Cool Science
Species of Concern

January 6, 2016

Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Scientists from WCS's New York Aquarium just announced the exciting discovery of a sand tiger shark nursery off the coast of New York, in Long Island's Great South Bay.

Though they look menacing, sand tiger sharks are not aggressive. In fact, they have more to fear from us. Like many shark species, sand tigers have been overfished.

Their recovery is complicated by the fact that a mature female sand tiger only gives birth to one or two pups every two years. Even though it is now illegal to fish for this species, it will still take a long time for it to replenish its population.

That makes it all the more important that this research continues, so we can better understand how to keep these young sharks safe when they're in New York's waters.

You can help safeguard New York's waters
(and get a free sticker) over at Blue York.

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