top of page

Shark Research with Sharks4Kids

Writer's picture: Sharks4KidsSharks4Kids

Written by DECR Intern Rashante Garland ( thanks for joining us)



On Friday, May 31st, I got to join Shark4Kids on their expedition to Ambergris Cay to participate in research for their Lemon Aid Project. The experience was incredible. I arrived with minimal knowledge about sharks and the tagging process, but I left educated and eager to learn more.



After we approached the designated research area, the team laid out bait in different regions along with buoys to help identify if a shark was caught and make it easier to spot. Once this was done, I was briefed on everything that needed to be done when a shark was caught, and we waited for a shark to take the bait we had set out. Minutes later, I heard one of the researchers shout, "We got one!" and everyone sprang into action. Some grabbed tools to remove the hook and hold the shark, others prepared to take notes and measure the shark, others scanned and inserted the PIT tag, and others collected DNA samples. It was clear that the researchers deeply cared for the animals, as their first step was to carefully remove the hook from the shark's mouth while ensuring that the shark remained calm and unstressed. I found this incredibly reassuring and inspiring, as it highlighted their commitment to the well-being of the sharks. 





My favorite part of participating in this research project was witnessing the researchers' excitement and curiosity when they caught a shark and collecting information about the sharks and how the PIT tags work.


Initially, I felt a great deal of anxiety and fear at the thought of handling and being in close contact with sharks, as I had been taught to avoid them for most of my life. However, as I worked alongside the Shark4Kids team, I began to feel at ease around the sharks. Today, I am less afraid of being around sharks as I now know how to respond when they are nearby. I intend to share this knowledge with others and enlighten them on the importance of shark tagging.


I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this research project.


19 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page