Not just Shark
Pictures: Elasmodiver contains photos of sharks, skates, rays, and
chimaera's from around the world. It began as a simple web based
field guide to help divers find the best places to encounter
different species of sharks and rays but it has slowly evolved into
a much larger project containing information on all aspects of shark
diving and photography. There are now more than a thousand shark
pictures and sections on shark evolution, biology, and
conservation. There is a large library of reviewed shark books, a
constantly outdated shark taxonomy page, a monster list of shark
links, and deeper in the site there are numerous articles and
stories about shark encounters. Elasmodiver is now so difficult to
check for updates, that new information and pictures are listed on
an Elasmodiver Updates Page that can be accessed here:
If you're looking for a
broader range of marine life pictures the following links represent
a new area that contains pictures on other marine organisms and on
marine habitats. This expansion of Elasmodiver is in its first
stages but will eventually include pages on everything from sea
stars to nudibranchs. Creating this portal will take time and for
now it consists of a token offering of fish pictures. Please return
regularly to enjoy the progress.
Dusky Shark image copyright Andy Murch all rights reserved.
Encounter:
Dusky Sharks, Scalloped Hammerheads, Silkies, Whale Sharks, Makos, and more. A
blue water encounter specifically for professional photographers and highly
experienced, shark savvy free divers.
Operators:
Captain Al Walker operates a speed boat which runs snorkellers and divers out to
where the blue water starts. This can be as far as 50 miles off shore. Each
shark encounter has to be planned in advance because specific species are found
at each individual seamount. Pelagics such as whale sharks may be
encountered at any location during their seasonal migrations into the gulf.
Because Venice is a well established tuna
sport fishing destination, Al has access to a daily supply of of enormous tuna
carcasses which the sharks cant resist. His trips are highly unique because of
the species they attract but they are also not for the faint hearted. The sharks
can be very aggressive and no cages or other protection is provided so if you
are interested in chartering Al's boat, be prepared for some very intense and
potentially quite dangerous action.
Al has been documenting each shark
encounter that he has had over the last few decades. This has allowed him to
build a database that can pinpoint exactly where each species will be at any
particular time. His knowledge of sharks along the Louisiana coastline is
extraordinary.
Directions
and Accommodation:
Venice is a 1-2 hour
drive south of New Orleans. It is a small sport fishing community with few
amenities. As of the summer of 2006 Venice had just reopened after being
completely flattened by the huge hurricane that devastated New Orleans. By now
accommodation and restaurant choices should be a little better.
