Shark Days at Mote: A jaw-some success!
Written by Tim Decker
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium extends a huge thank you to all who came out to celebrate the second annual Shark Days at Mote: Real Sharks, Real Science. This week of jaw-some shark-related events and education was created to inspire visitors and incite curiosity about sharks – important top predators that help keep our oceans healthy.
The week started with a screening of the film "Jaws" followed by a Q&A session with Mote shark expert Dr. Bob Hueter on Monday, Aug. 15.
Other events during the week included Sharks & Crafts in the Aquarium courtyard, social media outreach highlighting Mote's Shark Encounter program, a live online education program about Mote's shark research, and Sharks, Tales & Ales – a Science Café for adults 21 and older in which Mote experts Dr. Robert Hueter and Kim Bassos-Hull talked about their current research with sharks and rays.
The week concluded with the Fins & Fun Family Festival on Saturday, Aug 20. That day, the Aquarium saw 1,158 guests.
Mote has been involved with shark research since it was founded in 1955. Mote's founding Director, Dr. Eugenie Clark, was a fish researcher who earned the nickname "Shark Lady”, and inspired generations of people from ocean experts to school children through her scientific discoveries and underwater adventures. Her vision and passion for shark research live on at Mote, 61 years later.
Today, Mote boasts the only Center for Shark Research recognized by U.S. Congress. Mote scientists are dedicated to studying the biology, ecology and conservation of sharks.
Shark Days at Mote: Real Sharks, Real Science shares the passion and pursuit of knowledge that drive Mote scientists to conduct world-class research with these incredible animals.
Check out Shark Days videos about shark research, training in the Aquarium, awareness and more: