Sharks and Beachgoers - A Survey
One of our research focus projects is called Shark PR, where we examine the everyday human/shark relationship. We do this to ascertain the best way to communicate the importance of ocean and shark conservation to everyone. By understanding the way humans engage in the ocean and their land-based differences, we are more informed on their motivations for and against ocean conservation.
In Fall 2020 we have a group of volunteers that are examining this relationship for a class project and to bring their experience and minds to our ongoing focus. The volunteers are primarily concentrating on the differences in the ecology of the locations where sharks are sighted and where they are not.
This research is not an exhaustive look at every shark species, but rather more on larger predators like the great white, mako, and others that are recognizable from a pop culture perspective. However, we do encourage and attempt to collect sightings of leopard sharks, nurse sharks, horn sharks, and others that appear far less sinister to the collective population at large’s psyche.
We’ve been collecting data, anecdotes, stories, media, case studies, and more on this topic. To us, in order to effectively communicate science, we need to understand those we are communicating with. We find it less effective to create a generic message for all populations and work to tailor our conservation messages in ways that show the ocean’s impact in everyday life whether you live near the coast or not. We’ve found several studies that firmly pave the road between education and conservation.
Please help us by filling out our survey here:
https://forms.gle/oVi6yNRL4eZzoCRHA