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PARTNERSHIPS
THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
SHARKS! EXHIBIT
Scientists and researchers with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies and the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation joined with the Houston Museum of Natural Science to add some “science” into the “fiction” surrounding sharks. The HRI team contributed photos and information panels that to complement the exhibit.
Hollywood has sensationalized the shark as an underwater villain, when in fact, it is this apex predator who is under attack. Dr. Wes Tunnell, HRI Associate Director and Endowed Chair of Biodiversity and Conservation Science, developed the exhibit’s marine biology section. Tunnell is the Curator of Marine Biology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Project Manager for the “SHARK!” exhibition. Guests can experience an interactive, informative, live touch tank experience, call up real time data to see where great white sharks are hanging out in the Gulf of Mexico and learn about the incredible scientists and their shark conservation efforts taking place throughout the world. SHARK! provides an opportunity to educate the public, change perceptions and eliminate the fear. Although there are a few shark attacks on people each year, the sharks are actually more threatened by people. Shark populations are in a state of crisis as a result of our human activities that damage ecosystems, and reduce populations through relentless overfishing. Through education and interaction, children and their parents gain appreciation for this important species. This special limited engagement will only be open at the Houston Museum of Natural Science through September 7, 2015. The Texas State Aquarium is scheduled to be the next stop for this entertaining and important exhibit.
DISCOVERY CHANNEL
SHARK WEEK
A warning of “Be Careful What You Fish For...” can only mean one thing... it’s “Shark Week.” For 27 seasons, Discovery Channel has brought viewers up close and personal with all things shark. 2014 was no exception. From new technology including underwater cameras and gadgetry to old school cages and poles, the viewers were treated to a weeklong “sharkapalooza.” Contributing to the understanding of this valuable species through the Discovery Channel’s entertaining, quality programming were two of HRI’s research scientists, Dr. Greg Stuntz, Endowed Chair, Fisheries and Ocean Health and Dr. Matt Ajemian, Assistant Research Scientist. In the episode titled “Monster Hammerhead,” they bravely ventured out with a group of anglers to find a legendary giant hammerhead that has been patrolling Florida’s coastline for the past 60 years. If found, the hammerhead would be caught, tagged with a satellite tracker and released back into the water to learn more about where these sharks may be moving and what habitats they are using. Discovery Channel invited Dr. Stunz and Dr. Ajemian because they recognized the importance of their work for the health and wellbeing of the species. They are researching shark behavior and population trends off the Texas coast. In addition, they have tracked and studied realtime movements of four sharks outfitted with satellite tracking tags. The research team has placed tags on 1,200 sharks. Information generated from these tags provides better understanding of different species, geographic preferences, and interconnections between populations off the Texas coast and in the rest of the Gulf of Mexico. One shark that Stunz tagged covered over 600 miles in just a few months, swimming from Corpus Christi to Houston and then back down to Mexico. Ultimately, this research will provide a better understanding of shark migration patterns to improve conservation practices and sustainability for all sharks.