Mysterious Gathering of Prickly Sharks off Panama’s Seamounts Sparks Conservation Concerns

Elusive prickly sharks have been observed mysteriously congregating near a seamount off the coast of Panama, marking the first documented instance of this species in the region. In a study recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology, researchers documented an unusual gathering of 12 prickly sharks (Echinorhinus cookei) in the Cordillera de Coiba, located in the Pacific waters of Panama. This marine protected area spans approximately 26,000 square miles (68,000 square kilometers), encompassing nine mountain ranges, 24 seamounts, and a trench reaching depths of 15,568 feet (4,745 meters).
Prickly sharks are rarely encountered deep-sea dwellers characterized by their bodies adorned with thorny, modified teeth, reaching lengths of up to 13 feet (4 meters) and inhabiting depths of up to 3,280 feet (1,000 meters). “They tend to inhabit deeper waters,” making them challenging to study, explained study author Héctor Guzmán, a marine ecologist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. While information regarding their distribution remains scarce, sightings have been reported from Oregon and Japan in the northern range to Chile and New Zealand.
The researchers believe that these gatherings, occurring between depths of 495 to 1,146 feet (151 to 350 meters) in May 2022, were intentional. Prior to this observation, there had been no documented evidence of prickly sharks congregating. Although the reason behind these gatherings remains uncertain, it could be related to feeding opportunities. Guzmán noted the presence of juvenile hammerhead sharks, potential prey for prickly sharks, in the vicinity. Alternatively, the gatherings may be associated with reproductive activities. Examination of the sharks’ claspers—modified pelvic fins used in reproduction—confirmed the presence of both male and female sharks during the gatherings.
The researchers conducted their observations during 11 dives in a three-person submersible equipped with a camera and robotic arm for sample collection, exploring two seamounts on the Cordillera de Coiba near Colombian waters.
Confirming the presence of prickly sharks around these seamounts holds significance for the conservation of these biodiversity-rich areas. Guzmán emphasized that it reinforces the rationale for protecting these ecologically vital systems, benefiting all species reliant on them.
However, despite the designation of the area as a no-take zone, prohibiting fishing activities, the researchers encountered a Colombian vessel engaging in illegal fishing nearby for two consecutive days. Guzmán reported the incident to Colombian authorities after capturing imagery of the vessel laden with fins from various shark species. This underscores a pressing issue: the challenges of enforcing protections in remote, open-ocean regions. Guzmán highlighted the use of satellite monitoring in their project to oversee fishing activities, aiming to uphold regulatory measures in these protected areas.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *