Shark Week team discovers unusual black makos off California coast

A Shark Week special explores the enigmatic black makos discovered off California.

Discovery of black makos raises questions about shark species

In 2019, Keith Poe, a shark tagger, encountered an unusually large shark dubbed a "black mako" off the California coast. This sighting forms the basis of the new Shark Week show "Black Mako of the Abyss," where a team of researchers aims to identify these unique creatures. Their adventure, featuring marine experts and a shark attack survivor, includes luring sharks to examine their characteristics and possibly collect genetic samples. The black makos resemble a mix between shortfin and longfin makos, leading to speculation about hybridization or genetic mutations. However, experts argue that hybridization is unlikely due to reproductive barriers between species. Whether these creatures are longfins adapting to new environments or a mutation of shortfins still remains a mystery, highlighting the ever-changing dynamics of marine life.

The discovery of black makos challenges existing knowledge about shark species in California waters. Changes in ocean temperature and habitat disruption may influence shark behavior and distribution, particularly as environmental shifts force species to adapt. This situation underscores the need for scientific inquiry into less-studied shark populations like the longfin mako. As climate change progresses, understanding these dynamics can help conserve marine ecosystems and maintain the delicate balance of ocean life.

Highlights

The investigation into black makos highlights the evolving nature of marine biology and species adaptation.