National Geographic: An Eden for Sharks

by Shawn Heinrichs Monday, March 5th, 2007

Article Summary:

In the March issue of National Geographic, journalist Jennifer Holland shares her story of close encounters with sharks while on assignment in the Bahamas. Accompanying her was photojournalist Brian Skerry, whose gripping shots of sharks in action bring the story to life.

The article features all the headline sharks including the tiger, great hammerhead and oceanic white-tip. The images are stunning, the article informative and the conservation message compelling. “Scientists warn that many shark populations could be dangerously depleted within a decade, barring bold action” relates the author. Perhaps what is most refreshing about the article is that it offers a message of hope for sharks in the Bahamas, a contrast to their desperate plight throughout the rest of the world. You can read the full story and enjoy the the beautiful images online at National Geographic’s website.

Thanks, Matt, for bringing up anti-finning petitions. Here's a link to one that focuses on getting Alibaba.com to stop distributing fins: http://wetpixel.com/i.php/full/petition-stop-distribution-of-shark-fins/ As of right now there are 1,790 signatures. The goal is 10,000.
Posted by Eric Cheng on 2007-03-11 18:48:13 I had the pleasure of being out at the Sharklab in Bimini during the time Brian Skerry and Mark Conlon were visiting - during June 05. I even got to help out a little on their shoots (which taught me a lot). I actually had to swim a juvenile lemon across a deep water channel to get it to Doc for the picture in the assignment. Having Brian, Mark, and Jenny out there was fun but also serves a huge purpose - rigth now Bimini is on the verge of very real and imminent destruction. A large development project - Bimini Bay - is planned to cover most of the north island. Their plans include removing about 90% of the mangroves from the northern lagoon area, which is the primary habitat for the juvenile sharks (as well as tons of other fish, invertebrates, birds, and reptiles). I was further honored by returning the next year to BBFS under the auspices of photodocumenting the PIT project (a big tip of the hat goes to both Eric and Brian - I tried to emulate their high standards). I have worked with Doc for about 8 years now so I have an intimate knowledge of the methods and general life at the lab. I spent three weeks trying to cover the research from every angle. The reults can be seen at : http://www6.miami.edu/sharklab/pit_06_intro.html Again - I looked to Brian's work the previous year and have been eagerly awaiting the results. as a shark biologist, we are still in many ways fighting a losing battle to save these amazing and ecologically important creatures. The news of more protection (like in Mexico) is music to my ears - but actions like this are like someone practicing their instrument in their basement - we need a cohesive symphony to shout out our position. I don't want to be preachy but issues like signing anti-finning petitions and such really are important - and will hopefully allow us to continue to have these exciting subjects to aim our lenses at. A resounding pat on the back to Brian and all at NG for the shark article (and people liek Jimmy who helped make it happen). Cheers!
Posted by shark8matt on 2007-03-11 17:27:18 Thanks for pointing out that Jim got some credit Eric. Just like to see him get some attention, or maybe notoriety is probably more the thing he would enjoy.
Posted by loftus on 2007-03-09 16:24:03 Mauricio -- thank you for the reminder that the article will reach 60 million readers, and that the greater story is what is important. Wetpixel is an underwater photography community, we have a tendency to focus on spectacular imagery over all else -- and, we want to comment on it all the time. So while folks here will talk about the quality of individual images, it does not necessarily mean that they can't see the larger picture... :)
Posted by Eric Cheng on 2007-03-09 14:42:01 I agree 100% and that is a great reply - I was thinking more on the lines of how accomplished many WP shooters have become to take quality images (argueably) equal or better to a published NG atricle which is the absoulte standard excellence.
Posted by Photobeat on 2007-03-09 14:39:23 A National Geographic Magazine article is a long term process. Many aspects and elements go into getting a story to press, one of which is getting great images. Brians work on this story, represents an intimate look at the state of this area,It took him many trips over a few years to see the complete pictures. Guys- this is not about getting the "pretty pictures"- it's a much more leaborate process when you are trying to see beyond the pretty pictures to get the true essence of an animal, its habitate and how man influences their future. Many members on wetpixel have great images of Tigers in the bahamas, and to some they may be better than Brians Skerry's- but this is all besides the point. Brian managed to get NG to approve and idea he had- he took this srory and made it a reality with a deep environmental message (Read the article carefully to understand it) in the process he got a readership of 60 million people around the world and in as many languages to see something they would not have otherwise been exposed to. This is in itslef a priviledge and a great thing in itself. The photo editors at NG decided what images where the most compeling as a whole, not independent from each other. This is not a dive magazine story- this is journalism. Maybe and just maybe, this story and the exposure that it gives to an area that we all take for granted, will truly help save it for all photographers that may continue to return year after year to get "pretty pictures". For me and other photographers like Brian, it is not about the one shot, but more about the complete story- and the impact this story has on our planet and all that lives within. Mauricio Handler
Posted by handlerphoto on 2007-03-09 14:25:45 Not taking anything away from Brain and what editors picked and pulled but most WP shots from Tiger beach trump those big time.
Posted by Photobeat on 2007-03-08 19:45:18 Jimmy is mentioned in Holland and Skerry's "on assignment" field notes.
Posted by Eric Cheng on 2007-03-07 05:46:09 You are correct - the photos were taken during 10 weeks of diving, which were spread across roughtly 9 months. Brian Skerry and Mark Conlin were the photographers (a photo of Mark's is in the back of the magazine), Jenny Holland came as a writer during part of the expedition, and Wes Pratt also accompanied the crew.
Posted by bacripe on 2007-03-06 18:31:27 My understanding is that they were on Jim Abernathy's boat and guided by him at Tiger Beach, yet he is not mentioned. A bit odd in my opinion.
Posted by loftus on 2007-03-06 07:35:20