Saturday, January 31, 2009

More Than A Hiccup in Paradise

Last post we talked about the sea pests, jellyfish and man-of-wars. Well would you believe now we have the shark brigade.


From Riviera Beach in Palm Beach County down to Delray Beach lifeguard stands were flying double Red Flags on the 22nd of January warning swimmers to stay out of the Atlantic Ocean while sharks do their annual feeding.



According to beach attendants, sharks were jumping completely out of the water with mouths open and eyes closed. There were hundreds of them and some were only about 10 feet from the shore. Nurse, Black Tip, Spinner, and the dangerous Bull Sharks were sighted as they chase the winter migration of small fish.



Shallow sandbars create warm water where the sharks hang out while waiting for a school of fish which attracts them toward shore or sometimes a boat comes by and scares them toward the beach. The sharks are more visable this time of year as the ocean is clear and calm.




Sharks and tourists all seem to come together here and that makes for a dangerous liaison. Visitors think if they stay in shallow water they are safe but sharks can grab you even in very shallow water. Not worth the risk.



Beach Attendants and Lifeguards are keeping the people out of the water until it is safe again. They are still setting up blue cushions on the beach lounge chairs for people to enjoy the beach, just cannot go in the water.

Here is a link to a very interesting article and video of Matt Lauer of the Today Show interviewing a couple of officials down here in South Florida about the shark situation. Be sure to launch the video. It is awsome. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7335074

6 comments:

Conchscooter said...

Statistically sharks have more to fear from us than we from them, which has never relieved my stress when meeting them in the water.

irondad said...

What awesome photos! I saw a man eating shark once, but it was a couple of years ago at a restaurant in Orlando. I guess that bears out what Conch says about the sharks having to fear us!

By the way, when I was a teen, my buddy was a voracious eater. I saw him hit the table with his mouth open and eyes closed more times than I care to remember!

So frustrating, huh? All that lovely beach and inviting water and no swimming or barefoot walks to be had. Here the ocean is 52 degrees and it's always cold and breezy. Not enjoyable but we don't expect any more, either!

Unknown said...

That last picture with all those FINS sticking up really looks cool, and gives you the shivers at the same time. I remember a while ago at an open house they served these bit-sized pieces of smoked salmon, at least that's what I thought. They were delicious but I found out later it was smoked Shark - "delicious"

bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin

Lance said...

Wow - amazing pictures of the sharks from the aerial view. They appear too close for comfort, but beautiful nevertheless.

Anonymous said...

These pics give me the heeby jeebys!

Meghangeee said...

Wow thats pretty sketchyy. Im getting ready to go to key west for spring break and i really wanted to go in the water but now idk cause im not about to be sharkfood!