Featured Image Credit: R. Snow
By: Kira Krall
OCEARCH began in 2007 with the mission of filling in data gaps so the planet can support a healthier ocean. OCEARCH’s recent discoveries include the first tagged male great white and the discovery of a North Atlantic great white nursery. Founder Chris Fischer is also committed to reversing the “killing machine” reputation that sharks were bestowed because of the movie Jaws. Hear Chris talk more about his nonprofit below:
Ryan Johnson, a long-term great white shark scientist and Chief Scientist for the OCEARCH South Africa Expeditions, cites telemetry as “the most powerful tool” for shark conservation. The data tells us when and for how long a shark is in a particular location. This concrete evidence gives scientists the ammo they need to create more marine sanctuaries in shark hotspots.
However, the research can only be done after the crew actually catch a shark. Most of the research days are filled with waiting. Followed by more waiting. A $400,000 expedition happening right now off the coast of Long Island went over five hours without catching a single shark, although a humpback whale made a guest appearance.
Each time a tagged shark surfaces, the time and exact location is transmitted to the OCEARCH database. Go to the database to track the dozens of sharks tagged by OCEARCH. See if you can find the shark that’s pinged closest to you!
If you’re not up for searching through a database, you can check out some of the more impressive sharks like Mary Lee on her Twitter page.