Among them are: Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, blacktip, bonnethead, bull, dusky, finetooth, terrific white, hammerhead (terrific, smooth and scalloped), lemon, nurse, sandbar, sand tiger, tiger, thresher, and spinner.
The most common in the lagoons near Kennedy is the juvenile bull. Researchers have actually spotted more bull sharks recently than ever in the location, mainly since the Space Coast acts as a popular area for women to provide birth and as a nursery habitat for their young.
By Messod Bendayan, NASAs Kennedy Space
August 7, 2023
Sharks that live in the waters surrounding NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida play an important role in the ecosystem. Each spring, blacktip sharks migrate north previous Cape Canaveral, where they are typically seen jumping out of the water. Credit: NASA/Russ Lowers
NASAs Kennedy Space Center, situated in the shark-populated Space Coast, actively contributes to marine preservation and research. While regional shark populations are increasing, thanks to the efforts of marine biologists, the worldwide trend reveals a decrease. Human encounters with sharks, including attacks, are relatively rare, additional dispelling the ominous reputation of these pinnacle predators.
Long before NASAs Kennedy Space Center ended up being the home for releasing humanitys future, the waters surrounding the Florida spaceport housed one of Earths leading peak predators. Its not unusual for people who regularly boat, fish, or swim in neighboring lagoons and beaches to find sharks living their best lives along with the rockets sending out astronauts into area.
Although popular culture frequently depicts sharks as a danger to humans, the actual danger is very minimal. Sharks play an essential role in the environment. Their food hunting helps regulate victim populations, benefitting marine variety and habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass.
The bull shark is the most common shark species in the Indian River Lagoon. The Vehicle Assembly Building turn basin is a hotspot for young bull sharks on Kennedy property. Credit: NASA/Eric Reyier
Throughout the month of July, cable channels aired a wide variety of “Shark Week” setting to thrill their viewers. In honor of this increased interest in our great finned friends, here are some enjoyable facts about these fascinating fish who make their homes in the waters of the Space Coast.
1. Eighteen various shark types have actually been recorded near Kennedy.
2. Marine biologists working for NASA routinely keep an eye on the waters in and around Kennedy.
Besides guaranteeing that NASA remains certified with endangered types and marine fishery guidelines, these biologists help the agency lessen the impact of the U.S. space program on local wildlife and habitat. Theyre likewise important to one of Kennedys primary objectives: developing a culture of preservation. Their work assists NASAs partners at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore effectively handle the regional marine population, ensuring the survival of sharks and threatened species such as sea turtles.
3. Acoustic telemetry and unmanned gliders assist track the sharks around Kennedy.
Cape Canaveral is an important winter nursery for young lemon sharks. Some tagged sharks have actually returned to the same area for as much as 6 years in a row. Credit: NASA/Eric Reyier
4. The most common types of sharks discovered off of Kennedys beaches are Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, blacktip, finetooth, and lemon.
Thats according to a just recently released term paper from Kennedys marine biologists. The five-year research study of shark populations near overseas sand shoals– moneyed by NASA and the United States Bureau of Ocean Energy Management– also revealed that sharks in the area are susceptible and highly mobile to seasonal migration. That consists of the juvenile lemon, which is likewise understood for hanging out in Brevards surf in big numbers during the winter season.
Kennedy scientists consistently tag sharks with individually distinct noise transmitters and set them totally free. As each shark relocations, biologists gather data on their movements from undersea receivers, offering insights on how they live and where they go. The scientists utilize comparable methods to study other marine life on center and close by.
Powered by the sun and waves, unmanned ocean gliders extend the range of surveyed locations, sending information back by means of satellite. The gliders can be piloted remotely by computer and have customized devices that can be modified based on the objective.
5. Although it is on the increase in the southeastern United States, the shark population is in decline in numerous other parts of the world.
Sharks on Earth are doing poorly for a range of factors, including being fished in numbers that are unsustainable for their survival. Proper understanding and management near Kennedy are helping increase the numbers of the majority of shark types in the area, benefiting the regional environment.
6. Its rare for human beings to get bitten by sharks, even in areas where shark bites are most typical.
According to the Florida Museum of Natural Historys International Shark Attack File (ISAF), 57 unprovoked shark bites were reported worldwide in 2022, 16 fewer than the year prior. The United States logged 41 of those, consisting of 16 in Florida and only one in Brevard County, where Kennedy lies.
ISAF information shows 156 confirmed shark bites in Brevard because 1882, more than any other Florida county other than Volusia (343 ). That averages to just over one shark bite reported every year.
7. Its even rarer for humans to die from shark bites.
There are 10 confirmed shark bite deaths in Florida given that the 1900s and none considering that 2010, per ISAF. Brevards only verified shark bite casualty remained in 1934.
ISAF information also reveals the danger of a shark-related casualty as less than 1 in 4 million. The typical human is much more likely to pass away from fireworks, train crashes, lightning, sun/heat direct exposure, excessive cold, or a bike accident than a shark bite.
Sharks that live in the waters surrounding NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida play an important function in the ecosystem. The bull shark is the most common shark types in the Indian River Lagoon. The Vehicle Assembly Building turn basin is a hotspot for young bull sharks on Kennedy property. Kennedy researchers consistently tag sharks with individually special noise transmitters and set them complimentary. The five-year study of shark populations near offshore sand shoals– moneyed by NASA and the United States Bureau of Ocean Energy Management– also revealed that sharks in the area are extremely mobile and susceptible to seasonal migration.
