Hammerhead Shark Photo

Photographer’s Note

This photograph was taken at Puri sea beach, a very popular tourist destination of Orissa, India. Fishing is one of the main sources of livelihood for the common people of Puri as well as Orissa. They usually set out for fishing with their little boats at very early hour of morning and come back with their catches after 2-3 hours to sell them in local markets. Those two fisher men with two hammerhead sharks in their hands, were more than happy as they could earn little extra money by selling them to the tourist among whom these sharks were very popular. But this uncontrolled catching of this species is making them extinct from this part of the world which bothers these fisher men very little.

sayan, partha, prezntime, bhuniatrekearth, yasoda-nandana, shabsslg, rajju, imtiyaz, sranjan, jvachon has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

JoeyE (178) 2007-06-27 4:25

Hi Arjun,
an excellant shot.
Very sharp and detailed.
Great expressions onthe two men's faces.
Well done,
Joe

Luko (13894) 2007-06-27 4:31

Not a critique to your photo but to the scene (perhaps encouraging them to pose with hammerhead sharks is not a good thing either).

In the 20 past years, studies have shown that the hammerhead shark population has decreased by 89%. That means there are now only a little more than 10% than the hammerheads we used to see 20 years back then. Hammerheads are clearly an endangered specie.
I'm a scuba diver and it gets very difficult to spot hammerheads in the wild, in 14 years diving I've only seen one in Borneo. although I've been to many places where, they claimed to have regular sightings of hammerheads in the past.

It leaves me wondering about what the tourists purchase. What the hell can they make out of a dead hammerhead, even a small one?????? My feeling is that the biggest problem comes from shark fin fishing.

Probably these fishermen are not bothered YET.. let's talk about it in 10 years time.

[7]

oochappan (22032) 2007-06-27 5:14

No blame to the poverty maintained by us of these fishermen as they have to survive too, only organisations could stimulate them with some bonus and info to make them aware of the extinction you mentionned properly in your note and still provide a replacing income in their struggle for life, I can understand their proud smile for the extra they could catch that day, a fine document to make tourist also aware of their follies, excellent TE-document Arjun
Henk

sayan (2609) 2007-06-27 5:35

Hi Arjun,

Yes, they are not bothered about the decreasing number of hammerhead sharks, but in general we are also unconcerned. If I did not go through your note and Luko's comment, I would not know about these things. So, in a sense this is an excellent TE document. Good job.

regards

Sayan

partha (13657) 2007-06-27 9:46

Hi Arjun,
Nice moment of the fishermen u have captured.
Good timing as well.
Regards.
partha

nopoint (878) 2007-06-27 11:05

I saw a school of hammerhead once while diving in Florida Key 25 years ago. This prehistoric animal never ceases to amaze me how beautiful they are. In general, all sharks are in endangered at the present time. If we continue at this pace, it won't be long before we will not see them anymore.

Kiet

prezntime (3945) 2007-06-27 23:07

Hello Arjun.
It is a shame, sometimes only money can buy sympathy. If these men could make the money they deserve working with restrictions then I'm sure there would be no problem...not likely to happen. Aside from that, the shot is very well done...the genuine smiles are nice and it is an odd combination to see these faces against the baby sharks.
Regars,
Chris.

dvlazar (6488) 2007-06-28 0:25

Arjun -
I like this playful shot of the 2 men and their sharks. Much character is shown in their faces, and as for the hammerhead shark, what an interesting creature!
Well done,
Dave.

hay_kes (28562) 2007-06-28 3:08

Hi Arjun,
Very beautiful photo. Different compo.TFS.
Cheers!

hAyAti

bhorerpakhi (559) 2007-06-28 5:29

Besh sundar chobi hoyeche, ektu over exposed bodhoy tobe detail shob thik ache.
Poulomi

bhuniatrekearth (764) 2007-06-28 14:53

Dear Arjun,
Useful note. The satisfied smile is really appreciable.

Best wishes.
Dr. J.

Angshu (33795) 2007-07-14 23:19

Hello Arjun
It's really a shame...but then it becomes a tossup between protecting the environment and feeding the stomach. The photograph is good but your note is very important.
Regards
Angshu

jhm (82723) 2007-07-17 3:41

Hello Arjun,

I've different criticism read, yes it's very difficult to the fishes of hammerheads, but I'm not specialist in this matter.
Your picture is a lovely daily life picture and the poor fisherman have to everyday have food. Thanks for sharing.

Have a nice day,
John.

Andro (4) 2007-08-21 4:05 [Comment]

Show Comment

imtiyaz (997) 2007-09-21 20:05

Hi Arjun,

Nice note and good message provided by Luko.
Thanks buddies,
Instead of heavy exposure on the backend you managed it well.
and the moment and feelings are nice.

Regards,
Imtiyaz.m.s

pablominto (40824) 2007-10-19 1:12

Hello Arjun,
This is an interesting documentary accompanied with a fine note!
The image is well framed with good details, conveying their joy over the catch very well...
Greetings,
Pablo -