Palmyra to Plymouth – A Shifting Baseline of Sharks

Throughout 2012, the Sharks Count Program has reached out to recreational divers in the Pacific and along the U.S. Atlantic coast to initiate the collection of ‘citizen science’ sightings of sharks to begin to understand where sharks are regularly seen. Initial information suggests that areas that have been fully protected such as Palmyra Atoll, maintain healthy populations of sharks while areas once known for more common shark sightings, without protected areas, such as popular dive sites in Florida provide less opportunities for divers to see the variety of sharks once common in those areas. In partnership with Scuba Diver Girls, OTS Guardian Full Face Mask, and Shark Reef Marine Reserve, month-long ‘survey’ counts were conducted in Fiji to collect important shark sighting data and to help promote both the conservation value and adventure of loggin g shark sightings. In combination with conservation outreach initiatives in Massachusetts, via JawsFest- 2012 and Sea Rovers 2013 Clinic, the Program is reaching out to Massachusetts’ divers to join the Sharks Count team of divers and log their dives for shark conservation.

This presentation will include exclusive photos from Palmyra, two conservation/field videos, and Sharks Count Program information for divers.