Expedition 129:
Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks - Palm Beach Central High School

A day on the R/V ANGARI gave students and educators from Palm Beach Central High School the chance to step into the role of marine scientists during a hands-on shark research expedition. As part of ANGARI Foundation’s Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks program, students worked alongside scientists from Florida International University’s College of Arts, Sciences and Education (FIU) to explore South Florida’s marine ecosystems and learn how researchers study local shark populations.

Students began their research experience in the Lake Worth Lagoon, where they were introduced to baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS). This noninvasive research tool allows scientists to observe marine life in its natural habitat using an underwater camera and bait box. After helping prepare and deploy the BRUVS, students learned how researchers use BRUVS footage to identify and document the species living in marine habitats. While the camera remained on the seafloor, students practiced their own species identification skills and became familiar with some of the fish and other marine animals found in South Florida’s coastal waters.

Once the BRUVS was back onboard R/V ANGARI, the group traveled. Under the guidance of the FIU science team, students learned how to  prepare and deploy drumlines, a specialized fishing tool used for shark sampling. Students had the opportunity to participate in the fieldwork process and see the coordination and care required to safely capture and collect data from  sharks.

The day’s most memorable moment came when the team encountered a female great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran). Great hammerheads are easily recognized by their distinctive, wide hammer-shaped heads and are an important species for scientists to study. Classified as critically endangered, the great hammerhead faces significant conservation challenges, making this encounter an especially valuable learning opportunity for the students onboard.

Seeing a critically endangered shark up close offered students a firsthand connection to the importance of marine research and conservation. Rather than simply learning about shark biology and behavior  in a classroom, students were able to observe the scientific process in action and see how researchers collect valuable information.

After retrieving all the drumlines, the group returned inshore to check the footage collected by their BRUVS. Reviewing the recording gave students another opportunity to put their identification skills to use and see which species had visited the camera during the deployment. Together, these activities provided a well-rounded look at how scientists can use different research methods to study marine animals both in their natural environment and through hands-on fieldwork.

From exploring the biodiversity of the Lake Worth Lagoon to encountering a great hammerhead offshore, Palm Beach Central High School students experienced the excitement and responsibility that comes with conducting marine science in the field. We are grateful to have had another opportunity to work with students from Palm Beach Central!

This expedition was made possible with funding from the Jacobs Wellington Foundation.