Atlantic White Shark Conservancy looking at Cape sharks’ predatory behaviors, identifying high-risk periods
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, following a groundbreaking study that shed light on great white sharks’ movements along the Cape, has a “bunch of different” ongoing studies about Cape sharks and learning more about how the predators hunt for seals, an AWSC researcher tells the Herald.
The nonprofit that provides funding for scientific research is focusing on shark movement and behaviors in the hopes of stopping potential shark-human conflict along the Cape.
“We have a bunch of different studies on white sharks off the coast of the Cape,” said Megan Winton, a research scientist at AWSC.
“There are a lot of studies underway to get a better idea of their movements off our coastline, with a focus on understanding their predatory behavior and learning more about how they hunt for seals,” added Winton, who was the lead author on the study about Cape sharks in shallow depths. “We’re looking at any trends for their predatory activity to identify the most high-risk periods for recreational water users.”
AWSC’s goals are to boost public safety and educate the community about white sharks, with the hopes of “improving beachgoers’ awareness of sharks near the coast,” she added.
Since 2013, AWSC has provided funding and resources for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries’ studies to get a more accurate picture of shark movements, as well as see how many sharks are in the waters off Cape Cod. In 2019, a new wave of research began — focused on white shark movement and behavior, with a special emphasis on public safety.
AWSC is funded by general donations and private grants, as well as through revenue from its Shark Center admission, merchandise sales, events and license plates.
AWSC’s Sharktivity app provides people with info on white shark sightings, detection and movement.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3cBOojp
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