins
it’s nipping at my fins
it’s nipping at my fins I’ve actually switched my fans I just
I’ve actually switched my fans I just
I’ve actually switched my fans I just have these split fins that looked a
have these split fins that looked a
have these split fins that looked a little bit like a fish and so now I’ve
little bit like a fish and so now I’ve
little bit like a fish and so now I’ve gone with something that like too big
gone with something that like too big
gone with something that like too big two by fours on my feet something that
two by fours on my feet something that
two by fours on my feet something that looks very unfished like but you know
looks very unfished like but you know
looks very unfished like but you know everything about this animal says
everything about this animal says
everything about this animal says predator it’s it’s really built like a
predator it’s it’s really built like a
predator it’s it’s really built like a torpedo with teeth just pure muscle and
torpedo with teeth just pure muscle and
torpedo with teeth just pure muscle and all about all about feeding now I also
all about all about feeding now I also
all about all about feeding now I also wanted a share sort of a little inside
wanted a share sort of a little inside
wanted a share sort of a little inside baseball story about shark diving you
baseball story about shark diving you
baseball story about shark diving you know a lot of shark operators over the
know a lot of shark operators over the
know a lot of shark operators over the last few years have taken to using music
last few years have taken to using music
last few years have taken to using music on their boat to try to attract certain
on their boat to try to attract certain
on their boat to try to attract certain species of sharks as places where they
species of sharks as places where they
species of sharks as places where they do that with great whites and Australia
do that with great whites and Australia
do that with great whites and Australia other places for blue sharks and so
other places for blue sharks and so
other places for blue sharks and so forth but Makos are very elusive I’ve
forth but Makos are very elusive I’ve
forth but Makos are very elusive I’ve been trying to dive with Makos for
been trying to dive with Makos for
been trying to dive with Makos for decades and had very little success I
decades and had very little success I
decades and had very little success I mean on this story I had some luck but
mean on this story I had some luck but
mean on this story I had some luck but they’re very hard to get to come close
they’re very hard to get to come close
they’re very hard to get to come close to the boat and a lot of times when they
to the boat and a lot of times when they
to the boat and a lot of times when they do come close they’re just in for a few
do come close they’re just in for a few
do come close they’re just in for a few seconds or a minute and then and then
seconds or a minute and then and then
seconds or a minute and then and then they’re gone so I’ve had my best luck by
they’re gone so I’ve had my best luck by
they’re gone so I’ve had my best luck by trying the music thing you know I
trying the music thing you know I
trying the music thing you know I actually went out there and tried music
actually went out there and tried music
actually went out there and tried music but what I’ve learned was that the only
but what I’ve learned was that the only
but what I’ve learned was that the only music that actually works for Makos is a
music that actually works for Makos is a
music that actually works for Makos is a CDC these are just badass sharks I mean
CDC these are just badass sharks I mean
CDC these are just badass sharks I mean that’s just that’s just all there is to
that’s just that’s just all there is to
that’s just that’s just all there is to it
it
it and I’m not kidding I mean we’ve been
and I’m not kidding I mean we’ve been
and I’m not kidding I mean we’ve been out there I’ve been out in San Diego and
out there I’ve been out in San Diego and
out there I’ve been out in San Diego and New Zealand for days you know when
New Zealand for days you know when
New Zealand for days you know when nothing was happening
nothing was happening
nothing was happening and I look at my assistants say you know
and I look at my assistants say you know
and I look at my assistants say you know time for a little ac/dc and not every
time for a little ac/dc and not every
time for a little ac/dc and not every time but a lot of times you see a mako
time but a lot of times you see a mako
time but a lot of times you see a mako come in so this was one in New Zealand
come in so this was one in New Zealand
come in so this was one in New Zealand which is sort of Makos central or so
which is sort of Makos central or so
which is sort of Makos central or so they call him there Matt Oh Matt go
they call him there Matt Oh Matt go
they call him there Matt Oh Matt go central there’s a lot of them around and
central there’s a lot of them around and
central there’s a lot of them around and there are days where we had maybe a
there are days where we had maybe a
there are days where we had maybe a dozen essaouira around us and water it
