First-Ever Video Of Newborn Great White Shark Unveiled In A Groundbreaking Discovery
First-ever video of newborn great white shark unveiled in a groundbreaking discovery. Renowned wildlife photographer and videographer, Carlos Gauna, known for his tireless efforts to unveil the mysteries of these oceanic giants, has achieved a remarkable feat.
Author:Karan EmeryReviewer:Daniel JamesJan 31, 202418.6K Shares266K Views
First-ever video of newborn great white shark unveiled in a groundbreaking discovery. Renowned wildlife photographer and videographer, Carlos Gauna, known for his tireless efforts to unveil the mysteries of these oceanic giants, has achieved a remarkable feat.
After years of venturing into the depths, Gauna has unveiled footage believed to depict an infant great white shark shortly after birth. This revelation marks a significant milestone in our understanding of these apex predators, shedding light on previously unseen aspects of their existence.
“„I want to kind of tell the story of what sharks do when we aren't watching, we aren't interacting with them, when we're not touching them. And through that experience, I've seen some sharks doing some really wild things, things that have no explanation. You never know what you're going to see.- Carlos Gauna
Embarking on July 9th of the previous year, Gauna embarked on his journey with no inkling of what lay ahead. After meticulously studying sharks in the Santa Barbara region for three years, he observed a congregation of "remarkably large sharks" during a specific month.
"It's always food or reproduction or something," he said. "They're coming here for a reason."
The birthing behaviors of great white sharks remain largely shrouded in mystery within the scientific community. Based on researchers' observations, these creatures undergo a gestation period exceeding a year, with mother sharks typically bearing between two to 10 pups at once. Using an ovoviviparous reproductive strategy, the embryos develop within eggs inside the mother's body before emerging through live birth after full maturation.
Gauna's suspicions regarding birthing activity among the local sharks were initially met with skepticism from scientists, who commonly asserted that white sharks prefer deeper waters for birthing. Undeterred, he embarked on his research alongside his partner, Phillip Sternes, a doctoral student in biology at the University of California, Riverside. With only the second-to-last battery remaining in his drone, they witnessed a significant event: a sizable shark descending into the depths, approximately 1,000 feet from the shoreline.
"Just a few minutes later, this little bitty thing comes up from that spot," he said, saying that at first they thought the roughly 5-foot-long nearly purely white animal may have been an albino shark. "It was tiny - really, really small compared to all the other sharks."
Upon reviewing the footage, Gauna made a curious observation: a white film was seen sloughing off the shark's body as it gracefully traversed through the water.
"I think Phil's words were, 'Oh my God, I think that might be a newborn,'" he said. In a press release, he added, "There have been dead white sharks found inside deceased pregnant mothers. But nothing like this."
Despite some scientists suggesting the observed phenomenon was a skin condition, Gauna, whose research findings were recently peer-reviewed and published in the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes, proposes a different interpretation. He contends that what they witnessed was likely the newborn shark shedding intrauterine milk. This hypothesis aligns with a separate 2022 study by other researchers, which indicates that white sharks produce a nutrient-rich secretion called uterine milk within their uterine walls for embryonic nutrition.
Gauna further supports his theory by pointing out the size, shape, and previous sightings of pregnant sharks in the area, indicating the likelihood of encountering a newborn. The shark measured approximately five feet in length, a characteristic size for newborn great whites, with a distinctively short and rounded fin.
“„I just don't see how a skin disorder explains this. Given the size of the shark, given the unique roundness of that dorsal fin - they can't give birth with a dorsal fin that's straight and long, straight and pointed. They have to be rounded in order to exit.- Carlos Gauna
Gauna explained that capturing a live birth across any species is a rare occurrence due to its unpredictable nature. While stumbling upon a newborn shark may not be deemed the "holy grail" of shark science since it doesn't directly involve witnessing the birth, Gauna emphasized its significance as a crucial component for researchers. This discovery holds particular importance for great white sharks, given their vulnerable status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
"Filming in the ocean is one of the hardest things to do on this planet," he said. "[With great whites] we've always believed it's deep, it's offshore. So this is why I think this is very significant in that maybe we should start looking closer to shore."
For Gauna, the research journey is far from over. His fascination with sharks traces back to his childhood at the age of 5, when a toy shark in the bath sparked his interest. Throughout the years, he's witnessed these creatures endure significant harm, from boat collisions to fishing impacts. He recounted an instance where he stumbled upon a dead great white with its jaws grotesquely manipulated by a rope, in the same location where he later found the newborn shark.
Expressing deep concern for their well-being, Gauna emphasized the necessity for further research and protection measures for these enigmatic creatures. He remains committed to delving deeper into the mysteries surrounding these creatures, describing them as "curious, calm, and calculating."
Conclusion
“„Any nursery for any species should be considered important. We're gonna go back and see if we can capture it again.- Carlos Gauna
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Karan Emery
Author
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Daniel James
Reviewer
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
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