The vast Maldivian ocean, with over 1000 coral islands, supports an infinite marine biodiversity. From tiny species to the most majestic marine fish, they thrive in the magnificent Maldivian ocean.
Among the thousands of species, tuna is the most popular fish consumed in the Maldives. In the early days, shark fishing was the country’s second most popular fishing activity. Despite their past consumption, sharks now play a significant role in our economy.
The Maldives is home to various shark species, including the whitetip reef shark, grey reef shark, blacktip reef shark, scalloped hammerhead, tawny nurse shark, silvertip shark, whale shark, and variegated shark (Anderson, Waheed, 2001).
We may have harpooned, caught, and fished a number of majestic shark species. But once the community learnt how vital these species were for the food chain and biodiversity, we respected and protected them. Also, thanks to the laws and rules that protect these species and make it illegal to catch them.
There are approximately 26 shark species recorded in the Maldives (Anderson, Ahmed, 1993).
Diving, as well as fishing, research, and conservation efforts, have resulted in the discovery of new species in our ocean over time. However, individuals rarely record new species. Most of the time, scientists identify some species based on fish they catch. This article will discuss the first bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) sighting in the Maldives.
But Abdulla Sivad, an enthusiastic diver from Fuvahmulah Island, had the rare and historic opportunity to see the first bull shark in the Maldives.
It was discovered on May 19, 2013, in Furana North, outside Furanafushi Island, at a depth of 28 meters. This area consists of an outer reef and a Thila. It is located on North Male’ Atoll. It’s located southeast of Thulhagiri Island. Prior to this encounter, there had been no recorded incidents involving bull sharks in the Maldives. There are no official or unofficial records of bull shark encounters prior to this occurrence.
Manta and dogtooth are abundant here. You can find eagle rays, grey reef sharks, giant trevally, Napoleon wrasse, and fusiliers here. here. You can also see whale sharks.
Bull sharks live throughout the world’s oceans. They usually eat anything that they think is edible. However, they normally feed on fish. Turtles and dolphins are also common prey.
Bull sharks can also thrive in freshwater. Sharks require salt for their survival. There are glands on the back of bull sharks’ tails that help them live in freshwater. Another reason is that their kidneys function differently.
Bull sharks are the most aggressive shark species in the ocean. A study conducted in 2023 off the coast of New South Wales discovered that the largest bull sharks are the most aggressive. Researchers from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Macquarie University collaborated on the study.
I asked one of my spearfishing friends, Mod, how he describes the bull shark. “They come very close to humans.”
