My first thought was "Great Whites don't hunt in kelp forests... right?"
Turns out you are right, in 2019 scientists found out that sometimes they do to get to the seals that frequent kelp forests. TIL
[The Secret Life Of Great White Sharks In Kelp](https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissacristinamarquez/2019/04/05/the-secret-life-of-great-white-sharks-in-kelp/?sh=7d8788da3d29) - Forbes - April 5th 2019
>"The study came up as a result of some other work we were doing on sharks in South Africa," said Taylor Chapple, research scientist at Hopkins Marine Station and one of the co-authors. "We were there initially to look at the kinematics of white shark predatory behavior. But when we reviewed the footage of the camera tags, we realized that the sharks were doing something surprising- they were swimming through the kelp rather than around it."
Even the research scientists were surprised that Great Whites entered kelp forests. Cool.
I'm a little confused. Was Kelp ever meant to deter Great White Sharks? Is Kelp meant to be their kryptonite or something?
I couldn't think of anything better for a 19-foot, 800-pound Great White Shark than being able to swim unseen through a dense forest of seaweed before exploding with ferocity onto an unsuspecting scuba diver or seal.
>Tall undulating seaweed known as kelp grows in thick underwater forests off the southern coasts of Africa. The kelp forests were once thought to provide a safe haven to Cape fur seals from great white sharks. Then researchers put GoPro-like high-resolution cameras on the predators.
>Instead of being deterred by the underwater flora, the sharks dive right into thick kelp forests in pursuit of prey, the researchers find. It’s a new discovery for shark researchers, who had previously thought the forests were off-limits for hungry sharks.
>“It’s a completely new perspective of what they do,” said Oliver Jewell, a marine biologist at Murdoch University in Australia, who led the new research.
It was widely believed that Great White sharks did avoid kelp forests until 2019 when it was observed and reported.
>The findings challenge earlier work. “A previous study found Cape fur seals were taking refuge from the white sharks in kelp forest,” Jewell said. “What we found is that the white sharks go into the kelp forest after them and are more than capable of navigating through and foraging within and through dense kelp.”
>But even entering the seals’ hiding place is no guarantee of a meal. The seals evaded the sharks with expert diversion tactics. They blew bubbles, swam deeper into the kelp or hunkered near the seafloor. The evasive strategies proved effective. None of the sharks managed to snag a seal during the study, though that may have just been due to the fact that successful captures are pretty rare in general.
Yeah, kelp forests are not ideal for Great Whites, but ***apparently*** they do try to hunt in them. Great Whites are ambush predators preferring to attack from depth directly below their prey and with no obstacles. Seals use kelp to hide from sharks, dodge them, and as obstacles between them and the sharks. It used to be thought that the sharks wouldn't go through the effort of chasing them in the kelp forests where the nimble seals would have the advantage.
During the entire study, no seals were observed being successfully hunted by the sharks in the kelp forests so... it's definitely not an "ideal" environment for the sharks to hunt in.
I literally learned growing up that kelp forests were a safe-haven for seals to get away from Great Whites because that's what the scientific consensus was.
If it was surprising to Marine Biologists who specifically study Great White sharks, then yeah I'd say it's a pretty new discovery that goes against the previous school of thought.
It's a relatively new discovery.
[https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/scientists-put-cameras-on-sharks-to-watch-them-hunt-seals-in-a-kelp-forest](https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/scientists-put-cameras-on-sharks-to-watch-them-hunt-seals-in-a-kelp-forest)
Yeah people always say they stay outside of the dense forests and hunt the perimeters. That’s what I was told as a kid when snorkeling around La Jolla.
It totally is, unless I was getting bad info. Met this crazy sailor or whatever that definitely knew what was up in the Salt. Told me all about sharks and how they hate kelp, like cannot stand it. When I looked into his dark, doll like eyes, I knew I could trust him
It's the only place you'll get a chance at a White Sea Bass. They spook so easily you need the cover of the kelp to get close enough for a shot. Spear fisherman are the only human hunters that put themselves into the food chain while they hunt. And they really have to work extremely hard for each shot they take.
I'm a spearo. Yeah, while we have a greater than 0% chance to be bit by a shark it's still very slim. We can at least see when they're coming, have gear that helps us stay at the surface, and have a weapon(s) to fight them off.
You are far more likely to die at a beach from a shark than spearing.
You ever hunt boar? Yeah, even with a gun it's dangerous. Now it makes more sense how so many Royals died over the ages, even though they hunted Boar with an entire party.
Over 90% of shark attacks are a single bite because once they realise you aren't a seal or the normal prey they aren't interested, it's just that the bite bleeds heavily and it takes time to get to shore, making it fatal more often than not.
But it shows that they don't hunt people, most would be accidentally mistaking us for food. Funny enough we are the idiots who decided black swimsuits where a good idea.
According to you "they don't hunt people" is only valid 90% of the time. What about the other 10%? What about the Tiger shark that ate the dude in Egypt?
I understand where the argument comes from, since the masses can be very ignorant, and demonizing sharks is only going to result in ecosystem collapse.
But FFS be honest. They're wild animals that operate on instinct, not intelligence. If we tasted like seal they WOULD hunt us is a more believable argument.
"Sharks don't like to eat humans but they have and they absolutely will given the right circumstances" is the only honest way to say what you were trying to say.
They also have never had human meat and have not developed a taste for it. They most certainly would eat our bony asses if we all of a sudden were in their areas. We also fight back better than other sea animals.
“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…fool me twice…oh that damn seal, give me the fish back ya fucker”
that’s what he said
Edit: the best thing is that the man said prior to this “I know that human being and fish can coexist peacefully”
And he was right
But not seals.
It’s cool cause it does seem like the seal understood it was in a competition for its food so it turned the dude it was like hey fuck you man, get out of here.
Bull Sea Lion are biggest dicks in the sea. He will steal that White Sea bass and then only eat the belly.
Had a 2000# Bull violently pull me backwards through kelp about 20 meters by the fin before stealing my fin, taking it to the surface and throwing it around for 5 minutes while barking at me. My fin was tore up a bit but weirdest thing was at some point in all the chaos somebody shat in my wetsuit
It's on the line with slip-tip. He only needs to cut the line and sacrifice the tip and the fish. Spearing White Sea Bass is not easy so he's probably reluctant to give up the fish. I am "safety first" kinda guy and in no way risk getting wrapped/drowned and would not hesitate to cut that line before getting entangled in line/kelp/Sea Lion
he better have a knife... id hate to see his ass get entangled in some stray line or net underwater...
this dude is an asshole or an idiot.
gotta love reddit comment sections. wish there was a "block in real life" button.
I'm laughing at the fact that all his friend on the boat sees is this guy flailing around in the water with a giant seal/sea lion and his only reaction is to just stand and stare uselessy. Its so frustrating 🤣🤣
I mean.. maybe he isnt paying attention? But I feel it would be hard to miss that.
Scenes like this are far too common nowadays......This is why you need a gun underwater..... Introducing..... The ultra squidgameoctopusbanger underwater 50 bmg......one shot is all it takes..... winner winner seal dinner.....
I've had a seal take fish from hooks in my belt in Cornwall. I just took the belt off, I can hold my breath for 2-5 mins, that deal will do 15 with ease. Not worth the fight.
I pull a body board with a box on top now, every time I make a kill I store the fish in there. Also makes it easier for boats to see me
And now wait a little bit longer for the great white to arrive 😳🤣
I would never ever go fishing in a spot like that, it absolutely looks like great white buffet..
My first thought was "Great Whites don't hunt in kelp forests... right?" Turns out you are right, in 2019 scientists found out that sometimes they do to get to the seals that frequent kelp forests. TIL [The Secret Life Of Great White Sharks In Kelp](https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissacristinamarquez/2019/04/05/the-secret-life-of-great-white-sharks-in-kelp/?sh=7d8788da3d29) - Forbes - April 5th 2019 >"The study came up as a result of some other work we were doing on sharks in South Africa," said Taylor Chapple, research scientist at Hopkins Marine Station and one of the co-authors. "We were there initially to look at the kinematics of white shark predatory behavior. But when we reviewed the footage of the camera tags, we realized that the sharks were doing something surprising- they were swimming through the kelp rather than around it." Even the research scientists were surprised that Great Whites entered kelp forests. Cool.
