CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —
Dr. Kesley Banks of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies sat down with Domingo Live to discuss the recent shark activity in the Gulf, the effects of Hurricane Beryl on shark populations and the Shark Week watch party happening this week.
The question on everybody's mind is, "How is Beryl affecting shark behaviors?"
"So, sharks are affected by hurricanes, recent research out of Florida has large coastal sharks coming in closer to the shore and feeding prior to the hurricane," Banks said. "They have increased feeding behavior. One of those studies also noted that - it is unfortunate that we've had these encounters - but just like with people, sharks are trying to prep for these storms."
Before the storm or after the storm, what should we be looking out for when we head out to the beach?
"You should be cautious when entering into the ocean, in general, you are entering into the sharks environment and so they are feeding and living their lives in their environment," said Banks. "Obviously, sharks don't have hands, so they explore their environment with their mouths."
“Most of these encounters are what we call, "bump and bites," she said. "So, they are trying to figure out what we are, what things are in the ocean and if they are interested in it."
Why are these increased shark encounters happening? Dr. Banks said that since everybody is hitting the beach for the summer, there are higher chances of a sighting. In addition to that, sharks are one of many protected fish species. As the number of other fish species grow, the number of sharks grows.
"We've also done a great job of conserving these apex predators, along with other fish species, their prey, so as these numbers tend to go up, we get to see more and more sharks, which is a great thing for our ocean,” Banks said. “It is unfortunate to have negative encounters but having these sharks and these increased fish abundances are great for our oceans. It makes them healthy."
Dr. Banks will be featured in an episode called “Caught! When Sharks Attack” as part of Shark Week on Discovery. There will be a Shark Week watch party Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Brewster Street Icehouse-downtown. The event will be free and family-friendly, guests will be able to meet and greet the scientists of the Harte Research Institute and get in on the fun, learning how to tag and track sharks and all about the shark species in the Gulf of Mexico.
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