It’s about understanding the significance and importance of sharks in the marine environment.
Orleans, MA (PRWEB) July 26, 2013
The countdown is on. The Discovery Channel’s Shark Week 2013 begins August 4th and is eagerly anticipated by many, except for seals, of course. So it makes sense that on Cape Cod – where the Great White has come to swim, prey and make headlines – they get to have a whole shark month.
As the sharks sightings increase, sometimes close to shore, the story can easily become sensational. But the critical backstory is that the world's shark population is experiencing a significant decline, and scientists have a rare opportunity to study them right here on Cape Cod, right now.
Such was the inspiration for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC), founded in 2012 to help raise both public awareness and resources to study and protect the species. Cape Cod Shark Month is the first major series of events on the east coast dedicated to this purpose.
The schedule of events is tied in closely with a visit from OCEARCH, a globally recognized organization that facilitates unprecedented research on the movement and biology of sharks. This summer, scientists will embark on “Expedition Cape Cod,” exploring Cape Cod waters to help all of us understand this magnificent ocean voyager a little bit better.
Shark Month begins with a kick off to the expedition in Orleans on August 4th. Throughout the month are various shark talks led by experts in the field, including Dr. Greg Skomal (MA Division of Marine Fisheries), John Mandelman (New England Aquarium) and Austin Gallagher (PhD candidate at the University of Miami). In addition to OCEARCH, AWSC has partnered with the Mass Audubon, the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and the Chatham Bars Inn to co-sponsor and host the various events. Shark Month festivities will conclude on August 30th with a wrap up party in Chatham. For more information and a complete listing of events and sponsors, please visit http://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/. Atlantic White Shark Conservancy supports scientific research, improves public safety, and promotes shark education.
Highlights of Cape Cod Shark Month:
8/4: Expedition Cape Cod Kick Off
8/12: Shark Talk with Austin Gallagher
8/14: Shark Talk with John Mandelman
8/25: Shark and Seal Presentation
8/30: Expedition Cape Cod Wrap Up Party