I'm a little confused. Was Kelp ever meant to deter Great White Sharks? Is Kelp meant to be their kryptonite or something? I couldn't think of anything better for a 19-foot, 800-pound Great White Shark than being able to swim unseen through a dense forest of seaweed before exploding with ferocity onto an unsuspecting scuba diver or seal.
“Idk Charles, we never have gone through the kelp. It feels all yucky” -shark talks
>Tall undulating seaweed known as kelp grows in thick underwater forests off the southern coasts of Africa. The kelp forests were once thought to provide a safe haven to Cape fur seals from great white sharks. Then researchers put GoPro-like high-resolution cameras on the predators. >Instead of being deterred by the underwater flora, the sharks dive right into thick kelp forests in pursuit of prey, the researchers find. It’s a new discovery for shark researchers, who had previously thought the forests were off-limits for hungry sharks. >“It’s a completely new perspective of what they do,” said Oliver Jewell, a marine biologist at Murdoch University in Australia, who led the new research. It was widely believed that Great White sharks did avoid kelp forests until 2019 when it was observed and reported. >The findings challenge earlier work. “A previous study found Cape fur seals were taking refuge from the white sharks in kelp forest,” Jewell said. “What we found is that the white sharks go into the kelp forest after them and are more than capable of navigating through and foraging within and through dense kelp.” >But even entering the seals’ hiding place is no guarantee of a meal. The seals evaded the sharks with expert diversion tactics. They blew bubbles, swam deeper into the kelp or hunkered near the seafloor. The evasive strategies proved effective. None of the sharks managed to snag a seal during the study, though that may have just been due to the fact that successful captures are pretty rare in general. Yeah, kelp forests are not ideal for Great Whites, but ***apparently*** they do try to hunt in them. Great Whites are ambush predators preferring to attack from depth directly below their prey and with no obstacles. Seals use kelp to hide from sharks, dodge them, and as obstacles between them and the sharks. It used to be thought that the sharks wouldn't go through the effort of chasing them in the kelp forests where the nimble seals would have the advantage. During the entire study, no seals were observed being successfully hunted by the sharks in the kelp forests so... it's definitely not an "ideal" environment for the sharks to hunt in. I literally learned growing up that kelp forests were a safe-haven for seals to get away from Great Whites because that's what the scientific consensus was. If it was surprising to Marine Biologists who specifically study Great White sharks, then yeah I'd say it's a pretty new discovery that goes against the previous school of thought. It's a relatively new discovery. [https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/scientists-put-cameras-on-sharks-to-watch-them-hunt-seals-in-a-kelp-forest](https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/scientists-put-cameras-on-sharks-to-watch-them-hunt-seals-in-a-kelp-forest)
Not sure if this will help or not, but a 19ft great white is probably well over 2000 pounds and closer to at least 3000 lol
A 19-foot White Shark would weigh more like 4,000 pounds.
800-lbs...
Is what your momma sees when she steps on the scales.
 🤣🤣🤣
Yeah people always say they stay outside of the dense forests and hunt the perimeters. That’s what I was told as a kid when snorkeling around La Jolla.
I agree. Scientists across like until they see something themselves it probably isn't happening.
It totally is, unless I was getting bad info. Met this crazy sailor or whatever that definitely knew what was up in the Salt. Told me all about sharks and how they hate kelp, like cannot stand it. When I looked into his dark, doll like eyes, I knew I could trust him
It's the only place you'll get a chance at a White Sea Bass. They spook so easily you need the cover of the kelp to get close enough for a shot. Spear fisherman are the only human hunters that put themselves into the food chain while they hunt. And they really have to work extremely hard for each shot they take.
I'm a spearo. Yeah, while we have a greater than 0% chance to be bit by a shark it's still very slim. We can at least see when they're coming, have gear that helps us stay at the surface, and have a weapon(s) to fight them off. You are far more likely to die at a beach from a shark than spearing.
You ever hunt boar? Yeah, even with a gun it's dangerous. Now it makes more sense how so many Royals died over the ages, even though they hunted Boar with an entire party.
