STEVE SCHAFER RIP
Florida surfer killed by shark while kiteboarding
By: Terry Gibson
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/steve-schafer-rip--florida-surfer-killed-by-shark-while-kiteboarding_40850/
Last Wednesday, this small, tight-knit surfing community lost one of its favorite sons to a shark. Thirty-eight-year-old Steve Schafer was kiteboarding off the south end of Stuart Public Beach when lifeguards saw him fall and fail to get back up again. Schafer was an artist, graphic designer and central figure in this close and caring surf community
Veteran lifeguard Daniel Lund, a longtime surfer, and once a shark-bite victim, paddled out on the rescue board through strong northeast windswell. He heard Schafer say he'd been bitten, and there were sharks in the water, so Lund used the sail as a shield while he put Schafer on the rescue board. Schafer lost consciousness during the paddle in and never regained it
Schafer, who was equally competent with a kiteboard or shortboard under his feet, may be the first recorded victim of a shark attack while kiteboarding. Two years ago, what was probably a bull shark did major damage to a surfer just north of Stuart Public Beach. But the last fatality, likely caused by a tiger shark, happened in 1982.
To call this place "sharky" is an understatement. Stuart literally sits on the boundary between the tropics and temperate climate zones, so many species that normally live as far south as the Caribbean and as far north as Chesapeake Bay frequent this area. Plus, the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie river systems converge here to flow out the St. Lucie Inlet. With more than 800 described fish species, these are the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. And, extensive reef tracts surround the inlet, which is essentially a rivermouth. The Gulf Stream current, which runs about 10 miles offshore frequently spins eddies into nearshore waters. Because of this mosaic of habitats, millions of pounds of Spanish mackerel and bluefish come ashore here in the winter. Blacktip, spinner, tiger, bull, dusky and even the odd migratory great white shark pass through and forage on the myriad bait.
There was considerable discussion about the species of shark responsible. It was suggested that a great white might have been the culprit. Juvenile great white sharks are seen here, though there has never been a recorded great white attack in Florida. Experts such as the University of Florida's George Burgess will continue to assist with the autopsy, but after examining the wounds and over-laying shark jaws it appears that either a tiger or bull shark was the culprit. Burgess said that he might have a final answer within ten days. (It is not always possible to discern species from a bite.)
Some wonder if the massive fish kills experienced several weeks ago due to historic low temperatures may be influencing shark behavior somehow. And many experienced local surfers attest that nearshore waters are much cloudier since Martin and St. Lucie counties last pumped offshore sediment on the beaches -- sediment that proved to be various kinds of mud. Further, massive canal discharges from Lake Okeechobee appear to have caused sedimentation and re-suspension issues on local reefs. Dirty water is a common denominator in most Florida shark bites, and the water was roiled by sideshore winds when Schafer was attacked.
Experts continue to warn surfers that we are the most vulnerable water users, and to avoid surfing in low-light conditions and when other fish such as baitfish or mackerel and bluefish are obviously present. Dr. Grant Gilmore, the scientist who first described the 800-odd fishes that frequent this area, says that the time of the attack is no surprise at all. Most foraging occurs early and late in the day. Schafer was hit around 4:30 p.m.
The attack provoked a variety of responses: shock, awe, terror and disbelief. A memorial paddle out was held today, Saturday.
Schafer taught Surf Central Surf Shop manager Teague Taylor to surf when they were kids. Taylor said, "I just can't picture anyone, let alone a friend being circled by sharks here in Stuart, Florida, especially Steve, doing something that he loves to do, doing something that he's done most of his life."
By: Terry Gibson
http://www.surfline.com/
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/steve-schafer-rip--florida-surfer-killed-by-shark-while-kiteboarding_40850/
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