“A Shark Living Sea is a Healthy Sea!”
A shark sighting recently captured in the Gulf of Gökova and rapidly spreading on social media has caused public concern, while Dr. [Name], Cartilaginous Fish Advisor at WWF-Türkiye (World Wide Fund for Nature), has commented...
Emphasizing that the same panic atmosphere is experienced after similar images every summer, Dr. Hakan Kabasakal, WWF-Türkiye Cartilaginous Fishes AdvisorHe assessed the situation by saying, “All it takes is a large shark approaching the shore to ignite the fuse of mass fear that turns into social anxiety.”
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Gökova's Traveling Mako…
Kabasakal, who specifically stated that the species in the video in question is not a “tiger shark” contrary to the claim spread on social media, said, “Its sharply tapered snout, dark bluish back and dorsal fin resembling a right triangle that cuts through the water like a knife give away that it is a sharp-nosed harcharyas or mako.”
Shark-Living Seas Are Healthy Seas
Emphasizing that sharks play a vital role in nature and writing as a result of deep research on the subject, Sharks in Turkish Waters Kabasakal, who also has a book titled "Kabasakal", expressed his views as follows:
“Today, there are 38 species of shark living in the Mediterranean, and the number of species living in our seas is only 1 less. These creatures include many species from whale sharks to blue sharks, spiny dogfish to great whites. Sharks are predators that maintain the balance of the ecosystem, preying on sick or weak marine creatures and allowing healthy individuals to consume scarce resources in nature.”
Kabasakal, who provided information about the mako species, especially seen in the Gulf of Gökova, stated that this species is a true traveler and has a wide distribution around the world. Scientific name Isurus oxyrinchus The mako shark is known for its speed of up to 100 km per hour and feeds mostly on fish and squid.
No Need to Panic, Precautions Are Enough
Kabasakal also shared safety tips to consider when dealing with large species that may be encountered at sea. Accordingly:
- Swim with a friend
- Stay close to shore
- Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk
- Avoid areas with schools of fish or anglers
- Do not wear jewelry
- Avoid excessive splashing
If you encounter a large and predatory species,
• Maintain eye contact with the Shark
• Move slowly away and get out of the water if possible
Sharks are dangerous predators, but they do not pose a direct threat to humans who share their habitat. The main focus should be on their protection and the maintenance of a healthy ocean environment.
Source: HORECA TREND and WWF-Türkiye (Wildlife Fund)
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