AWSC Details 2024 Shark Research Highlights
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) has announced the highlights of the 2024 shark research season off Cape Cod, identifying and collecting details on dozens of individual white sharks – including 25 sharks tagged this year working in collaboration with Dr. Greg Skomal of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
Highlights of the 2024 research season:
Deployed a total of 25 acoustic transmitters and 11 camera tags on white sharks along the Outer Cape ranging in size from 7 to 15 feet
Collected over 200 videos of white sharks during 25 research trips
Identified 76 white sharks in total, and cataloged 22 ‘new’ individuals to be added to the AWSC White Shark Catalog, which contains over 700 individuals making it one of the largest photo-ID databases in the world
“It’s important to note that while we don’t have specific results to share just yet, the data we've collected this season are a crucial piece of the larger picture. Every bit of information contributes to our ongoing, long-term monitoring efforts, helping us build a more comprehensive understanding of white sharks and their behavior,” said Dr. Megan Winton, Senior Scientist of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. “This work is essential for conservation and public safety initiatives, and we're excited to continue building on these findings in the years to come."
Other notable events in the 2024 white shark research season:
· April 9: Deployed the second-ever camera tag on a white shark off South Carolina, working with captain Chip Michalove of Outcast Sportfishing
· May 24: The first white shark of 2024 was sighted off Cape Cod
July 12-15: Spent four days on Cape Cod Bay researching and monitoring white shark feeding on a humpback whale carcass
October 16: Supported Dr. Greg Skomal as he conducted a necropsy on “Koala,” a mature male white shark that had washed up on Nauset Beach. A cause of death was not identified, and test results are still pending.
In addition to researching white sharks, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy delivered a range of educational services for Cape Cod residents and visitors this year. AWSC’s Chatham and Provincetown Shark Centers greeted over 21,000 visitors, provided educational programs and outreach to over 7,000 students, and welcomed nearly 300 guests aboard its charter boats, including 23 veterans provided with complimentary trips through AWSC’s partnership with Heroes In Transition.
“This season has been successful in advancing both our research and education efforts to foster a deeper understanding of white sharks and the possibilities for peaceful coexistence between sharks and humans.,” said Cynthia Wigren, Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. “These achievements are a direct result of our dedicated team, invaluable partnerships, and the unwavering support of our donors, whose contributions make it all possible.”