Blue sharks are one of the most common shark species in the world. With their slender, sleek bodies and distinct blue coloration, these stunning fish are a fascinating sight. Blue sharks are also one of the most studied shark species, as they are a popular subject for scientific research due to their behavior and ecological importance. However, despite their popularity, blue sharks face numerous threats from human activities, including overfishing and plastic pollution.
At-A-Glance
Size: Females around 20ft while males are half that between 11-13 ft.
Habitat: Temperate coastal waters.
Diet: Juveniles eat fish and other sharks. Adults eat seals, sea lions, dolphins, turtles, and small whales.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous meaning that they reproduce with eggs that hatch inside the uterus and then the embryos develop further until birth. Their gestation (pregnancy) lasts around 11 months and females can’t reproduce until they’re around 15 years old.
IUCN listing: Vulnerable.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
1. Blue sharks are a highly migratory species. Individuals make several trips across entire ocean basins throughout their life. Blue sharks go on these long migrations to reach areas of food resources and to find mates.
2. Blue sharks are known to be agile and graceful swimmers and are known for their curiosity.
Ready To Dive In?
July to October: The Azores & Portugal, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, California
November to June: Cape Town, South Africa
January to May: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
July to September: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Science In The Spotlight
Blue sharks are highly sought after by fishermen worldwide due to the demand for their meat and fins. However, apart from fishing, these sharks face significant threats from marine pollution. Researchers conducted a study between June 2017 and August 2018 to observe how blue sharks in the South Atlantic Ocean interacted with large debris such as plastic and fishing gear. During the study, they made some unexpected observations. READ FULL ARTICLE