Wow!
**** Info via MARS
Well, that was a first for MARS…. yesterday, a dive team, including MARS Responder, Matt Mar, investigated the report of a dead white shark found outside Halifax in ~10m of water.
Not our typical response, however, given the professional expertise available both within MARS and from the wider diving community, MARS undertook this expedition and was able to sample and document the 2.7m male shark.
Given its deteriorating condition, only limited samples were able to be collected for diagnostics and research, however, it was an important opportunity to document the mortality of this juvenile endangered animal.
For this and other species listed under the Canadian Species At Risk Act, sampling and handling of live or dead animals is only permitted for those legally authorized to do so.
If you see a dead or live-distressed marine animal(s) – please call the MARS toll-free hotline immediately: 1-866-567-6277
We are incredibly grateful to the group of professional divers who assisted Matt – Alanna Canaran, Sara Vanderkaden, Michael Schwinghamer and Nicolas Winkler as well as the ground support provided by Jenna Wright. Many thanks to Nicolas Winkler Photography for capturing this unique MARS response!
