Expedition 130:
Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks - Inlet Grove Community High School

Students and educators from Inlet Grove Community High School stepped aboard R/V ANGARI for the first time for a day of hands-on marine science, getting a firsthand look at what it takes to study sharks and other marine life in the field. Through 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 experience the process of conducting shark research.

The day began in the Lake Worth Lagoon, where students were introduced to baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS), a noninvasive tool scientists use to observe marine life in its natural habitat. Students helped prepare and deploy the BRUVS, which uses an underwater camera and bait to capture footage of wildlife passing through the area. While the camera remained on the seafloor, students learned how scientists use this footage to identify species and document the diversity of marine life found in different habitats, as well as put their own species identification skills to the test. 

After recovering the BRUVS, R/V ANGARI continued offshore for the day’s shark research activities. Under the guidance of the FIU science team, students learned about drumlines, a specialized type of fishing gear used to safely capture sharks for research. They had the opportunity to prepare and deploy all the drumline gear and observe the careful coordination involved in bringing a shark onboard by the science team, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists conduct fieldwork.

One of the exciting moments of the day was when the team encountered a female great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran). Easily recognized by its tall dorsal fin and wide hammer-shaped head, the great hammerhead is an important study subject in shark research. Classified as critically endangered, great hammerheads face significant threats throughout their habitat range, making the opportunity to encounter one during a research expedition particularly meaningful. Students were able to observe the research process firsthand, as the scientists took a tissue sample before quickly and safely releasing the shark.

After a long day of deploying drumlines, the group headed back inshore to review the BRUVS footage and see what the camera had captured. Students reviewed the footage and practiced identifying the species that had visited the camera during the deployment. A very curious juvenile goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) was the highlight of the BRUVS footage, coming right up to the camera!

From exploring the Lake Worth Lagoon to encountering a great hammerhead offshore, students from Inlet Grove Community High School experienced the excitement of marine science beyond the classroom. We are grateful to have welcomed Inlet Grove Community High School aboard R/V ANGARI for the first time and to have shared this memorable experience with their students and educators.