KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

For each person killed by a shark, over 23 million kg of sharks and rays are killed by
people!
Human Use and Impacts
Sharks have been exploited by humans for food and recreation since the earliest days of
fishing. As sharks only produce a few young, they are susceptible to over-fishing.
Because of this, shark stocks have to be carefully monitored and managed. Evidence of
over-fishing is already apparent with the collapses of several shark fisheries and the
reduction in numbers all around the world.
Diving with Sharks
Reef sharks are generally very timid animals and tend to stay clear of divers. Three
simple rules to remember when diving with sharks are:
1. Don’t corner them
2. Don’t feed them
3. Don’t hang onto them
Whaler sharks, like the gray reef shark, show characteristic behaviors if they feel
threatened. They start to swim in an exaggerated, jerky manner, with their back arched
and pectoral fins lowered. If provoked, they will turn quickly and chase the intruder.
Attacks on divers and snorkelers are extremely rare and in most cases can be attributed
to the person spear fishing or feeding sharks.
3.8.4 Manta Rays
The manta ray is the largest of all rays, growing to over seven meters across and
weighing over three tons. Like a whale shark, manta rays feed on small fish and
plankton. The large flaps on either side of the head are used to direct planktonic food
into the mouth where it is filtered out by projections from the gills. These flaps can be
rolled up and tucked back when not in use. Manta rays have no barbs on their tails.
When diving with manta rays, allow THEM to approach you. Never chase them as they
will swim away and may not return to the same spot next time.
PCS
67