A single person can make a huge difference when he (or she) decides to dedicate his/her time to achieve a target. This target could have amazing results not only for personal satisfaction but also on a larger scale. This is the story of one such person.
It was back in 2007 that I first met Greg Nowell, when he came to live here in Malta. We had exchanged a few emails before our meeting, and as always I was looking forward to meet another Shark lover.
Over a few beers, Greg and I talked about our passion and how he would like to contribute towards Shark Conservation. Little did I know that this was the first step towards a brighter future not only for the local shark scene but also internationally.
Since then, Greg and I became close friends and we have worked together on several conservation issues, both locally and also overseas. So, it gives me great pleasure to share with you this Greg Nowell interview.
Due to serious personal and health issues, this blog has not been updated for a few years. I will try to start doing regular updates as much as possible. Here is the first important news.
Sharkman's World and Sharklab-Malta have always believed that collaboration is the most powerful of tools. It is through this that Sharkman's World website is now officially integrating years of precious and important research and information into the Sharklab-Malta website.
Sharklab-Malta and I will continue to work side by side as we have since the beginning to collectively make a difference.
As part of the Shark Alliance on going campaign for shark conservation, four Maltese NGOs, (Nature Trust Malta, Greenhouse, Sharklab Malta and Sharkman's World Organization), handed over European Shark Week books to Malta's Shadow Minister, Leo Brincat, and to Fisheries Director, Joseph Caruana.
The event was held in June at St. Thomas More Primary School in Marsascala. The school children showed much interest in sharks and their conservation during the previous months and had also made an exhibition of drawings. They also made a large shark, on which everyone present at the ceremony, including Mr. Caruana, left their hand print to show support.
Ever since I have been involved in Sharks and their
conservation, I have had the pleasure of meeting some great guys who have
devoted their time and energy to do all they can to protect these awesome
creatures without thinking about self gratification. Greg Nowell is one of these
special people.
Regretfully many people get involved with sharks (or any
other creature) for personal gain and to get in the spotlight. Greg is the total
opposite. He loves sharks as much as I do and ever since I met him some 5 years
ago, he has been in the fore front of shark conservation issues here in Malta
and overseas as well.
Greg Nowell is the founder and director of Sharklab
Malta, and with Sharkman's World Organization, we are constantly working
together on various issues. Greg and his team of Sharklab members are more
focused on data collection of shark and rays info collected from local fisheries
and of sightings and observations.
Recently, their work took a slightly
different path and they are getting their first experience in their own private
shark nursery.
Around the end of January, a local fisherman contacted Greg
and told him of an unusual find of some strange egg cases at "Qalet Marku" a
local rocky coastline. Greg rushed to the spot to find a total of 43 shark egg
cases. On inspecting them, Greg found that most of these cases were either empty
or badly damaged. Only 9 seemed to be still alive and developing.
Greg took
these cases home and placed them in a sea water aquarium he immediately set
up. Greg identified the egg as those of The Smallerspotted Catsharks
(Scyliorhinus canicula).
Smallerspotted Catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula).
4 of the cases died over the next few days. Greg
then gave 3 of the cases to fellow Sharklab member Pam Mason. Whilst Greg's
eggs were in a 20 degrees heated aquarium, Pam kept hers in a cooler non heated
17 degrees. they started observing the egg cases constantly and exchanging
notes. Greg's warmer sharks were noticed to be more active.
Two weeks ago,
the first of Greg's sharks hatched and the second followed within a couple of
days. The warmer water produced more active sharks. A few days later Pam's pups
hatched.
The sharks are now actively feeding on Brine shrimp and raw white fish.
The idea is that as soon as these little guys are fit enough, they will be
released back into the sea and given a second chance.
Yesterday Greg's
nursery had more arrivals. A local diving centre owner found a huge mass of
tangled nylon rope in the sea, and on close inspection egg cases were visible.
Shark Egg Pouches entangled in ropes
Greg recovered an astonishing 89 egg cases. Out of these, 13 were found to be
still alive and were immediately transferred into the aquarium. Also inside the aquarium, Greg has two huge Nursehound Egg pouches too.
13 Catshark egg cases and the 2 larger white Nursehound
More photos, videos and updates can be found here.
Hopefully these
sharks will all live to get a second chance, thanks to Greg and his team of
dedicated members at Sharklab Malta.
