In 2013, fishermen off Southern California caught an enormous mako shark that was 11 feet long and weighed over 1,300 pounds. This shark, nicknamed “The Beast,” was one of the largest makos ever recorded. Recently, seals along the California coast have been found with wounds suggesting they were attacked by large makos over 12 feet long. While shortfin makos typically grow to around 7 feet long on average, they can grow much larger, as seen in the case of a 19-foot mako caught off the coast of Turkey in the 1950s.
To explore the presence of these giant makos, shark biologist Craig O’Connell embarked on a journey in the new Shark Week show “Makozilla.” O’Connell was curious to find out if there was only one massive shark or if the North Pacific mako population as a whole had grown in size. Through experiments, the team gathered bite impressions and measured sharks swimming alongside the boat. They discovered makos as long as 14 feet, indicating a significant increase in size compared to the average mako.
Further analysis involved obtaining tissue samples from a 12-foot mako and comparing its DNA with that of “The Beast” and another large mako caught in the past. The results showed a genetic relation among the sharks, possibly due to inbreeding within the population. O’Connell suggested that the abundance of food sources off the West Coast, thanks to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, might contribute to the larger size of these makos.
The biologist emphasized the importance of protecting these giant makos, as they play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. He compared the ocean to a Jenga puzzle, with sharks being a critical piece. Removing these animals could lead to the collapse of the entire ecosystem. O’Connell raised concerns about the current fishing regulations allowing two makos to be caught per day, warning that this practice could have devastating effects on the healthy mako population.
In conclusion, the research conducted for “Makozilla” revealed the presence of significantly larger makos along the California coastline. These giant sharks are essential for maintaining the balance of the marine environment, and efforts should be made to protect them from overfishing. The show premieres on Discovery at 10 pm ET, shedding light on the fascinating world of these massive mako sharks.
