Photo: Atlantic Shark Institute
WAKEFIELD, RI (WBZ NewsRadio) — A major milestone has been reached in the ongoing research of great white sharks.
The Atlantic Shark Institute said it tagged its 30th great white.
Researchers are collecting and analyzing data to help better understand this iconic animal.
This most recent study is focusing on Atlantic great white sharks in New England off the coast of Rhode Island.
“When we started this project, we hoped we would be able to capture and tag ten white sharks to shed more light on white shark activity here in RI and surrounding waters,” said Jon Dodd, Executive Director of the Atlantic Shark Institute. “To reach 30 white sharks tagged, this quickly, simply increases the likelihood of answering questions about how white sharks use RI waters,” he added.
Scientists say great while sharks are considered vulnerable to worldwide extinction and their population continues to decline.
Dodd said while most of Rhode Island's sharks left months ago when water temperatures dropped during the winter months, they will be returning soon as the New England waters warm.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jay Willett (@ JayWillettWBZ) reports.
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