Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 04/2016 | Page 18
THE CHECKLIST
Shark Spotting
Philippines
© 123RF/andamanse
© 123RF/andamanse
© 123RF/Richard Whitcombe
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
Donsol, at the south of the main Luzon Island in the
Philippines, is the place to see whale sharks. This
gentle, docile creature, which feeds on plankton,
is the biggest shark in the sea and the largest living
animal that is not a cetacean.
The whale sharks in Donsol are protected and
only snorkelling is allowed, but diving is permitted
in nearby locations. December to May is the season
and the best sightings are from February to April,
although this is also the busiest time.
Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata)
These pretty sharks are by no means delicate,
although they are docile and harmless. Generally
they are found resting quite lethargically on the
seabed in the daytime since they are nocturnal and
hunt at night. If you do spot one, you can safely
get close, but don’t disturb its slumber because it
will quickly swim away.
This shark is able to actively pump water over
its gills, which means it can breathe without
swimming, unlike many other shark species. Thus
during the day, leopard sharks can usually be seen
resting on the ocean floor around coral reefs with
their mouths open facing the current.
SDOP
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Egypt
Oceanic whitetip shark
(Carcharhinus longimanus)
These guys are very curious and
often interact with divers in shallow
water and on safety stops. They seem
particularly interested in divers with
large camera housings and dome
ports, probably because they can see
their reflection. Oceanics have a shady
reputation, but they are not known for
aggression towards divers and as long
as you remain calm there is no danger.
UK
Blue shark (Prionace glauca)
Blue sharks, so called for their beautiful indigo
colouring, are found in very deep, cool waters.
They are rare, but there are blue shark trips
organised out of Penzance in Cornwall which are
generally successful. You may occasionally see a
blue shark leap out of the water in order to see
what types of foods are on the surface for them
to eat. They are extremely fast swimmers so it can
be hard to track them. They swim long distances
in order to follow their food sources. The biggest
threat faced by the blue shark, as most sharks, is
that from fishing.