States Atlantic Tuna Tournament. On August 24, 1957, a 12 foot 

 mako was washed up on the rocks near the Watch Hill lighthouse. 

 This specimen, a female, appeared to have died while giving birth 

 because a large yolk sac was protruding from the uterus. This 

 species is ovoviviparous, and the young are very large at birth. 

 Positive identification of the Watch Hill specimen was established 

 by studying the shape of the teeth. Makos finning on the surface 

 are occasionally harpooned by swordfishermen in New England 

 waters. 



Economic Importance: 



Because this species is a fast swimmer and has the habit of leaping 

 clear of the surface of the water when hooked, it is highly regarded 

 by sports fishermen. This species is edible and is sometimes sent to 

 market by commercial fishermen. 



Genus Carcharodoii 



(5) Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus) 1758 

 Great white shark, maneater, white shark 



Specimens: (PLATES 3, 4) 



On May 30, 1939, a small member of this species, about five feet 

 long, was taken in a pound net at Sakonnet. The trap off the Point 

 Judith breakwater contained a seven foot maneater on June 23, 

 1955. This fish was observed thrashing violently in the nets which 

 contained butterfish and squid. Considerable difficulty was ex- 

 perienced in extricating this specimen from the trap. Five maneaters 

 were taken in the Point Judith traps during the summer of 1956, 

 but none were encountered here in 1957. This species is the most 

 vicious member of the shark family on the Atlantic coast and it 

 has been known to attack humans. 



Economic Importance: 



Acknowledged by many as the best tasting member of the shark 

 family, the maneater is sometimes dressed and sent to market. 

 This species is generally avoided by commercial fishermen because 

 of its vicious nature and large teeth. 