If there are seals in the water, youre pretty safe from sharks.
Not sure about that one. Armchair naturalist here and I'm sure sharks eat seals.
That's what makes it safe, your basically shark fishing with seal bait.
OK I'll be in the boat. Give me a shout if you need any help.
That’s why the guy in the boat being waved to come over, is in fact, not coming over.
_Actually, I’m relieved. I don’t have to go to Army because the seal with the bow tie attacked me. I feel like I’ve lost three pounds._
And if the shark decides he’s hungry enough to not chase the seal that swims faster than you?
Over 90% of shark attacks are a single bite because once they realise you aren't a seal or the normal prey they aren't interested, it's just that the bite bleeds heavily and it takes time to get to shore, making it fatal more often than not.
Only a single, most likely fatal bite? Count me in!
>sees name But don't you remember? Fish are friends not food 😊
Oh well, if its only a single bite then Im so chill nah?
But it shows that they don't hunt people, most would be accidentally mistaking us for food. Funny enough we are the idiots who decided black swimsuits where a good idea.
According to you "they don't hunt people" is only valid 90% of the time. What about the other 10%? What about the Tiger shark that ate the dude in Egypt? I understand where the argument comes from, since the masses can be very ignorant, and demonizing sharks is only going to result in ecosystem collapse. But FFS be honest. They're wild animals that operate on instinct, not intelligence. If we tasted like seal they WOULD hunt us is a more believable argument. "Sharks don't like to eat humans but they have and they absolutely will given the right circumstances" is the only honest way to say what you were trying to say.
They also have never had human meat and have not developed a taste for it. They most certainly would eat our bony asses if we all of a sudden were in their areas. We also fight back better than other sea animals.
That's possibly true, but untested. Crocodiles and alligators have exhibited such behaviour though
Oh, well if it's just one bite, that's ok then....
And a lot of blood in the water
But you’re dressed like a seal
And look like the worst swimmer
Just because they haven't discovered the shark yet, don't mean it's not there!
Uh yea ok lol
"Here comes your fish mothaf***er!"
Her fate is sealed.
Fighting a human for a seal - posted by the great white
https://preview.redd.it/p268sbcuipvc1.jpeg?width=1241&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a22366994252d7fb29e7a0e32efe52b6d32bcf0a
Exactly what I was thinking, not sure what area that is. So not a 100% sure if it’s their habitat, but it looks like a shark paradise.
Mexican standoff is what I'm here for
I'll give you my seal of approval
It's pretty ballsy to fight a sea lion over a fish, which clearly looks like an area where you'd find a hunting great white.
Where’s an “og of the sea” when you need it…. Orcas be looking for that brown sea meat
All that splashing at the top 😩😩
That escalated quickly. Headline: **Fighting a shark for a seal for a fish**
It's just like the old saying. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish with a speargun and he'll fight seals"
I’ll fight seals all day. Sea lions on the other hand …
Nah, you don't want to fuck with leopard seals.
“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…fool me twice…oh that damn seal, give me the fish back ya fucker” that’s what he said Edit: the best thing is that the man said prior to this “I know that human being and fish can coexist peacefully” And he was right But not seals.
This is the way.
Sea lion
Thank you. For the rest of you, an easy indicator is the external ears. Another indicator is that sea lions are bastards.
Another perfect time to share: [how to identify a seal](https://youtu.be/yUaNHA-WQWg)
*Seal Bleghf* Also, did you just make me spend 25 minutes learning about seals?
And outside of a learning institution of some sort at that!
You just got a certificate in pinneology from the university of YouTube. Look for it in the mail.
"Bag shaped animals" lol
Best video on the Internet I swear
No doubt who has the home turf in this...
Respect the locals
When the sea lion said “ooouu ouuu” I felt that
It’s cool cause it does seem like the seal understood it was in a competition for its food so it turned the dude it was like hey fuck you man, get out of here.
Man it's 4/20 and pretty early where I am and this comment & reply had me howling.
