Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Something down there has
sharp teeth! Kym Murphy
having second thoughts about
his next dive. (Photo courtesy
Chuck Nicklin)
check out a wave-washed rock a quarter mile o¤shore from the main
island. Known as O'Neill Rock, it had a reputation among the long-
range sportfishing boats as being a hot spot for big game fish—and for
sharks. In fact, the sharks were reportedly such a problem the fisher-
men would frequently bring in just the head of their prized tuna or
jack.
We anchored the Zodiac next to the rock. Then, slipping quietly into
the water with camera and bang sticks, we descended to a flat ledge at
a depth of about forty feet. Within just moments, several six- to eight-
foot silvertip sharks came up out of the depths to check us out. It was
remarkable how quickly they sensed our presence. Silvertips are beau-
tiful animals, with graceful bodies and very small almost silvery marks
on the very tips of their dorsal and pectoral fins. These sharks, how-
ever, beautiful though they were, were getting a little too close for com-
fort, so we retreated to the safety of our Zodiac.
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