Blue Shark Research Paper

Video Reflection 11/15

We all know the ocean to be a vast place teeming with countless species of life. Yet we often forget that there are patches of the ocean that are not swarming with such life. These “marine deserts” are some of the least lively waters of the ocean which stems from shifting ocean currents that devoid regions of plankton; the base of the oceanic food chain. Yet, these same waters are home to some of the most notorious marine predators. The striped marlin, for example, are daylight hunters who usually have to search far and wide for a meal in this part of the open ocean. However, we see it catch a lucky break and attack a huge shoal of sardines; taking advantage of its quick movements to many of them. A short time later, a sei
In marine deserts, opportunities for food are not always abundant so organisms must take available chances to attain this nutrition, even if it is because of someone else’s work. A blue shark does not search near the surface of the open ocean, rather it uses its ability to dive into the depths of the water in order to hunt. It tries to capture squid and has the ability to go almost 300 meters down into the colder waters. Yet like the sei whale, in this instance, we see that the shark finds it easier to detect the smell of frightened fish from a previous attack and decided to mooch off another organism’s hunt. On the other end of the spectrum, with such limited food options, many spawning fish often see their eggs and sperm get consumed by hungry predators as soon as they eject it. In the video, a detached kelp plant was a safe place for fish to place their eggs, knowing predators would have a difficult time trying to navigate through it. We even see some young rock fish in its sanctuary of its leaves, reaping the benefits of its protection. With these marine deserts not having the ability to be provide reliable food or protection for full –time residents, both prey and predator must always be on the