Oregon coast awash with dead sharks

Researchers have theories, but no real answers

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEWPORT, Ore. -- A number of young sharks are washing up dead on Oregon's beaches this summer but researchers are unsure why.

The dead-shark reports started in mid-August, said Bill Hanshumaker, public marine education specialist at the Hatfield Marine Science Center.

"I've had more reports this summer than I've had since 1993," Hanshumaker told The (Portland) Oregonian.

But researchers have more questions than answers.

One theory is that warmer water this summer lured tuna and other baitfish closer to shore, and the sharks followed. When the sharks die farther offshore, their remains are usually consumed. But when they die close in, they are more likely to wash up.

There have been reports from California of dead sharks testing positive for encephalitis, which can be caused by viral, bacterial or protozoan infections, said Jim Burke, director of animal husbandry at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

more:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/330725_sharks07.html