Supermarket shark stays close to home

(CNS): Since she was tagged as part of a collaborative marine research project a shark sponsored by Foster’s supermarket has been staying pretty close to home. Coco the tiger shark is one of several sharks that the DoE is following in an effort to learn more about the habits of these important marine predators. Unlike, Tina and Luiza two other sharks also tagged off Grand Cayman, Coco has remained near home. However experts say she is likely to head further afield soon. The sponsorship of the young shark came from the money Fosters collected from introducing a charge for plastic bags at its stores.

Coco was tagged in late April in collaboration with Foster’s, the Department of Environment (DoE), the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) and Marine Conservation International (MCI), as part of an Overseas Territories Environment Programme grant to provide information and raise public awareness about Cayman’s sharks, whales and dolphins .

Woody Foster was excited with the tagging. “We named the tiger shark Coco after our trademark clown to promote the importance of shark conservation for our seas to remain healthy,” he said. Foster explained that the initiative was made possible from the sale of plastic bags in which the store had we promised customers all proceeds would be used for a “green” initiative.

Dr. Mauvis Gore of the MCI explained how important sharks are to the local marine environment. “Tiger sharks are key marine animals that help to keep our seas healthy, much like orca do.”

Tiger sharks can reach over ten feet in length, but Coco has a bit of growing to do yet. Like most sharks, tiger sharks tend to be solitary and despite their name, they hunt for turtles, fish and squid. They do look for food in shallower seas, but they undergo seasonal migrations by moving to cooler waters in the warmer months.

Tim Austin, Deputy Director at the DoE said that Coco was likely to be thinking about moving on shortly but the project would be able to keep up with her travels as a result of the tag.

Oliver Dubock another member of the MCI team is also asking for assistance with the work. “Any sightings of shark, whale or dolphin is of significance,” he said adding that reports can be made to the DoE at DOE@GOV.KY or on 949-8469.