May 24, 2022 6:41 AM

sfphotosfive441406 (RM)

Houppermans/ Magnus News/SIPA/Newscom

3810 x 2138 Color JPEG

Houppermans/ Magnus News/SIPA

No Model Release, No Property Release

Pic from Tanya Houppermans/ Magnus News. Pic shows the research team on the surface helping to tag and monitor a 2.5 metre scalloped hammerhead shark kept alive with oxygen from an ingenious aerator as scientists carry out vital research off the coast of North Carolina, USA. The apex ocean predators are caught and secured to a boat during scientific operations. Sharks need to keep moving to allow oxygenated sea water to flow over their gills just like people need air flow into their lungs. To stop the fish suffocating an aerator is inserted into the jaws of the animal – like this scalloped hammerhead - to simulate the flow of water over the gills. Award-winning conservationist and photographer Tanya Houppermans took these amazing pictures while swimming just inches from this ocean carnivore. Tanya is working with Dr James Sulikowski from the Sulikowski Shark and Fish Conservation Lab at Arizona State University to learn more about shark reproduction and their ecosystem off the coast of North Carolina. Tanya said species being studied included scalloped hammerheads, silky sharks, dusky sharks, tiger sharks and even great whites. Online rates £20 first pic, £10 per pic used after. Your standard rates apply for print use. //MAGNUSNEWSAGENCY_choix.01673/2205241134/Credit:Houppermans/ Magnus News/SIPA/2205241153