FIRST STUDY OF SHARK WOUND HEALING
June 03, 2010 by dyertrust
First study of shark wound healing
Towner said: We had the unique opportunity to observe this shark from the surface and underwater following the accident. This provided a unique opportunity able to make detailed study of the animals ability to heal from a major wound. The tolerance to such chronic wounds in the species appears to be remarkable, and the same scope of wound on a marine mammal for example, would surely have caused fatality. Given the increase in maritime trafficfor commerce and recreationit is important that we study wound healing in marine species such as the Great White Shark. Currently, we have very little information about their survival and recovery, Towner said at the symposium. Trusts researchers to join international shark project The area off Dyer Island has one of the most dense populations of Great White Sharks in the world. With eco-tourism partner, Participants hailed from South Africa, Namibia, Mauritius, Kenya, and Zanzibar. Of the fifty delegates were researchers, students, government officials, and tourism operators. Well known names included Prof. Peter Best andProf.Elissa Cameron (MRI), Mr Mike Meyer (Oceans & Coastspreviously Marine & Coastal Management), Dr Ken Findlay (University of Cape Town) and Dr.Vic Cockcroft (Director of the Centre for Dolphin Studies-Plettenberg Bay).
During its recovery, the shark avoided other predators and continued to feed. However, the energy required by the animal to heal from the wound appeared to lower its body weight. Some nine months after the accident, the shark was fully recovered.
Whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs were on the agenda at the1st African Marine Mammal Colloquium (AMMC)held in Gansbaai (18-21 May, 2010). Jointly hosted by the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) of the University of Pretoria and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) at the Great White House in Kleinbaai.