High-Tech Tags, Devices Help Shark Researchers Understand These Amazing Predators

WHAT: Have you ever thought about how much your Fitbit or smartphone technology tracks your behavior and wondered if scientists could use the same technology to study wild animals? Dr. Nick Whitney and his team are using similar devices to study sharks off the coasts of Hawaii, Florida, and Cape Cod. This new technology goes beyond the traditional goal of tracking sharks and begins to reveal what they do and how they behave. Like a Fitbit™, these tags provide clues about how much energy sharks use in the wild and help build a profile of sharks in their ecosystem.

WHO: Dr. Nick Whitney, PhD, is a senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium and is also affiliated with the Newport Aquarium in Newport, KY. He will discuss his research including information about how sharks swim, rest, mate, and die. He will also explain the unique challenges that come with using these tags on sharks as well as learning more about managing shark fisheries.

WHEN: Thursday, June 8 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: New England Aquarium Simons IMAX Theatre, Central Wharf, Boston

HOW: Pre-registration is encouraged on the Aquarium’s website, http://www.neaq.org/learn/lectures/upcoming-lectures/ or call 617-973-5200 for more information.

NOTE: The Aquarium Lecture Series is presented free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Registration is requested. Most lectures are recorded and available for viewing on the New England Aquarium YouTube channel.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Tony LaCasse, tlacasse@neaq.org; 617-877-6871

Diana McCloy, diana@teakmedia.com; 978-697-9414