Massive great white shark caught in Sea of Cortez

A great white shark measuring nearly 20 feet and weighing 2,000 pounds -- according to a  local report -- was hauled up Sunday by commercial fishermen in the Sea of Cortez near Guaymas.


The massive predator was dead when it was brought to the surface in a net deployed by fishermen named Guadalupe and Baltazar, who were treated to the surprise of a lifetime when they saw what they had captured.


"We were amazed and immediately realized that we had a huge, dead, great white shark, and then we thought what are we going to do?," Guadalupe told Pisces Sportfishing, which is located in the resort city of Cabo San Lucas.


There is some dispute about the size. If, in fact, it measured six meters (19.8 feet), as Milenio News reported, it'd be one of the longest white sharks ever recorded. Also, if it measured 20 feet, it should weigh a lot more than 2,000 pounds.

Regardless, it's a humongous specimen. The fishermen, who were aboard a 22-foot skiff, towed the behemoth two miles to the beach, where dozens of people helped drag it onto dry sand.


"Guadalupe and Baltazar swore they had never seen a fish this big before in their lives," the Pisces blog stated. "Even though on March 13 of this year, some of their fellow fishermen had also caught a great white, which had weighed 990 pounds."


Adult white sharks were once believed to be rare in the Sea of Cortez, or Gulf of California, but scientists now believe parts of the gulf serve as a nursery for the species.

-- For more on this story visit GrindTv.com

-- Related story: Angler lands largest-known yellowfin tuna caught on rod and reel 

-- Images are two of one of three that appear on a San Carlos Mexico online forum

Courtesy of Pete Thomas from http://www.petethomasoutdoors.com/

Link to original source: http://www.petethomasoutdoors.com/2012/04/massive-great-white-shark-caught-in-sea-of-cortez.html

Problems with fishing and Fishing Industries

There is one fundamental problem with Fishing and fishing industries – here it is in a few steps 


1.) Humans are reactive by nature: First do problem, then realise it’s a problem, then fix problem e.g. Cut down trees, realise this is not sustainable, try stopping (when a large bunch of people are already relying on it as their livelihood – REDICULOUS!) 


2.) On Earth, we are much more aware of our impact and it is much more measurable (e.g. we know there are only X rhinos left, so the whole world is starting to work together to fix the problem – AGAIN REACTIVE!!) 


3.) In the ocean – we seem oblivious to the fact that the resources are also limited (probably because no one has a real idea of what that limit is – “SO THATS FINE, LETS JUST CARRY ON TILL WE SEE PROBLEMS” – SERIOUSLY REDICULOUS!) 


4.) So what is happening is that not enough regulations are set when it comes to fishing (even if set, not obeyed) – as there is no benchmark to realise when the problem is getting serious.... 


5.) Last example: researchers estimate that there are only 5000 great white sharks left in the world (ONLY – the most amazing apex predator on the planet) – why isn’t everyone reacting like the Rhino’s as the data is not hard evidence – and CAN never be, because the see is just to big – and daily this is happening, great white sharks around the world are being killed  http://www.petethomasoutdoors.com/2012/04/massive-great-white-shark-caught-in-sea-of-cortez.html . HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE????????????????? 


PROBLEM: We just cant measure the real impact of fishing and don't have hard data to fight the industries with....


Feel free to leave comments below on your thoughts and opinions.

Going Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai – South Africa, and where to stay....

Situated close to the southern tip of Africa, Gansbaai, the great white shark capital of the world, boast more than just a face to face encounter with the world’s most feared apex predator. It is also one of the most fascinating nature destinations in the world. This spectacular ranges from being in the heart of the cape floral kingdom, to untouched beaches where Neanderthal man reigned supreme, to the amazing marine big 5 roaming its coasts. No matter what you seek in nature, Gansbaai will offer it to you. So when planning a shark cage diving trip in Gansbaai, the last thing you want to do is not stay the night, or only stay one night. Instead, stay 5. Go horseback riding on the beaches; discover some of the world’s most amazing hiking trails, explore ancient caves and much more. Here is a list of some places to stay whilst in the area:


Grootbos private nature reserve – beautiful nature reserve 10 km outside of GAnsbaai


Whale song lodge – B&B on the cliffs of De Kelders


Cliff Lodge – B&B close to Die Plaat Beach


These guest houses have been around for many years, and are the most knowledgeable when it comes to exploring everything that the area has to offer. So when going shark cage diving in Gansbaai South Africa – make sure to stay a couple of nights and discover what Gansbaai really has to offer. 

Weekly Great White Shark Facts:

Great whites are the biggest predatory fish on this plant. They grow on average 408 meters in length, sizes up to 6 meters and plus have been recorded. Have a look at this picture....


Scientist’s believe that there are only between 3000 and 5000 great white sharks left roaming the world. The majority of the population at one point in time is situated in Gansbaai, South Africa.


An average great white shark adult will consume between 10 and 12 tons of food in a year


Whilst growing up, the majority food source of the great white shark are other sharks and not seals. They only start consuming seals at a size of 2.5-3m plus.


Great whites roam the entire world and can swim thousands of miles in a matter of months

3 Tips To Avoiding A Shark Attack

For many people, a shark attack is their worst nightmare. Since the release of Jaws, even seeing a shark fin in the water, sets chills down most people’s spine. Although there are many legends describing sharks as man-eaters, most research reveals that human do not form part of their normal food-chain. It is believed that past attacks have been provoked by sharks mistaking swimmers or surfers for prey, or alternatively another predator. Knowing how to avoid being mistaken for prey, or another predator, minimizes the potential risk of being attacked by a shark. Here are 5 ways of a minimizing your risk of a shark attack.

1.)   Stay away from feeding activity of any kind

Whenever you see a lot of feeding activity in the sea (seals, fish dolphins etc.) the chances of there being a shark nearby rises significantly. In this instance, being close to the activity, could lead to a shark mistaking you for another predator and trying to protect his prey.  Stay away from any kind of feeding activity happening in the sea. Feeding activity often takes place at river mouth, and therefore it is also recommended to avoid swimming or surfing near river mouths.

2.)   Do not secret any bodily fluids into the ocean

Sharks have a very keen smell. Bodily fluids in the form of blood, urine, or any other can increase the likelihood of a shark becoming curious and suspecting prey.

3.)   Avoid looking flashy or flamboyant swimwear

Sharks, like most apex predators, are continually on the lookout for food and even spend a lot of time scavenging. Consequently, wearing flashy items, very colourful swimming outfits or wetsuits, can increase the likelihood of raising a sharks curiosity.

Although it is believed that sharks do not intentionally attack humans, following the above mentioned tips, will ensure that the risk of a shark encounter is drastically minimized. To learn more about sharks and their behaviour, go great white shark cage diving in South Africa. Visit website herehttp://www.sharkwatchsa.com/en/a/shark-diving-south-africa/

Marine Dynamics, http://www.sharkwatchsa.com, is a shark cage diving operator in Gansbaai involved with the constant research and conservation of the great white sharks in South Africa