SeaWeb.org is featuring a commentary on the scientific integrity of the global shark fin trade by fisheries science researcher Shelly Clarke. Statistics from Clarke’s research on the shark fin trade are often cited when it comes to the estimated number of shark killed each year for commercial markets.

Clarke points out that her best estimate in 2000 was that 38 million sharks per year were being traded worldwide through fin markets, but that the range could be anywhere from 26 million to 73 million. She also points out that many conservation organizations cite that commercial fishing operations kill millions of sharks each year but rarely is her best estimate of 38 million used. Rather, the figures of 73 million (her top-end estimate) or 100 million are used instead.

The 100 million statistic was initially published in a 1997 Time magazine article. The article titled “Under Attack” stated that “30 to 100 million” sharks were harvested each year for their meat, fins, jaws, hides, and internal organs. However, Clarke says she can find “no scientific basis” for the figure.

Clarke goes on to say that her own figures are often misquoted as representing the number of sharks “killed for their fins” or “finned alive.” She notes that no one actually knows how many sharks are killed for their fins or are finned alive and dumped back into the ocean, because the data simply is not available.

When bringing up the question of why the actual number is important, Clarke offers that misuse or “selective and slanted” use of information devalues the impartial work done by researchers to obtain the data. She also warns that misrepresentation and exaggeration of facts can undermine and discredit otherwise worthwhile shark conservation efforts. Additionally, Clarke points out the accurate catch numbers are needed in order to properly manage long-term shark population sustainability.

Clarke finishes her commentary with some guidelines to being a better “science consumer.”

To read Clarke’s commentary in its entirety, head on over to SeaWeb.org.

Jimmy Kimmel Live’s YouTube Channel has added a clip from a recent episode which offers a new shark topic to help keep the programming fresh. No word on whether or not Discovery will be adding this idea to next year’s “Shark Week” line-up, but I’m guessing not.

Relativity Media has released a new teaser clip for the upcoming shark-themed horror movie “Shark Night 3D.” Along with the trailer comes a contest in which the winner and a guest will have the opportunity to travel to San Francisco to go diving with white sharks (presumably at the Farallones). For contest rules visit SharkNightBite.com.

The sharks in “Shark Night 3D” look to be portrayed about as far off from realistic as one could imagine (aside from having “freakin’ laser beams attached to their heads”). Bear in mind this is not supposed to an educational or conservation-minded piece about sharks, nor is the intention of the film to create a realistic portrayal of sharks. Rather, the movie looks to be more of a slasher-type film with sharks as the antagonists, instead of the typical unstoppable killer in a mask.

Discovery News has recently posted some rare photos of a smalltooth sand tiger shark (Odontaspis ferox). The photos were taken by Francis Perez off the Canary Islands. The smalltooth sand tiger, which was first identified in 1999, is known to inhabit depths of up to 3200′ according to the Discovery News article, though it can sometimes be found in the shallows, which was the case with Perez’s photos. Head over to Discovery News to see the recent photos.

Last August the crew of the Idabel submarine captured a smalltooth sand tiger on film (seen in the clip above) at 900′ down off of Roatan, Honduras.

“Killer Sharks: The Attacks of Black December” premieres tonight at 9pm on Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week.”

Discovery’s description of “Killer Sharks” includes references to events in 1957 at a South African resort in which “the white sands are clogged with dead bodies and the sapphire waters are red with blood.” The description goes on to note that the suspect is a single “massive rogue shark with a taste for human flesh.” The disclaimer before the promotional clips for this episode also note that the show contains content that may “disturb viewers.”

In addition to “Killer Sharks,” Discovery will be re-airing the 2007 show “Top Five Eaten Alive” at 8pm, which recounts the stories of five shark attack survivors.

Every once in a while I come across some shark-related art worth sharing, and I think this particular piece falls into this category. The sculpture, created by Michael Chaikin, is made of copper and is jointed and balanced which creates a somewhat realistic swimming motion. It is 9′ in length and is suitable for either indoor or outdoor display, according to the description.

For more information about Chaikin and his sculptures, check out Chaikin’s website.

Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” continues tonight with the premieres of two new shows beginning at 9pm. Based on the promotional clips and show descriptions, the focus of tonight’s programs will center around shark attacks.

“Rogue Sharks” premieres at 9pm and will explore the theory that some sharks may go “rogue” and target humans as a food source. The show will combine historic shark attacks with scientific detective work to examine the “rogue shark” theory.

“Summer of the Shark” premieres at 10pm and will look back at “an unprecedented wave of shark attacks” that occurred off the eastern coast of Australia in 2008. Australia fisheries managers and shark researchers work to attempt to uncover the cause behind the attacks.

Some of the promotional clips for both of these shows feature warnings about containing attack reenactments with content of a “graphic nature,” which has drawn some criticism in the past. On a somewhat related note, The Vancouver Sun has a fairly well-balanced editorial on whether or not “Shark Week” is exploitative or educational.