The Sea of Cortez - Hammerhead sharks of El Bajo
Locations
The Sea of Cortez
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Introduction
The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a unique corner of the Pacific Ocean. This remarkable young sea is thought to be around five million years old and home to nearly 900 species of fish and the widest variety of whales and dolphins found anywhere on Earth. Some of the greatest changes threatening the world's oceans today can be seen in this stretch of water.
Hammerhead sharks of El Bajo
Overview
Almost 20 years ago schools of hundreds of hammerhead sharks were seen at the seamount of El Bajo. Since then, the population has seen a decline. Worldwide many tens of millions, possibly over 100 million sharks, are being caught each year.
The once thriving hammerhead population has been greatly diminished and now sightings are rare. Hammerheads are vital to the health of the ocean; they weed out the sick and injured and help keep marine life in balance.
| Importance: | The decline in shark population in El Bajo is a worrying sign for sea life throughout the Sea of Cortez. |
| Dive category: | Specialist. Hammerhead sharks are extremely shy. To avoid disturbing them a "rebreather" is recommended, which requires specialist training. If you are very lucky you might catch a glimpse on scuba. |
| Access: | Local boat and dive operators organise trips to the El Bajo seamount. |
Interesting for
- What happened to the hammerheads?
- The SeaWatch conservation group's website outlines the possible fates met by the hammerheads of El Bajo.
- What happened to the hammerheads of El Bajo in LaPaz, Mexico? [PDF]
- Hammerhead sharks
- ARKive gives a comprehensive summary of facts and figures on the great hammerhead.
- Great hammerhead (Sphyma mokarran)
- Shark species facing extinction
- A Guardian article about shark species facing extinction.
- Shark species face extinction amid overfishing and appetite for fins
BBC related content
- Oceans ultimate dives: Philippe Cousteau's dream dive
- Oceans presenter biography: Paul Rose
- Oceans 360° experience: Lemon sharks
- Oceans image gallery: The Sea of Cortez
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