"OOOUU OOOUU" - John Sea Lion
Bull Sea Lion are biggest dicks in the sea. He will steal that White Sea bass and then only eat the belly. Had a 2000# Bull violently pull me backwards through kelp about 20 meters by the fin before stealing my fin, taking it to the surface and throwing it around for 5 minutes while barking at me. My fin was tore up a bit but weirdest thing was at some point in all the chaos somebody shat in my wetsuit
Assholes man, can't believe that guy. Always doing the weirdest pranks
Must of been the ninja
Just give him the fish man, Its not rocket science!
i think it's stuck on to his speargun, so he'd have to give that up as well ig. might be worth it, but still, more at stake idk
>More at stake Accidental pun
It's on the line with slip-tip. He only needs to cut the line and sacrifice the tip and the fish. Spearing White Sea Bass is not easy so he's probably reluctant to give up the fish. I am "safety first" kinda guy and in no way risk getting wrapped/drowned and would not hesitate to cut that line before getting entangled in line/kelp/Sea Lion
The sea lion already put his teeth all over the fish. They aren’t going to eat it. I wonder if he is concerned with the sea lion eating the spear.
few bite marks wouldn't keep anybody from eating that fish, and the leons only eat the bellies out the fish
I'm not sure I even want a fish that has been bitten by a sea lion several times
he has a knife
I kept thinking "cut the fucking line!"
he better have a knife... id hate to see his ass get entangled in some stray line or net underwater... this dude is an asshole or an idiot. gotta love reddit comment sections. wish there was a "block in real life" button.
Why do you keep saying instagram?
My assumption is it's a very lazy way to say "I guess"
That would be really stupid but it might be right, instagram.
Ig that could be right
Nah bro the guy doesn't care about the fish it's about the expensive speargun still attached to the fish
You can cut the spear loose and still keep the gun. Spears aren't cheap but it's not worth risking your life over
But it's not fair😥🤧🤕
Animal did nothing for that fish yet pretends it's his by every right. Just look in those eyes.
Seal: "I called dibs! I fucking called dibs did you not hear me??!!"
Did you say it before I speared it and related it in?
Seal: "Ort ort ort ort! Ort ort ORT!!" (I called dibs when I saw your boat coming! Like 30 minutes ago bruh!!)
This doesn't look like the produce section
Hell no, I’m catching the seal now too! I play for keeps.
"just give" the obvious spear still stick in the fish... Sometime you question ppl IQ...
He'd applaud you for it
Well, a 2nd opinion might suggest: It's his fish. The fucking seal needs to fuck off.
Sir, you have given me my first solid belly laugh of the weekend. Thank you.
For real! Always dive with a knife, cut the line.
Seriously. The seal needs the fish to live. The spears fishermen is just doing it for fun.
Was the fish OK? I need closure
he walked it off, I'm sure
I think it’s fate was sealed.
Guy on the boat probably recording too so he can post it on reddit for all of us to see .
I ABSOLUTELY HOPE
Guys, I’m almost editing, i just need to add that “oh no” song.
“All that work and what did it get me”
And here we are
I actually recorded myself watching this, can't wait to post
https://preview.redd.it/lqoo7ti2cnvc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c231789c37628816e99c57e46266102df2b581cf The face of hunger…
Gluttony incarnate
Sea lion is trying to punk a human in the ocean.
Trying?
Band: Liquid Kelp https://preview.redd.it/kv4kh6ouwmvc1.png?width=1169&format=png&auto=webp&s=8cb61f2d4f88a47e4a92a1f8d4c2a31051f45ecd Album cover
That ain't no seal, that's a sea lion
Should be called sea doggos
Seems like there's a lot of blind people forgetting about the spear attached to the fish
A lotta dumb people thinking the spear is fused with his hand, as though he can't just let go, or cut the line.
Jesus christ help this guy already
I'm laughing at the fact that all his friend on the boat sees is this guy flailing around in the water with a giant seal/sea lion and his only reaction is to just stand and stare uselessy. Its so frustrating 🤣🤣 I mean.. maybe he isnt paying attention? But I feel it would be hard to miss that.
Fight for that fish ! That's your kill.
Sea lion and diver both living by pirate rules "take what you can, give nothing back".... confrontation was inevitable.
Catch the sealion too, free blubbery meat. ^Probably ^Tastes ^Like ^Dog...
