PERSPECTIVE 3 



than 100 studies of the biology and behavior of sharks in many parts of the 

 world. Besides conducting their own basic research, several panel members 

 (Fig. 2) tested more than 200 chemical compounds, biological products, 

 and physical devices for their deterrent effect on sharks. The results have 

 appeared in many publications (Gilbert 1963, Gilbert et al. 1967). While 

 fulfilling their practical objectives, these tests disclosed new facts about 

 the response patterns and behavior of many species of sharks. These obser- 

 vations, supplemented by a wide range of basic studies of the phylogeny, 

 taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, distribution, migrations and life history, 

 behavior, ecology, pharmacology, endocrinology, and immunology of 

 sharks during the last 15 years, have provided us with a wealth of knowl- 

 edge of these highly successful vertebrates. 



ARE SHARKS UNPREDICTABLE? 



Sharks are frequently called unpredictable. While this is true within limits, 

 we now know that many behavioral and metabolic responses of sharks can 

 be predicted. In the western North Atlantic we can predict with considera- 

 ble accuracy when spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) will begin their spring 



^%%. 



Figure 2 Four participants in 1966 shark deterrent tests at the Lerner Marine Labo- 

 ratory, Bimini, Bahamas. Left to right: H. David Baldridge, Albert L. Tester, C. Scott 

 Johnson, Perry W. Gilbert. (Photograph by Robert F. Mathewson.) 



