AWSC is excited to offer "Shark Tales: A Lecture Series” this winter at the Shark Center Chatham. Join us in person to hear from marine scientists about their research and how it relates to our local ecosystem and conservation. Guests will also have time during the evening to explore the Shark Center exhibits and learn about the natural history of white sharks in this area, the ongoing white shark research, and their role in the marine ecosystem. During this time, guests will also take in our special exhibit, “From Red to Green: Understanding the IUCN Red List,” which explores what the Red List is, how species are categorized, and what can be done to protect them, all through the lens of native Cape Cod species.

For our February lecture, AWSC is excited to welcome Grace Casselberry to speak about her work with great hammerhead sharks. Grace Casselberry is marine ecologist and PhD candidate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass), where she studies predator-prey interactions, shark-angler interactions, and the migratory patterns of great hammerhead sharks in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Originally from Pennsylvania, Grace’s interest in fish and marine life was fostered during summer vacations spent fishing and exploring tide pools with her parents and grandparents in Orleans, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She transitioned this childhood love into a passion driven career, earning a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and Master of Science in Marine Science and Technology from UMass Amherst.

During her talk, “Great hammerheads and Atlantic tarpon: The effects of angling in a fish-eat-fish world”, Grace will be sharing her current work studying IUCN Red List Critically Endangered great hammerhead sharks. Her work focuses specifically on hammerhead movement ecology in relation to Atlantic tarpon, an iconic Florida gamefish and favorite great hammerhead meal. Her work extends beyond movement ecology, incorporating the human dimension of shark interactions in recreational fisheries, while developing solutions to minimize these conflicts in the tarpon fishery.

This is a family-friendly event. However, our 21+ guests will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer with the price of admission. A cash bar will be available during the event.

Regarding Covid-19: We are capping this event at 20 people to allow for social distancing in the exhibit hall and during the lecture. When not enjoying complimentary beverages, we will be requiring attendees to wear masks per the Town of Chatham Board of Health Mandate.

Reservations are required for this event.