September 21, 2010
Video: Baby Bonnethead Sharks in the Gulf
Check out the video in today’s expedition update from Oceana marine scientist Elizabeth Wilson. The scientists can’t resist giving the baby bonnethead sharks a few smooches before releasing them.
The Oceana Latitude is now docked in St. Petersburg, FL for the next few days. I’ve re-boarded the Latitude with two scientists from the National Aquarium, Andy Dehart and Andrew Pulver. We’ll be using two of the Latitude’s tenders (smaller boats), the Longitude and the Lat-long, to do shark research day trips.
The research will include collecting data on the size, species, and sex of sharks caught, as well as attaching tags to the sharks that help identify them in the future. If these sharks are caught again, the tag can provide important information for shark biology and conservation including migration, abundance, age and growth.
The main goal of today was to test our gear and research plan by catching a few small sharks. The practice round was a success and we were able to catch a few small bonnethead sharks.
I think we’re ready for the big boys tomorrow.