.jpg) |
|
Shark photo (AP Photo/University of Miami, Neil Hammerschlag)
|
The Greenland Shark is found in polar waters, often in deep waters. Very little is known about this behemoth which is believed to grow up to 24 feet. A nonagressive shark (toward humans), it is non the less a big eater, feasting on carrion –the more putrid the better–and crabs, large snails, whole seal, cod, and salmon.
While there is no large scale international shark fishing of this species, which lives in numbers too sparse to create a market, the shark does support two fisheries, one near Iceland and one in West Greenland waters. They are harvested chiefly for liver oil. The meat is said to cause intoxicant poisoning in humans if eaten fresh. Dried flesh does not cause the same problem in humans although it is considered a minor food source. Dried flesh is used for dog food.
| Deepwater shark Greenland Shark Somniosis Microcephalus, shot at 10,000ft in the US/Mexico sea frontier. 2 places where the books say this shark is not supposed to be. |
Comments
To kill an animal that can live 4-5 times more than us and feed it to animals with even shorter life span and call it 'harvest' is just nuts.
In addition we have no idea when they mature and give birth. Wikipedia says "sled dogs that end up eating the flesh are unable to stand up due to the neurotoxins"
Why the photo of a Great White Shark and not the Greenland?
Sorry Sharkman, no picture of Greenland Shark was available for this article, so hence the generic "Shark photo." I'm happy the video was available so we could all get good look at this giant of the deep. I hope these mysterious creatures are doing well, who knows what we could learn from an anminal that lives 400 years.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!