Aquarium and Schmidt Ocean Institute Partner to Engage Public in Real-Time Shark Research

May 2, 2018

The Aquarium of the Pacific in partnership with the Schmidt Ocean Institute will host several events for students and Aquarium visitors to engage the public with the latest shark research. On May 10 at 10:45 a.m. the Aquarium will establish a ship-to-shore live video connection with the scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor. The live video will be broadcast at the Ocean Exploration Hub in the Aquarium’s second floor Tropical Pacific Gallery. Visitors will have the chance to talk to the researchers aboard the ship, see images and video of sharks, and potentially view video footage from remote underwater video cameras. Aquarium educators facilitating the live broadcast will discuss the cruise’s mission, any recent findings, and the types of data being collected.

The Falkor is on expedition to what scientists have dubbed the White Shark Café in the Pacific Ocean, where researchers led by Dr. Barbara Block from Stanford University are studying adult white sharks to better understand their biology and why they congregate in this particular area each year. Aquarium educators will also visit classrooms in the greater Los Angeles area to facilitate ship-to-shore discussions between students and scientists. The Aquarium will provide materials for teachers to provide context, generate discussion, and encourage student questions during the live connection. In addition, students ages seven to twelve participating in the Aquarium’s April 28 Junior Biologist class focusing on sharks connected with scientists on the Falkor.

“The Aquarium and its exhibits and programs are designed to help connect the public to current ocean research and environmental issues. We are pleased to be working with the Schmidt Ocean Institute to share ongoing scientific research with the public live as it happens. This program will inspire our visitors’ interest in science and sharks and give students a tangible example of what careers in STEM fields look like,” said Dr. Jerry Schubel, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute regularly holds ship-to-shore connections between scientists on board the research vessel Falkor and institutions like the Aquarium, as well as with school classrooms, museums, and other educational facilities. To learn more about Schmidt Ocean Institute, visit schmidtocean.org. Information about the current research cruise is available at schmidtocean.org/cruise/voyage-white-shark-cafe/.