Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
July 27, 2017
Sharks: Tough…But In Trouble
- as seen by -
Jon Forrest Dohlin
I’m excited that we have added whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) to the New York Aquarium’s collection in anticipation of the opening of Ocean Wonders in 2018. I am fascinated by their slender body shape and blunt head, both of which allow them to work their way into the nooks and crannies hunting for food on the Indo-Pacific reefs where they are found. Like so many sharks around the world, whitetip reef sharks are under significant fishing pressure, and the IUCN Red List has assessed their population as “Near Threatened”.
The sharks at the aquarium will soon be moving into Ocean Wonder’s magnificent coral reef exhibit, where their presence will remind visitors that the health of these vibrant, colorful, and biodiverse habitats depends on humanity’s willingness to save these beautiful and necessary predators.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ocean Wonders is part of an exciting transformation at the New York Aquarium. Watch for updates at nyaquarium.com.
Nikon D5
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