Dr. Catherine Macdonald

Happy birthday, hope there were some good sharks!

What it’s like fighting racism and sexism in shark science Jaida Elcock, a co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, talks about how pushback drives her forward.

What it’s like fighting racism and sexism in shark science

I've given over 75 scientific conference talks. The only time I've ever heard an audible gasp from the audience was when I presented this stat:

In the United States, more large sharks (non-dogfish) are killed by recreational anglers than by commercial fisheries every year.

Friends, the November 11-13 field research experience is full, but due to popular demand we’ve opened a second one November 20-22!

And you can also take just the online course without the field part, for course credit, CPE credit, or just for fun!

www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/courses/p/bi...

The most important thing to do to confront racism and hate is the be there in support of the people experiencing it. To speak up, to reject it vocally and repeatedly, to tell people directly you will not tolerate it, and to model the alternative as best we can

That is not all there is to do however

a man with long hair and a beard is talking to another man with a sword . Alt: Aragorn from lord of the rings says “you have my sword”.

My sword = teeth

The Criminal Enterprise Run by Monkeys A cabal of furry thieves snatch iPhones and other valuables from visitors to a temple in Bali–and trade them for mangos

“Primate researchers have found that the macaques steal belongings to use as currency to trade with humans for food.Some monkeys can distinguish between objects we highly value (smartphones, prescription glasses, wallets) and those we don’t (hats, flip flops, hair clips) and will barter accordingly”

The sargassum was thick today but it created some interesting lighting conditions for this nurse shark to swim under🩺🦈 #nurseshark #sharksofcoralcity #shark #everydayissharkweekincoralcity #sargassum #mat #coral #coralhead #coralcitycamera #miami #portmiami #biscaynebay #coralcity

Definitely not across species that different, evolutionarily!

However, there are some very closely related species that definitely or probably can hybridize—Australian blacktip and Atlantic blacktip sharks, and scalloped hammerheads and Carolina hammerheads are two of the best known examples.

A photo of a shark, showing the claspers and the splayed clasper spurs. Picture from Jones et al. pictured in Hamlet et al. 2005

Here’s what claspers look like, with and without spurs deployed!

Four questions about sharks you actually want to know the answers to

They have two because during mating a male shark bites the female on the back or side, flips her upside down, and inserts the clasper from the opposite side of his body (i.e., his left clasper if she’s on his right). Being able to have a mobile clasper in either direction makes mating easier.

I’m only rating this a 3 on the derangement scale, but happy to answer it! Male sharks have zero penises—they have claspers, which are modified calcified pelvic fins they use for internal sperm delivery to females (which include species-specific clasper spurs).

To be clear: the more deranged your child’s question about sharks is, the more excited I am to try to answer it. 🧪🦈

But what about four questions you wish people would ask you? What little nuggets of knowledge are you desperate to share about sharks?

4. Would radiation cause issues for the average nurse shark?

A: As always with radiation, it depends on the dose!

3. Would a baby hammerhead know their parents?

A: Not as far as I know.

2. How do sharks have babies?

A. Many baby sharks rely on nursery areas in early years of life, places where there’s a lot for them to eat or where they’re safe from predators. As for where those babies come from, you’re going to need to check in with mom and dad on that one.

Oooh great question!

My favorite questions I *have* been asked (by six year olds):

1. Have you ever seen a mutated shark live more than four and a half days?

A: …yes? I guess?

Contractually, my favorite is a blue shark (long story). Practically, it’s pretty much whatever shark I just saw (though I especially love great hammerheads). There isn’t a shark I don’t like, but I’m not a fan of the looks of adult bull sharks. Not impressed by their tiny eyes.

I deeply love disco clams and will not pass up this opportunity to hype them. Look up a video, not a photo!

May I also recommend a Greenland shark: many times the mobility, most of the longevity (400+)

When my friends were reading and watching ‘Lessons in Chemistry’, I tried to convey that the misogyny of the sixties is still very much alive and well for many #WomenInStem.
This article tells a sad, real tale that needs to be heard.

That’s fair—I’d edit to say this is in reference to people going to the beach. If you’re engaged in specific potentially sharky activities, especially spear-fishing, my answer would be slightly different.

The Dark Side of Being a Female Shark Researcher Being a scientist should not require developing the grit to continually endure misogyny, discrimination, harassment, assault or bullying

The Dark Side of Being a Female Shark Researcher | Scientific American

4. Have you ever been bitten by a shark?
A: No, but if I had, I would almost 100% definitely be at fault.

3. Can a shark smell a drop of blood in a swimming pool?
A: Can you smell a cinnamon bun in your house? If you said: “The context matters! It depends on how fresh the bun is, how the air is circulating in the house, what container it’s in, how far away it is…”
Well, you’re starting to get it.

2. Is megalodon real?
A: Yeah, and it’s extinct as hell. Next.

In honor of everyone being interested in my hyper-specific interests this week, I present:

The four most common questions I get asked as a shark scientist.

1. Should I be worried about being bitten by a shark?
A: No, and this question is super duper boring. Sorry.