Community Corner
Working on Martha's Vineyard
Drury Thorp is one of the original founders of Shark Savers and is working on Martha's Vineyard for the JAWFEST celebration by teaching about conservation.
Q. What is your job?
A. I'm a founder of Shark Savers. We work to raise awareness about how quickly sharks are disappearing from our oceans. We work with other non-profit organizations and governments to help set up shark sanctuaries. We go out into communities to help educate people. So we are here for JAWSFEST.
Q. Why did you create the organization?
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A. I believe it was six years ago we started Shark Savers. We started the organization, as a group of divers, we recognized the importance of the role that the sharks play in our seas. It's a worldwide organization now.
Q. How did you find out about JAWSFEST?
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A. Wendy Benchley had told us about it and she is also on the Board of Directors of Shark Savers. We thought that the organizers needed to add a bit about conservation.
Q. What is your favorite part about bringing awareness here on Martha's Vineyard?
A. I think there's an energy here. You got people who love the movie, "Jaws," and you've got people who love sharks in general. There is definitely a shark energy going on around here which is cool. Lots of people come in and ask us questions and genuinely want to learn more. So we're happy to be here.
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