Mako Sharks: The Lesser Known Danger

Sleek, fast, and equipped with razor sharp teeth the Mako shark is a perfect killing machine. The majority of Mako sharks seen in the wild only reach between 5 - 8 feet lengths, but Mako sharks have been known to reach lengths of 12 feet and as much as 1000 lbs although that is extremely rare. During the summer season the Atlantic Mako tends to travel up the East Coast to settle near New England.

The Mako is most abundant in Tropical waters such as those found around the Caribbean, but it is known as a pelagic, or open ocean, shark. It is the only shark known to reach speeds of 22 miles per hour in short bursts. It is believed that Mako sharks may have breeding grounds in San Diego Bay as the number of juvenile Mako sharks increases greatly in Southern California during the summer seasons.

The Mako primarily feeds on Mackerel, Squid, Tuna, Swordfish and even other sharks. Because of their diet preferences they are attracted to bright colors and shiny objects. So bathing suits with bright colors are not a good idea to wear to the beach especially if you plan on swimming. When scuba diving you must always be aware of your surroundings. My father, an E. O. D. Diver for the U. S. Navy, encountered a Mako shark while he was working in the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm.

Here is his description of the events: "We were out searching for mines in the Persian Gulf. I had entered the water and was in the process of placing an explosive charge on an underwater mine we had found. It's important that we safely detonate these mines to make the waters safe for our ships to pass through. So concentration is important when applying a charge to a live mine. I had just finished applying the charge when I saw a shimmer of light out of the corner of my eye. I turned to see where the light had come from but I didn't see anything.

I finished up and turned to head back to the boat. That's when I saw the Mako. That's when I realized the flash of light had been a reflection of light off of the Mako's sleek shiny skin. I kept my eye on it as it circled again and again. It came closer with each pass and I found myself becoming increasingly worried. If he charged at me he'd send us both into direct contact with the Mine behind me. That would kill us both and would put my fellow sailors on the boat in danger as well.

I decided that it would be best if I just waited it out. He wasn't behaving in an aggressive manner towards me and his body language told me he was just curious and not hungry. If I stayed still enough he'd eventually become bored and move on. Thankfully it did just that. I watched it as it disappeared into the distance. The water in the Persian Gulf is very cloudy and it's hard to see long distances but I had to trust that the shark had gone and carefully make my way back to the boat.

It was the longest swim of my entire life. I made sure I didn't make any movements that would sound to the shark like a fish in distress and I was so relieved when I made it back to the boat in one piece. It wasn't the first time I saw a shark when diving but it was the first time I ever saw a Mako and I'll never forget it. They are impressive animals and I don't ever want to cross paths with one again."

My father was smart to swim slowly back to the boat. When we swim people make a lot of noise. The movements we make are felt by sharks even if they're miles away. Loud splashing, thrashing and even shouting can attract hungry sharks. To them it sounds like an injured fish that would be easy eating for them. So when it comes to safely swimming in the ocean remember these simple rules:

1. Don't wear flashy, bright or neon colored bathing suits.
2. Swim in groups of 3 or more people if at all possible.
3. Do not swim out too far.
4. Try to keep loud splashing to a minimum.
5. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for schools of fish if you see one come close to shore get out of the water and wait for it to pass.
6. Do not swim at night. Most sharks prefer to feed at night when fish are more abundant.
7. This may embarrass some women but if you're on your period try not to enter the water at all.
8. Do not swim if you have open wounds or sores.
9. Don't eat food while swimming.
10. Pay attention to the tide table try to swim at a time between low and high tide.
11. Find out when certain animals are more abundant in the area you're swimming in. For example: You don't want to go swimming during jellyfish season and you don't want to go swimming when certain schools of fish are in high numbers on your coast line. Where fish are in high numbers you can be sure that predators are as well.

I hope this article helps you all to have a safer time in the ocean this summer. Remember, the ocean is the domain of the shark. They are the dominate species in the sea just as humans are the dominate species on the land. We must respect the ocean and its creatures at all times. Every time you enter the ocean you are taking a risk and you should always remember that.