Moving a shark from one aquarium to another is no small feat. At worldtransport.net, we understand the complexities involved in Shark Transportation, a delicate operation that prioritizes the health and safety of these magnificent creatures. The journey begins well before the actual move, starting with the crucial step of safely securing the animal within its current habitat. For facilities like The Ocean aquarium, housing sharks in multi-million liter tanks, this initial capture phase presents a significant challenge in itself. Often, a period of quarantine is necessary before transportation, and specialized areas such as the quarantine triangle at The Ocean are used for this purpose, situated conveniently next to the main shark aquarium.
Preparing for the Journey: Fasting and Tank Preparation
A critical pre-transport procedure is fasting. To prevent contamination of the transport water due to regurgitation or defecation, sharks are fasted for a period ranging from 36 to 72 hours. The exact duration depends on several factors including the length of the journey, the chosen transport method, the shark species, and its life stage. We believe in minimizing stress, so the transport itself utilizes water directly from the shark’s original aquarium. For obligate ram ventilators, shark species that need to swim continuously to breathe, specialized transport is essential. This necessitates using trucks equipped with large tanks, allowing the shark to swim freely throughout the journey. The size of these tanks is meticulously calculated based on the species and size of the individual shark. To prevent any accidental escapes, a secure lid is always placed on the tank.
Maintaining Optimal Conditions: Oxygen and Water Quality
Maintaining optimal water conditions, particularly oxygen levels, is paramount during shark transportation. Several methods can be employed to ensure the well-being of the shark in transit. One approach involves hyperoxygenating the water to 200% saturation. Following this, the transport tank, filled to three-quarters capacity with water and one-quarter with air, is sealed airtight after replacing the air with 100% oxygen. Small air pumps within the lid then circulate oxygen above the water’s surface. This sealed system is particularly effective for transporting smaller sharks or for air transport scenarios. For longer road journeys with larger sharks, a slightly different method is adopted. Here, the oxygen level is raised to approximately 150%, and the tank lid is kept partially open. Oxygen is continuously pumped into the tank to maintain this elevated level. Throughout the entire transport, oxygen levels are rigorously monitored to ensure stability and safety.
Alt text: Leopard shark calmly swimming in a transport tank, showcasing safe shark transportation methods.
Beyond oxygen, managing water quality is crucial, especially during extended transports. Sharks naturally release ammonium and CO2 as waste products. In prolonged journeys, the accumulation of ammonium can reach toxic levels. To counteract this, we introduce specialized chemical agents into the transport water. These chemicals effectively bind with the ammonium, rendering it non-toxic. Furthermore, chemical buffers are added to maintain a stable pH value, preventing the water from becoming too acidic. Depending on the chosen transportation technique, regular water quality checks are conducted throughout the journey, monitoring oxygen levels, temperature, and pH.
To mitigate the initial release of waste that often occurs when a shark is moved, a proactive step is taken at the beginning of the transport process. Once the shark is introduced to the transport water, it is allowed to swim for approximately thirty minutes. After this initial period, at least 50% of the transport water is replaced with fresh, clean water to dilute any accumulated waste before proceeding with one of the oxygenation methods described earlier. Throughout the entire shark transportation process, the animal is under constant observation, ensuring its well-being.
Arrival and Acclimatization: Transitioning to a New Habitat
Upon reaching its destination, the careful handling continues with a focus on ensuring a smooth transition for the shark into its new environment. The first steps involve meticulously measuring the oxygen levels, pH value, salinity, and temperature of both the transport water and the receiving aquarium water. A thorough health assessment of the shark is then conducted to determine the best course of action. Ideally, a gradual acclimatization process is implemented. This involves slowly introducing water from the new aquarium into the transport water over several hours. This slow exchange allows the shark to gradually adjust to the new water parameters and helps to further dilute any remaining pollutants from the transport. The duration of this acclimatization period is flexible, depending on the differences in water quality between the transport and destination environments, as well as the shark’s overall condition.
The initial days following shark transportation are a critical period of adjustment. The shark is now in an unfamiliar environment, needing to adapt to new water conditions, scents, and sounds, all while recovering from the stresses of transportation. A key indicator of successful acclimatization is the shark’s appetite. Whether the animal will eat becomes a primary concern. To ensure continuity of care, all relevant information regarding the shark’s care requirements from its previous aquarium must be meticulously communicated to the new facility. This comprehensive approach to shark transportation, from initial capture to post-arrival care, reflects the dedication at worldtransport.net to the welfare of these incredible marine animals.
