Here are a couple more from my recent trip to the Revillagigedos aboard the Nautilus Explorer. This was taken at Roca Partida, near the thermocline where the big sharks hang out. The first photo is up close and personal with a 10ft Galapagos shark. The second image needs a little explanation. Roca Partida is mostly barren rock with a few barnacles. On this side of the island there was a ripping current so you need to hold onto the rock to avoid getting blown into the blue. My dive buddy, who looks like he is mountain climbing, was actually looking for a new spot on the rock to hold on, when the same big Galapagos shark decided to head straight at his ass. Don't turn your back on the big shark!
man, you lucky things being over there! Typical that there is a darn fishing hook in the mouth of the first shark! Isn't it meant to be a protected area over there?!
man, you lucky things being over there! Typical that there is a darn fishing hook in the mouth of the first shark! Isn't it meant to be a protected area over there?!
Yes, that is a rusty fish-hook in his mouth, and yes it is in a biosphere reserve where fishing is prohibited. However, there is rampant poaching. The dive boats are essentially the only eyes on the water and it is so far out that there is very little enforcement. This particular Galapagos shark also had a scientific tag behind its dorsal fin which you can see on the second image.
I find Galapagos sharks very handsome specimens. They have that sleek look of the reef sharks but a slightly more stocky build. 300 million years of evolution and maybe Ill be as sexy. Best,
Joe
Hey Steve, can you send me a 100% crop of the tag on the back of the shark? I might be able to find out where it was tagged if I can identify the tag...
