DIVELOG JUNE 406

CRITICALLY IN DANGER WOBBEGONGS ARE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MARINE BIOLOGY WITH MIKE SCOTLAND - FISH IDENTIFICATION

My buddy recording the sad plight of a Spotted wobbegong in distress with a mouthful of gang hooks.

They are in desperate need of protection from Human BEHAVIOUR . This includes over fishing using set lines and spearfishing. Currently, we are constantly told that fish stocks in the ocean are far less than 5%. We are removing much of their food which means that they will starve, like the Blue whales of Western Australia. (Their food stocks in the Indian Ocean have been plundered) I have asked the question to several shark enthusiasts.

“Can this young male wobby above, survive?” The general concensus is that this one will almost certainly die from eating these fish hooks. It will not be able to feed. Gradually, its mouth will become infected and it will not survive. I thought about trying to remove the fishing gear but the wobby was just under two metres and I needed those diving shears that I have considered buying for years.

Port Jackson sharks and Spotted wobbegong sharing a resting place.

83

www.divelog.net.au

DIVE LOG Australasia #406 - June ‘24