By Why do they call it Shark Bay?
There is a reason why Shark Bay is so called. “Sharks we caught a great many of, which our men eat very savourily,” wrote English explorer William Dampier in 1699. “Among them we caught one which was 11 feet long.” Dampier named the place “Shark’s Bay” in honour of these magnificent fish.
Why is Shark Bay famous?
Shark Bay is one of the world’s most significant and secure strongholds for the protection of Dugong, with a population of around 11,000. Increasing numbers of Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales use Shark Bay as a migratory staging post, and a famous population of Bottlenose Dolphin lives in the Bay.
What is so special about Shark Bay?
At the most westerly point of the Australian continent, Shark Bay, with its islands and the land surrounding it, has three exceptional natural features: its vast sea-grass beds, which are the largest (4,800 km2) and richest in the world; its dugong (‘sea cow’) population; and its stromatolites (colonies of algae which …
Is there sharks in Shark Bay?
Shark Bay — 800 kilometres north of Perth — became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for the natural splendour of its waters, islands and peninsulas, which provide a home to more than 300 species of marine animals, including 29 types of shark.
Are there crocodiles in Shark Bay?
Only the saltwater crocodile is a man-eater, but don’t let the name fool you. It’s range now extends from Onslow in the west (one was even found as far south as Shark Bay and we note in the latest literature even Exmouth is now included in ‘saltie’ territory.) to Gladstone in the east.
Are there great white sharks in Shark Bay?
Only a few years ago, scientists estimated there were between 300 and 500 great white sharks in South Africa’s False Bay. Now, they have completely disappeared.
Can you swim in Shark Bay?
The waters of Shark Bay are generally safe for swimming. Despite warm Leeuwin current influences it is quite cool in winter.
Who looks after Shark Bay?
While Parks and Wildlife manages Shark Bay Marine Park and Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, DPIRD controls fishing activities and zones.
What to do if a shark is circling you?
Stay calm and do not make sudden movements.
- Move slowly toward the shore or a boat; choose whichever is closest. Do not thrash your arms or kick or splash while you swim.
- Do not block the shark’s path. If you are standing between the shark and the open ocean, move away.
- Do not turn your back on the shark as you move.
Is Alcatraz shark infested?
The waters between North Beach and Alcatraz are not shark infested, as urban legends would have you believe. Most sharks can’t live in the bay’s fresh water, as their fatty livers aren’t functionally flotational without salination.
How did Shark Bay in Cape York get its name?
(The crew of the Duyfken, under Willem Janszoon, had visited Cape York in 1606). The area was given the name Shark Bay by the English explorer William Dampier, on 7 August 1699. The heritage–listed area had a population of fewer than 1,000 people as at the 2011 census and a coastline of over 1,500 kilometres (930 mi).
Where is Ko Tao in the Chumphon Archipelago?
Shark Bay, on the island’s south side. Ko Tao. Ko Tao (also often Koh Tao, (Thai: เกาะเต่า; RTGS: kotao), Thai pronunciation: [kɔ̀ʔ tàw], lit. ‘Turtle Island’) is an island in Thailand and is part of the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand.
What makes the water in Shark Bay so salty?
In Shark Bay’s hot, dry climate, evaporation greatly exceeds the annual precipitation rate. Thus, the seawater in the shallow bays becomes very salt-concentrated, or ‘hypersaline’. Seagrasses also restrict the tidal flow of waters through the bay area, preventing the ocean tides from diluting the sea water.
Who was the first person to visit Shark Bay?
An expedition led by Dirk Hartog happened upon the area in 1616, becoming the second group of Europeans known to have visited Australia. (The crew of the Duyfken, under Willem Janszoon, had visited Cape York in 1606). The area was given the name Shark Bay by the English explorer William Dampier, on 7 August 1699.