Sketch: Local Predators

I'm building a collection of stylized shark illustrations that have crazed, maniacal expressions. They will often be accompanied by mugs of beer or other diver paraphernalia. They are just for fun, but could be incorporated in invitations, logos, or other material for the diving collective, Nauticlub.

The first round includes a Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus, a Spotted Ratfish, Hydrolagus colliei, and a Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias. I will continue to add more distinctive species to the collection such as Hammerhead, Leopard, Tiger, Blacktip Reef, and Blue Sharks, as well as a few skates and rays. For the moment, I've designed only predators from local waters.

A Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus. They can reach more than 18 ft in length and have been recorded at depths greater than 6,000 ft. ©Scott Okumura

The Sixgill will occasionally surface for an exceptionally good beer. Here, a beer frenzy is about to ensue.
©Scott Okumura

A Spotted Ratfish, Hydrolagus colliei — a scrappy shark relative. Harmless, unless swallowed whole.
©Scott Okumura

In Puget Sound, it is extremely uncommon to encounter sharks unless you are actively trying to find them by diving deep at night during the summer months at particular locations. Even then, it's not a given that you will find them. The exception is the Spotted Ratfish, Spiny Dogfish, Longnose Skate, and Big Skate, which can all be found in relatively shallow water throughout the year.

A Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias. ©Scott Okumura

Diving encounters with Great Whites and other varieties have been reported outside of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, south and west of Neah Bay. However, it is possible that they enter the Sound, even to points south of Tacoma. A December 2002 report from a salmon fisherman off Point Defiance would appear to support that. The report is believed to be credible because it came from a former Point Defiance Aquarium employee of 20 years, Bob Saltino. He claims it was 2 to 4 feet longer than his 16 foot boat. That is just great.

A pair of awesome predators — not impartial to some excellent libation. ©Scott Okumura

Orca. ©Scott Okumura