dozen essaouira around us and water it
dozen essaouira around us and water it gets a little too crazy when that
gets a little too crazy when that
gets a little too crazy when that happens but you know even the little
happens but you know even the little
happens but you know even the little ones this is another one in San Diego
ones this is another one in San Diego
ones this is another one in San Diego even the little ones come
even the little ones come
even the little ones come with attitude you know they’re like they
with attitude you know they’re like they
with attitude you know they’re like they come in hot and they’re all fierce and
come in hot and they’re all fierce and
come in hot and they’re all fierce and bitey
bitey
bitey Mako’s we’ll just bite things they don’t
Mako’s we’ll just bite things they don’t
Mako’s we’ll just bite things they don’t have hands and there’s just all jacked
have hands and there’s just all jacked
have hands and there’s just all jacked up it’s like they’re on cocaine or
up it’s like they’re on cocaine or
up it’s like they’re on cocaine or something you know not that I would know
something you know not that I would know
something you know not that I would know but people have told me but and you know
but people have told me but and you know
but people have told me but and you know that one had these copepods on its
that one had these copepods on its
that one had these copepods on its dorsal fin and this was another one a
dorsal fin and this was another one a
dorsal fin and this was another one a bigger animal that was swimming down in
bigger animal that was swimming down in
bigger animal that was swimming down in that beautiful blue water off California
that beautiful blue water off California
that beautiful blue water off California here and they they often get those
here and they they often get those
here and they they often get those parasites on their on the dorsal looks
parasites on their on the dorsal looks
parasites on their on the dorsal looks like little streamers kind of hanging
like little streamers kind of hanging
like little streamers kind of hanging off there but this diving like the the
off there but this diving like the the
off there but this diving like the the Tigers I always do without cages you
Tigers I always do without cages you
Tigers I always do without cages you know it would just be impractical to try
know it would just be impractical to try
know it would just be impractical to try to get photographs because the animals
to get photographs because the animals
to get photographs because the animals are so unpredictable they don’t stick
are so unpredictable they don’t stick
are so unpredictable they don’t stick around very long
around very long
around very long and they would almost never come over to
and they would almost never come over to
and they would almost never come over to a cage so you have to sort of be out
a cage so you have to sort of be out
a cage so you have to sort of be out there in the open and most times I’m
there in the open and most times I’m
there in the open and most times I’m diving alone because I don’t want even
diving alone because I don’t want even
diving alone because I don’t want even one other person in the water that might
one other person in the water that might
one other person in the water that might spook the shark but sometimes I’ll have
spook the shark but sometimes I’ll have
spook the shark but sometimes I’ll have an assistant in and sometimes you’ll
an assistant in and sometimes you’ll
an assistant in and sometimes you’ll carry just a little stick there’s a sort
carry just a little stick there’s a sort
carry just a little stick there’s a sort of a deterrent if the animal gets a
of a deterrent if the animal gets a
of a deterrent if the animal gets a little too aggressive which has happened
little too aggressive which has happened
little too aggressive which has happened a few times but for the most part they
a few times but for the most part they
a few times but for the most part they they don’t do that though they will come
they don’t do that though they will come
they don’t do that though they will come in and and check you out a little bit
in and and check you out a little bit
in and and check you out a little bit but these are these are animals that are
but these are these are animals that are
but these are these are animals that are endothermic meaning that they can
endothermic meaning that they can
endothermic meaning that they can generate heat in their body it was
generate heat in their body it was
generate heat in their body it was Brooke Burnett actually a National
Brooke Burnett actually a National
Brooke Burnett actually a National Geographic who who turned the phrase hot
Geographic who who turned the phrase hot
Geographic who who turned the phrase hot sharks these are hot sharks because they
sharks these are hot sharks because they
sharks these are hot sharks because they can generate heat in their body and
can generate heat in their body and
can generate heat in their body and because of that they can swim into
because of that they can swim into
because of that they can swim into colder water and feed on oilier fish and