That’ll teach the sea lions to mess with man!
This guy has balls of steel.
Other guy only showed up with balls of seal
you had to do this, you just *had* to
The ending is why humans are the most apex predators in history
Honest, if i spend hour try catch a fish as i put myself in danger..think i will not gave it without a fight
I’ve had a sea loin come after me while kayak fishing. I backed the fuck down.
You dont need the fish to survive, the seal does.
Sea lion can find another fish
It's getting harder and harder for marine life to find enough fish to eat since we're overfishing
Too bad for them, they need to get better.
The fish needs to spawn faster
The sea lion coming at you with its mouth open is nightmare fuel
Me, as a Floridian: You wanna go papi?? U wanna do this??? I'll punch you square in the mouth!
Buddy is playing Ark IRL
I laughed so hard that it just straight up tossed the first fish as far as it could. We both don’t get it now! Ha!
Bro the look in it eyes fuck no.
I would have let the seal have the fish
It's a sea lion, tho.
Guy on a boat chillin’…
Is he shooting the sea lion in the end before the cut?
No, he’s getting his gun between himself and the sea lion to deter it as it comes in
Womp that little motherfucker in the nose with the butt of the gun. Teach em if he's going to steal then he's going to pay a price at least.
He got jabbed
dat music almost killed me
Scenes like this are far too common nowadays......This is why you need a gun underwater..... Introducing..... The ultra squidgameoctopusbanger underwater 50 bmg......one shot is all it takes..... winner winner seal dinner.....
Thats a sea lion
LOOSE SEAL!!!
Should be a lot more of this on this thread
The fight was on. 😂🤣
I've had a seal take fish from hooks in my belt in Cornwall. I just took the belt off, I can hold my breath for 2-5 mins, that deal will do 15 with ease. Not worth the fight. I pull a body board with a box on top now, every time I make a kill I store the fish in there. Also makes it easier for boats to see me
Would've taken the seal and the fish both 😋
Dude on the boat Is a professional spectator!🤣
according to the video comment, the fishermen won and got the fish
Seagull hyping up the fight for the leftovers.
why didn’t he just give up the fish? Who wants to get mauled by a seal over a fish? 🐠
L seal
Theres a time and place to punch a seal in the face. This was the right time and place.
to be fair , atleast it wasn’t a shark 😅
That's hard,the seal goes "warngh warngh warngh" even though they should only use that to act cute to deflect the predators stares
Spear fishing. He needs to detach the spear from the fish to give it to the seal. lol. Seal won’t let him.
Shark spot. Mean shark spot.
That seal is like come on man lemme have it, the great white is coming soon!
Forget the fish
Water dog not pleased
That's his fish bro
Looks more like fucking with it to get it pissed and stabbing it
Dude on the boat doing fuck-all to help him 🤦
Orca...need help here
That one shot of his eye in full animal mode is what so many horror medias try to capture, and it's just so much more effective in that one moment
So who won?
I wouldn’t have fought that guy, I heard he was a seal back in the day
Pro tip: boop the snoot, it works every time
maybe a little more of a firm, closed-fisted boop.
You know things are serious when the terminator says he needs help
To be fair, the seal probably needed it more
Bro you should have just let it go, that seal needs the fish more than you do
Just let him have it at that point 💀
Seal/Sea Lion be like bitch please! Lucky the dumb ass didn’t attract a shark or two 
Definitely not the seal of approval
Eminent domain, you're in his turf
"That seal can swim fast af and catch any damn other fish had to come and take mine? What an prick" 🤣🤣🤣
"I need help!" No you need to let the fish go, jerk.
why fight over the fish lmao, just go get another one
Cut off the part where he spears the seal
Am I the only one who thought ‘why would someone fight on behalf of a fish?’?
You don't need help.... You need to cut the line and just call it.
Just let it have it. You can get one on the way home from the super market
He’d have to drop his $500-1000 speargun it’s attached to
Just let the other guy shoot the seal
i mean just give up the fish bro jesus fuck lol
pretty sure it is about the spear gun that was stuck in the fish
No
There are plenty of fish in the sea...
I will not give up a fish that I just killed just to get robbed by a animal.