Scientists from a variety of research labs at Florida University University (FIU) participated in a day of hands-on experience in different research methods used to study sharks in Palm Beach County.
EXPEDITION DETAILS
February 25, 2026
Palm Beach County, FL
Emma Aitken
Gina Clementi
Sophia Diaz
Mia Gabb
Kirk Gastrich
Sophia Hemsi
Lorenzo Marro-Ambrosini
Jordan Meckstroth
Aeden Mell
William Sample
Chase Schaffhauser
Lacy Smith
Deirdre Stinson
Alondra Vidales
All sharks were fished for, caught, studied and released for research purposes under Florida permits held by Florida International University scientists.
A group of scientists from Florida International University’s College of Arts, Sciences and Education (FIU CASE) spent a day onboard the R/V ANGARI to further develop their skills in two different research methods used to study sharks. The team used two types of specialized research gear; drumlines, which are used to fish for sharks for research purposes, and a baited remote underwater video system (BRUVS), which can be used to study the populations of different marine ecosystems.
To start the day, the team practiced assembling and deploying BRUVS on the stern of the R/V ANGARI with the assistance of the Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks lead scientist, Will Sample, and other experienced scientists. Once everyone had a chance to familiarize themselves with the BRUVS equipment, the team headed to a northern section of the Lake Worth Lagoon to begin drumlining.
The scientists were divided into small teams to deploy each drumline. After the first few drumline deployments, the spring 2026 ANGARI interns participated in building and deploying the drumlines alongside the scientists to gain a better understanding of how our Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks program operates. Over the course of the day, the team deployed a total of 30 drumlines!
It was a great day of learning alongside one another and preparing for a busy spring of Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks expeditions! The scientists were able to learn new things, share their expertise with each other and learn how to work together onboard the R/V ANGARI. We are excited to welcome many of these scientists back onboard this spring to work alongside students and educators from Palm Beach County!
CHIEF SCIENTIST
Will Sample is a Ph.D. candidate in the Marine Community and Behavioral Ecology Lab at Florida International University. His current research uses both long-term historical datasets and newer methods, such as high-resolution accelerometry, to study the movement and behavioral ecology of juvenile bull sharks. He specifically focuses on the way these sharks may be transporting nutrients across habitat boundaries, how they may be optimizing their movements to save energy and what the long-term implications of different behaviors they specialize in may be. Will’s research in the Florida Everglades studying the ways sharks move through this crucial ecosystem is important for conservation and informing habitat restoration and management efforts. Will earned a B.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Florida Atlantic University in 2018 and has lived all throughout Florida for most of his life, from Jacksonville to Jupiter to the Keys. He is passionate about community outreach and education, particularly regarding Florida’s natural habitats, and currently serves as lead scientist for ANGARI’s Palm Beach County based Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks program aboard R/V ANGARI.