colder water and feed on oilier fish and
colder water and feed on oilier fish and so forth but the mako is also one of the
so forth but the mako is also one of the
so forth but the mako is also one of the fastest animals in the ocean a mako
fastest animals in the ocean a mako
fastest animals in the ocean a mako shark can swim at bursts of over 45
shark can swim at bursts of over 45
shark can swim at bursts of over 45 miles an hour underwater in fast bursts
miles an hour underwater in fast bursts
miles an hour underwater in fast bursts and you kind of remember that underwater
and you kind of remember that underwater
and you kind of remember that underwater that the medium is much thicker than in
that the medium is much thicker than in
that the medium is much thicker than in air so that’s probably like swim in 100
air so that’s probably like swim in 100
air so that’s probably like swim in 100 miles an hour or something but
miles an hour or something but
miles an hour or something but extraordinary animals and in in San
extraordinary animals and in in San
extraordinary animals and in in San Diego I wanted to try to hang out near
Diego I wanted to try to hang out near
Diego I wanted to try to hang out near kelp patties in the kelp forests of
kelp patties in the kelp forests of
kelp patties in the kelp forests of California kelp giant kelp will often
California kelp giant kelp will often
California kelp giant kelp will often break off and mat up and and drift along
break off and mat up and and drift along
break off and mat up and and drift along the coast in its own little ecosystem
the coast in its own little ecosystem
the coast in its own little ecosystem forms we get little fish and then bigger
forms we get little fish and then bigger
forms we get little fish and then bigger fish and sometimes you get Dorado
fish and sometimes you get Dorado
fish and sometimes you get Dorado mahi-mahi and fish like that and I spent
mahi-mahi and fish like that and I spent
mahi-mahi and fish like that and I spent weeks out there trying to get a picture
weeks out there trying to get a picture
weeks out there trying to get a picture of a mako near one and that’s what we
of a mako near one and that’s what we
of a mako near one and that’s what we see hunt and didn’t actually get them
see hunt and didn’t actually get them
see hunt and didn’t actually get them predating but but I don’t think anything
predating but but I don’t think anything
predating but but I don’t think anything like this had ever been made
like this had ever been made
like this had ever been made so that was a kind of a cool thing as
so that was a kind of a cool thing as
so that was a kind of a cool thing as well but you know these are the moments
well but you know these are the moments
well but you know these are the moments I dream about right here for a when a
I dream about right here for a when a
I dream about right here for a when a big ol mako shark comes in and bites the
big ol mako shark comes in and bites the
big ol mako shark comes in and bites the crap out of my down port fetch that’s
crap out of my down port fetch that’s
crap out of my down port fetch that’s heaven but you know I honestly try to
heaven but you know I honestly try to
heaven but you know I honestly try to resist the temptation of making scary
resist the temptation of making scary
resist the temptation of making scary pictures of sharks because I really
pictures of sharks because I really
pictures of sharks because I really don’t want to perpetuate that myth and
don’t want to perpetuate that myth and
don’t want to perpetuate that myth and enough damage has been done to sharks
enough damage has been done to sharks
enough damage has been done to sharks over the years but by the same token I
over the years but by the same token I
over the years but by the same token I don’t want to sort of portray them as
don’t want to sort of portray them as
don’t want to sort of portray them as something that they’re not I don’t want
something that they’re not I don’t want
something that they’re not I don’t want to show them as house pets or give the
to show them as house pets or give the
to show them as house pets or give the impression that you know they’re cuddly
impression that you know they’re cuddly
impression that you know they’re cuddly and we can go out and hug a shark
and we can go out and hug a shark
and we can go out and hug a shark because they’re not their real predators
because they’re not their real predators
because they’re not their real predators so I think you know we have to walk that
so I think you know we have to walk that
so I think you know we have to walk that that fine line and and show them for
that fine line and and show them for
that fine line and and show them for what they are but but not over demonize
what they are but but not over demonize
what they are but but not over demonize them for sure and with the same story I
them for sure and with the same story I
them for sure and with the same story I also wanted to spend some time looking
also wanted to spend some time looking
also wanted to spend some time looking at shark tournaments because you know
