Each summer, a remarkable spectacle unfolds in the depths of Puget Sound as ancient bluntnose sixgill sharks, often regarded as deep-sea giants, make their way into shallower waters, particularly off Redondo Beach in Des Moines, Wash.
These mysterious creatures, known for their distinctive fluorescent blue-green eyes, generally inhabit oceanic depths of thousands of feet but are observed emerging between June and September to the delight of divers and ocean enthusiasts.
While sightings of these sharks have been noted since the 1970s, the frequency of encounters has escalated in recent years, marking Redondo Beach as a unique hotspot for juvenile sixgills.
The underwater landscape here features a steep slope that descends rapidly from 25 to 100 feet, closely mimicking the deep-sea environments these sharks prefer.
Rus Higley, director of the MaST Center Aquarium and an educator at Highline College, shares insights about the juvenile sharks seen at Redondo Beach.
“Puget Sound serves as a nursery ground for them, so we usually see smaller specimens measuring around six feet in length and weighing approximately 400 pounds,” he explains.
Despite their smaller size in this region, adults are known to grow to an impressive length of up to 20 feet and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds, living an estimated lifespan of 11 to 14 years.
Higley suggests that these sharks might be born in the area and linger for several years until they mature, though much about their life cycle remains a mystery.
Remarkably, sixgills are often dubbed “living fossils” due to their lineage dating back about 200 million years.
Unlike most shark species that possess five gill slits, sixgills are unique with their six gill slits.
Additionally, their body structure lacks the prominent dorsal fin typically associated with other sharks, as they are adapted to deep-water habitats where such a fin is unnecessary for stability, according to Higley.
While research is ongoing regarding their population and behavior, much of the current knowledge about sixgills is derived from firsthand encounters and observations, as scientists continue to investigate why these sharks are drawn specifically to Redondo Beach.
In contrast to the fear often associated with sharks, Higley points out that sixgill sharks pose minimal danger to humans.
“Eighty percent of all shark attacks in the U.S. occur at a single beach in Florida, typically when someone inadvertently steps on the shark,” he notes.
Statistics reveal that shark-related fatalities average only two to five per year globally, emphasizing that humans face greater risks from cows or vending machines than from sharks.
By raising awareness and fostering a sense of fascination instead of fear, Higley hopes to change public perception around these grandeurs of the ocean.
The diet of sixgills primarily consists of fish and crabs, but they often partake in scavenging activities as well.
When a whale carcass sinks to the ocean floor, a phenomenon known as a “whale fall,” sixgills are known to gather and feed.
Equipped with specialized teeth, sixgills boast six rows of saw-like cutters on their lower jaw, along with smaller, razor-sharp teeth on the upper jaw capable of breaking through thick whale skin.
The majority of sightings occur after sunset, as these sharks are nocturnal and typically cruise at depths of 60 to 100 feet during the night.
Because visibility ranges between 10 to 30 feet underwater, divers frequently find themselves encountering these magnificent creatures only as they emerge from the depths.
“You’re swimming along, and suddenly you see a shape coming out of the darkness,” Higley shares about his diving experiences.
Despite their slow movement, estimated at one mile per hour, divers need to actively swim to keep pace with these elusive giants.
Occasionally, the curious nature of sixgills leads them to gently bump or “boop” divers, reiterating their harmless disposition.
As word spreads about the allure of sixgill sharks, Redondo Beach is becoming a pilgrimage site for underwater explorers.
While sightings of sixgills occur in other locations within Puget Sound, Redondo Beach remains the keystone destination, as Higley emphasizes, “For some reason, Redondo seems to be the best.”
In an effort to raise awareness and excitement surrounding these incredible creatures, the MaST Center Aquarium and Highline College are collaborating to host the inaugural Shark in the Park event.
Set for Sunday, July 6, this festival at the Redondo Waterfront and Wooten Park will feature science demonstrations, ocean-themed activities, games, food trucks, exhibits, sixgill-themed merchandise, and dive meetups for those inclined to suit up and explore the waters.
The planning for this celebratory event was catalyzed by discussions among stakeholders, including local divers and fishermen, who are passionate about the sixgill sharks residing in Redondo Beach.
The initiative aims to address both excitement and proactive measures for the protection of these unique marine animals, further solidifying Des Moines’ reputation as the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World.
image source from：seattlemag
