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Shortfin Mako Shark

Considered the fastest shark in the world — the shortfin mako shark can reach an astounding 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour. But its athleticism is not restricted to swimming, as they are also known for their incredible leaping ability and can be seen jumping to extreme heights out of the water when hunting!

 

The shortfin mako shark is a large predatory shark that are found in both coastal waters and the open ocean. These highly migratory sharks can reach lengths of 4 meters (13 feet) and weights of 150 kilograms (330 pounds). 

Similar to the great white shark (as well as some other fish species), shortfin mako sharks have a specialized blood vessel structure, called countercurrent exchanges, which allows them to maintain body temperatures higher than the surrounding water. This ability proves to be an advantage for them when hunting in cooler waters, allowing them to swim more quickly and intelligently.  

These sharks primarily feed on bony fishes and squids, but their appetite doesn’t end there! They’ve also been known to eat other sharks, small marine mammals, sea turtles, and even dead organic matter.  

 

 

As apex predators, shortfin mako sharks are a vital part of oceanic ecosystems. By eating smaller predators, they help maintain ecosystems and biodiversity. However, while shortfin mako sharks may be at the top of the food chain, humans are probably their most frequent predators.  

These sharks are caught globally as target species as well as a product of bycatch in commercial and small-scale fisheries.  

Shortfin mako sharks are also a desirable trophy fish, highly valued by big-game recreational fishers. While most practice catch and release, there is the possibility that recreational fishing could also be a threat due to post-release mortality.  

These threats have led these sharks to be listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.  

 

 

In an effort to protect these sharks in the U.S. Atlantic, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has implemented a retention ban (meaning none of this species can be landed or kept) as of July 2022. Throughout its range, the shortfin mako shark still faces many threats, and Oceana campaigns globally to promote responsible fishing and reduce bycatch to protect species like the shortfin mako shark. 

 

 

 

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