at shark tournaments because you know
at shark tournaments because you know there’s still a lot of this thing going
there’s still a lot of this thing going
there’s still a lot of this thing going on where there will be these monster
on where there will be these monster
on where there will be these monster shark tournaments held in various places
shark tournaments held in various places
shark tournaments held in various places so this summer I spent a couple of days
so this summer I spent a couple of days
so this summer I spent a couple of days in Montauk New York where they they hold
in Montauk New York where they they hold
in Montauk New York where they they hold these tournaments for a couple of days
these tournaments for a couple of days
these tournaments for a couple of days and they give prize money for the
and they give prize money for the
and they give prize money for the biggest shark killed and it oftentimes
biggest shark killed and it oftentimes
biggest shark killed and it oftentimes is a mako or a thresher but you know I
is a mako or a thresher but you know I
is a mako or a thresher but you know I think that the time has passed for this
think that the time has passed for this
think that the time has passed for this kind of thing when you consider that a
kind of thing when you consider that a
kind of thing when you consider that a hundred million sharks are being killed
hundred million sharks are being killed
hundred million sharks are being killed every year I don’t really think there’s
every year I don’t really think there’s
every year I don’t really think there’s a benefit to sort of glamourizing
a benefit to sort of glamourizing
a benefit to sort of glamourizing killing these animals in the two days
killing these animals in the two days
killing these animals in the two days that I was in in Montauk I saw six
that I was in in Montauk I saw six
that I was in in Montauk I saw six sharks come in no I’m sorry twelve there
sharks come in no I’m sorry twelve there
sharks come in no I’m sorry twelve there was six Makos and six threshers and
was six Makos and six threshers and
was six Makos and six threshers and every single one of them was a juvenile
every single one of them was a juvenile
every single one of them was a juvenile every single one wasn’t even old enough
every single one wasn’t even old enough
every single one wasn’t even old enough to reproduce and you know I watched them
to reproduce and you know I watched them
to reproduce and you know I watched them drag these things up on the on the dock
drag these things up on the on the dock
drag these things up on the on the dock and sort of cut them up and I saw all
and sort of cut them up and I saw all
and sort of cut them up and I saw all these children these kids that were
these children these kids that were
these children these kids that were fascinated with sharks you know but I
fascinated with sharks you know but I
fascinated with sharks you know but I think it’s sort of unfortunate that this
think it’s sort of unfortunate that this
think it’s sort of unfortunate that this is their first scene of a shark you know
is their first scene of a shark you know
is their first scene of a shark you know looking like a slayed dragon just laid
looking like a slayed dragon just laid
looking like a slayed dragon just laid there and that the fisherman was some
there and that the fisherman was some
there and that the fisherman was some sort of heroes for doing this and I have
sort of heroes for doing this and I have
sort of heroes for doing this and I have no problem with fishing but I just think
no problem with fishing but I just think
no problem with fishing but I just think the time has passed for this sort of
the time has passed for this sort of
the time has passed for this sort of treatment of sharks and you know I
treatment of sharks and you know I
treatment of sharks and you know I recognize that not everyone will get to
recognize that not everyone will get to
recognize that not everyone will get to see a shark underwater probably the way
see a shark underwater probably the way
see a shark underwater probably the way that they should be seeing this amazing
that they should be seeing this amazing
that they should be seeing this amazing Lima Jets majestic animal you know we we
Lima Jets majestic animal you know we we
Lima Jets majestic animal you know we we can appreciate lions and grizzly bears
can appreciate lions and grizzly bears
can appreciate lions and grizzly bears and tigers and so forth but underwater
and tigers and so forth but underwater
and tigers and so forth but underwater these animals are just slaughtered and
these animals are just slaughtered and
these animals are just slaughtered and often with little regard so my hope is
often with little regard so my hope is
often with little regard so my hope is this photography can sort of move that
this photography can sort of move that
this photography can sort of move that that forward a little bit in terms of
that forward a little bit in terms of
that forward a little bit in terms of some appreciation and one of the other
some appreciation and one of the other
some appreciation and one of the other things I wanted to do with with this
