Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Announces 2024 Season Openings and Expanded Accessibility at Shark Centers
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) announced that both of its Shark Centers in Chatham and Provincetown will be open for the 2024 season on May 16. The centers offer immersive educational experiences to engage families and individuals in shark conservation and appreciation, with newly expanded accessible educational programs.
To further engage all visitors of the Shark Centers, AWSC has partnered with Aira – an app, free to visitors, that provides on-demand, remote visual interpretation for the blind and low vision community to enhance their independence and efficiency. Visitors can also use Aira’s Access AI feature to take or upload photos and receive instant AI-generated image descriptions.
“We’re so excited to provide this new experience for visitors, allowing them to hear descriptions of exhibits and live events, get assistance with navigation, and learn about our Shark Center shop items,” said Cynthia Wigren, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.
In addition to new accessibility tools, the two Shark Centers continue to offer a variety of educational programs and tours:
· Gills Club is the AWSC’s STEM-based education initiative that connects girls with female scientists around the world. This club fosters a positive attitude towards sharks, provides hands-on learning experiences, inspiring the next generation of shark and ocean advocates. The club offers monthly free, in-person events. The next event to be held on Saturday May 18 at 9 am at Shark Center Chatham.
· Both Shark Centers offer interactive exhibits and displays that explore white shark research, conservation, and natural history, offering an accessible and enjoyable educational experience for all visitors.
· Both Shark Centers now have sensory bags available at all times for visitors in need, and staff members have been trained by the Autism Alliance to support visitors with autism.
· Staring in June, the Shark Centers will have designated sensory programs to create a more welcoming environment for families in need of a sensory friendly environment. Times and information on registration can be found on AWSC’s website.
· Several white shark excursions are available, including all-day shark and whale trips, one-hour receiver tours, and private charters.
The Chatham Shark Center is located at 235 Orleans Road, Chatham, MA 02650 and offers community and educational opportunities year-round. The Provincetown Shark Center is located at 16 MacMillian Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657 and is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. Aira can be downloaded for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
For more information on the Shark Centers, please visit: https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/shark-center