The revelation that basking sharks are partially warm-blooded challenges previous assumptions about the physiology of these colossal creatures and has significant implications for their conservation and understanding of marine ecosystems.

Ecotourism, particularly shark diving tourism, has become a significant global industry, attracting over half a million participants annually across approximately 85 countries. While it generates substantial revenue and raises awareness for shark conservation, concerns about its impact on shark behaviour and health, as well as human safety, persist.

Ecotourism has been posited as a potential solution to many of the issues facing shark conservation, yet increasingly studies suggest that such activity may negatively influence aspects of shark ecology and so further pressure declining populations.

^{— Joel H. Gayford, et al.}

The painted hornshark resembles the zebra bullhead shark, Heterodontus zebra, in its dark bar and saddle colouring, but the difference lies in the colouring of the tip of the snout and its fins. 

The painted hornshark features a bifurcated, semicircular dark bar on its snout, while the zebra bullhead shark has a pointed triangular marking. Additionally, the painted hornshark lacks the dark bar extending from below the gill slits to the pectoral fins, which is present in the zebra bullhead shark.

Naturalized dunes line the shoreline, serving as a defense against storm surges and preserving vital wildlife habitats. This beach is a prime nesting spot for sea turtles, being where loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley and green sea turtles lay their eggs from mid-May through August.

Executive Officer of NAS Oceana Captain Josh Appezzato and his team of sea turtle patrollers diligently search the beach at sunrise daily.