Cookiecutter Shark Research

HCSA- Supporting the Legacy of Hawaiian Channel Swimming with Worldclass Standards

HCSA IS THE FIRST AND ONLY OCEANS 7 GOVERNING BODY TO IMPROVE SWIMMER SAFETY THROUGH MARINE ANIMAL RESEARCH. THIS RESEARCH, COMPLETED LATE 2023, LED TO ACTIONABLE DATA AND IS NOW THE MODERN SAFETY STANDARD FOR CROSSING DEEP HAWAIIAN CHANNELS LIKE KAIWI AND ʻALENUIHĀHĀ.

HCSA's official position statement regarding the Molokaʻi (Kaiwi), ʻAlenuihāhā, Kaulakahi, and Kaʻieʻiewaho Channels:

Read the 2023 publicly available research about shark attacks in Hawaiian waters made possible by data collected by HCSA and analyzed by Steven Minaglia of Maui Nui Swim.

HCSA recognizes the best practices developed by Steven Minaglia for crossing the Molokaʻi Channel.

Check out his strategy in this Instagram video.

Click the links below to learn more:

Researchers find link between shark bites and moonResearchers say there is a link between shark bites and the presence of the moon.

Researcher analyzes cookiecutter shark bites among channel swimmersA recent study from University of Hawaiʻi researcher Steven Minaglia, a channel swimmer himself, found a striking association between cookiecutter shark bites and moonless nights. Speaking to The Conversation's Maddie Bender, Minaglia said he's going to keep a close eye on swimmers for recurring patterns.

Check out this Animalogic video if you are interested in the cookiecutter shark.