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An Interview with Photographer Andy Murch

Using Photography to Effect Change for Sharks

Pacific Sharpnose Shark – struggling on a longline. Like many of its kind, this doomed Pacific sharpnose shark is destined for the fish markets of Tijuana.

"From Pacific sharpnose sharks in the Sea of Cortez to Daggernose sharks off the coast of Brazil, sharks are in decline and it is hard to generate support without showing the world how beautiful and vulnerable these species are." —Andy Murch

SeaWeb: What is your favorite shark species and why?

Andy Murch: I love encountering all sharks but my favourites are the wobbegongs. Wobbies are extremely specialized ambush predators that are so well camouflaged that they practically disappear when hiding among coral heads. Most of them have strange branching skin tabs on their chins that break up their outline and form an interesting web for passing fish to explore or hide in. The sharks then snap up the hapless fishes as soon as they come into striking range.

SW: As a photographer, you must spend significant time in the water with sharks. What was your first experience with a shark? Describe how you felt and what happened?

Gulf of Mexico Smoothhound – a never before photographed species confined to a very small region of the Gulf of Mexico. Species with such small ranges are extremely vulnerable to over fishing and habitat destruction such as that caused by the recent gulf oil spill.

SW: Sharks are crucial to the marine environment, yet their numbers are dwindling. In your line of work as a photographer, have you seen how their disappearance is affecting the ocean?

AM: The effects of shark decline are complex and far reaching but subtle at the same time. In some areas that I dive there have been population explosions of stingrays and other species that large sharks once kept under control. This is impacting populations of mollusks and other invertebrates that the stingrays prey upon. Over time this will inevitably disrupt the very foundations of the food chain.

SW: How does underwater photography play a role in shark science & conservation?

Dead Tiger Shark – over fishing of mature predatory sharks has led to fishermen targeting smaller and smaller juveniles. This 5ft tiger shark did not have the chance to spawn the next generation.

AM: I started the Predators in Peril initiative to draw attention to the species of sharks and rays that other organizations do not have the resources or inclination to focus on. While protecting great white sharks is an admirable endeavour, there are hundreds of lesser-known endangered shark species that also need some time in the spotlight.

From Pacific sharpnose sharks in the Sea of Cortez to Daggernose sharks off the coast of Brazil, sharks are in decline and it is hard to generate support without showing the world how beautiful and vulnerable these species are. Hopefully through collaboration with other conservation groups, my images will inspire support and eventual legislation to protect these fragile populations.

Gulf of Mexico Smoothhound – a never before photographed species confined to a very small region of the Gulf of Mexico. Species with such small ranges are extremely vulnerable to over fishing and habitat destruction such as that caused by the recent gulf oil spill.

All of us can be shark conservationists. Some organizations that you can join include: the Shark Trust, the Shark Safe Network and Iemanya Oceanica, which is a very effective Mexican shark conservation organization. You can also try to avoid restaurants that serve shark (including shark fin soup and salad) and if you fish, make sure that any sharks are released unharmed and encourage others to do the same. It is vitally important to explain to people that you meet, about the problems facing sharks and their need for protection.