We usually sidestep anything that involves "riding" sharks, but in this clip from Shark Week videographer Andy Casagrande, it's only a GoPro doing the hitchhiking.
Does this mean you should rush out to capture your own shark's-eye-view video? No. In most cases, divers should just leave marine life alone. But as shark biologist Dr Neil Hammerschlag explains, this particular situation was handled appropriately given the circumstances. "I don't expect there to be any significant negative health impacts for the shark from what happens in the video," he says. "The shark was not restrained and the camera is on temporarily via a clamp."
Despite their fearsome reputation, hammerhead sharks are extremely sensitive animals – something Hammerschlag and his team at the RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program have studied extensively and take very seriously. Back in April, they managed to tag a 15-foot (4.5 metre) great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) off the coast of Florida. The data from that satellite tag will help us better understand the movements of these endangered animals so that we may better protect them in the future.
While the footage from Casagrande's 'hammer-cam' doesn't necessarily add anything to our scientific understanding of sharks, it does allow a peek into their day-to-day lives. As you can see, there's no Jaws-style killing rampage here; instead, the elegant animal can be seen peacefully cruising along the seafloor. So sit back, relax and enjoy some nature zen.
Top header image: Casagrande/Screengrab from YouTube
Sharks
Sharks
Sharks
