Mote to join OCEARCH shark tagging expedition
OCEARCH and its team of collaborating scientists, including Dr. Robert Hueter, Director of the Center for Shark Research at Mote Marine Laboratory, are embarking on a three-week expedition to tag mature great white sharks. The expedition will run from Feb. 22 - March 15 in waters off South Carolina and possibly North Carolina and Georgia.
This is OCEARCH's 28th expedition and first of 2017. It will facilitate research projects by scientists at multiple universities and marine laboratories.
The team’s goal is to gather data on the biology, ecology, physiology and behavior of sharks in the Atlantic Ocean. They hope to increase the sample size for great white shark research, to gain a more complete picture of white shark movements, habitats, life history and conservation challenges in the Atlantic.
The scientists will take measurements, collect multiple biological samples and conduct health assessments of the great white sharks briefly raised out of the water on the special hydraulic lift of the M/V OCEARCH.
- 2 p.m. March 2: Hear expedition updates and learn about sharks from Mote scientists aboard the M/V OCEARCH during Mote’s free Google Hangout taking place during the expedition. Details: www.seatrek.tv/live.
The expedition will include scientists from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Mote Marine Laboratory, University of North Florida, Adventure Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Georgia Southern, University of South Florida, University of South Carolina-Beaufort, WCS’ New York Aquarium, University of Massachusetts, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Auburn University and College of Charleston.
Follow the sharks tagged during Expedition Lowcountry by accessing the near-real time, free online Global Shark Tracker or by downloading the Global Shark Tracker App available for Apple and Android platforms.