things I wanted to do with with this
things I wanted to do with with this story with video actually was to show
story with video actually was to show
story with video actually was to show the speed of a mako attacking something
the speed of a mako attacking something
the speed of a mako attacking something so with the grant from the Geographic
so with the grant from the Geographic
so with the grant from the Geographic Society I designed with my assistant at
Society I designed with my assistant at
Society I designed with my assistant at Woods Hole Oceanographic we designed a
Woods Hole Oceanographic we designed a
Woods Hole Oceanographic we designed a tow camera system I found an industrial
tow camera system I found an industrial
tow camera system I found an industrial camera that shot at very high speed I
camera that shot at very high speed I
camera that shot at very high speed I could shoot at 720 frames a second we
could shoot at 720 frames a second we
could shoot at 720 frames a second we built this tow camera and I worked with
built this tow camera and I worked with
built this tow camera and I worked with a New Zealand
a New Zealand
a New Zealand champion sport fisherman who fished from
champion sport fisherman who fished from
champion sport fisherman who fished from Marlin and he would rig a mullet bait
Marlin and he would rig a mullet bait
Marlin and he would rig a mullet bait type of fish called mullet and trail it
type of fish called mullet and trail it
type of fish called mullet and trail it behind the boat from Marlin but he said
behind the boat from Marlin but he said
behind the boat from Marlin but he said oftentimes Makos would attack it so I
oftentimes Makos would attack it so I
oftentimes Makos would attack it so I was there for a couple of weeks but I
was there for a couple of weeks but I
was there for a couple of weeks but I only got one day where I could do it so
only got one day where I could do it so
only got one day where I could do it so I’ve got a two-minute video with no
I’ve got a two-minute video with no
I’ve got a two-minute video with no sound but I’ll just have a look at that
sound but I’ll just have a look at that
sound but I’ll just have a look at that and show you this is the first time this
and show you this is the first time this
and show you this is the first time this has ever been seen of a mako and
has ever been seen of a mako and
has ever been seen of a mako and high-speed attacking something a mullet
everything that you’re going to see here
everything that you’re going to see here happened in about four seconds but we’re
happened in about four seconds but we’re
happened in about four seconds but we’re shooting so fast that we can play it
shooting so fast that we can play it
shooting so fast that we can play it back at normal speed and it’s it’s slow
back at normal speed and it’s it’s slow
back at normal speed and it’s it’s slow motion but it was fascinating you see
motion but it was fascinating you see
motion but it was fascinating you see this animal after he latched on sort of
this animal after he latched on sort of
this animal after he latched on sort of put his pectoral fins back in a very
put his pectoral fins back in a very
put his pectoral fins back in a very hydrodynamic way almost trying to use
hydrodynamic way almost trying to use
hydrodynamic way almost trying to use his weight and the speed to break it off
his weight and the speed to break it off
his weight and the speed to break it off the boat was traveling at about eight
the boat was traveling at about eight
the boat was traveling at about eight knots and he had no trouble of course
knots and he had no trouble of course
knots and he had no trouble of course you know firing up and going in and
you know firing up and going in and
you know firing up and going in and grabbing that bait but it was
grabbing that bait but it was
grabbing that bait but it was interesting to see that behavior I think
interesting to see that behavior I think
interesting to see that behavior I think researchers haven’t showed this to
researchers haven’t showed this to
researchers haven’t showed this to scientists yet but I think they’ll be
scientists yet but I think they’ll be
scientists yet but I think they’ll be interested to see this form that the
interested to see this form that the
interested to see this form that the Mako assumes once he’s bitten into the
Mako assumes once he’s bitten into the
Mako assumes once he’s bitten into the prey just a truly remarkable predator
prey just a truly remarkable predator
prey just a truly remarkable predator for sure
going for ride they can sort of detach
going for ride they can sort of detach their jaws like a great white as well
their jaws like a great white as well
their jaws like a great white as well and realize that if you can see it
and realize that if you can see it
and realize that if you can see it coming out it’s a pretty pre mazing
coming out it’s a pretty pre mazing
coming out it’s a pretty pre mazing behavior from a mako shark shout at 720
behavior from a mako shark shout at 720
behavior from a mako shark shout at 720 frames a second
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