Sharjah: Sharjah Aquarium, yesterday, produced its first ever shark — a blacktip reef shark, named Amber.
The baby shark was born on August 7 and measures slightly over 50 centimetres in length. She's currently being kept in quarantine until she's large enough to be displayed to visitors.
"There's a wealth of marine life off the two coasts of the UAE. As part of our primary mission to provide an ideal learning environment for our visitors, the Sharjah Museum Department showcases a diversity of marine species and raises awareness about their existence which is now sadly threatened," said Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department.
Little is known about blacktip reef sharks, which are commonly found close to the shores of Khor Fakkan on the East coast of Sharjah. Earlier this year, Sharjah Aquarium divers successfully collected Silver, a 1.34-metre female blacktip reef shark from Shark Island, Khor Fakkan.
"Unfortunately the unique Shark Island is under threat. Many visitors leave behind rubbish and fishermen often discard nets, lines and garbage from their boats. Divers like to spear-gun large fish which has resulted in a sharp decline in schools of blacktip reef sharks," said Kerwin Porter, Curator of Sharjah Aquarium.
Mahmoud Deemas, Marine Operations Supervisor at Sharjah Aquarium, said: "The whole team has immense respect for marine life. Yet, people still need to be educated about the possible extinction of these species."
"Blacktip reef sharks are graceful and beautiful animals and are very shy. We hope the Amber will provide visitors with an insight into the lives of the creatures and the dangers that they face," he said.
