Sharks

Before I write a few words about sharks, I have a message for 13-year-old Mike, who left a comment recently about the mailboat Aleta. Mike, please send an email to our Village Craftsmen address (it's on this page: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/contact.htm). Put "For Philip" in the subject box, and I will write back with information about your idea.

Now, on to sharks....

...On Monday night the National Park Service sponsored a presentation about sharks by Charles Bangley, a PhD candidate in the Coastal Resources Management Program at East Carolina University. It was part of the "Know Your Park Citizen Science Program."

Mr. Bangley explained his work tagging and tracking many species of sharks that migrate and reproduce in North Carolina waters, especially near Cape Hatteras. He pointed out that the presence of sharks is a reliable indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

Although Mr. Bangley only mentioned white sharks briefly in his presentation, many of the audience's questions were about that well-documented species. He explained that shark attacks on humans are extremely rare. He even cited an amusing statistic. According to Bangley you are more likely to be bitten by another human being on the New York City subway, than to be bitten by a shark!

A hearty "Thank You" to the National Park Service for sponsoring these fine programs for island residents and visitors.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is research into the origin of the Ocracoke Island Wahab family. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022115.htm.