provide students with the opportunity
to gain a better understanding of
sharks, shark science and how science
is important for conservation.
The founder of Sharks4Kids,
Jillian, lives in the Bahamas, which
was declared a shark sanctuary in
- The goal of the project in this
region is to educate students about the
important role sharks play in both the
ecosystem and the economy.
Sharks and rays generate nearly
USD114 million each year through
ecotourism and much of the local
population is unaware of this impact.
Visiting schools and providing students
with facts is critical, but we also believe
in getting them out on the water.
We partner with local dive operators
to take students out for snorkelling
trips, where they can see sharks
and rays. These personal experiences
enhance their connection to sharks
and the ocean – the first step to them
caring for and working to protect
them. These kids are the future of
shark conservation in the Bahamas
and we are working to inspire and
empower them.
For our shark tagging project,
we have partnered with the Guy
Harvey Research Institute at Nova
Southeastern University to offer
students the opportunity to participate
in ongoing shark research off the coast
of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Each group
of students assists with the deployment
of the scientific drumlines as well as
the workup of each shark. During the
workup, students take measurements
and tissue samples before tagging
and releasing the shark. This
hands-on experience helps students
to better understand what marine
biologists do, and how, and why, sharks
are studied. The data being collected
is helping researchers gain a better
understanding of shark populations
and diversity off the coast of Florida.
As scientific data supports legislation
to protect animals, this work is
incredibly important. It’s another
way we can help students create a
connection to these animals. It is alsoa way for us to teach young women
that shark science is for them too. In
a traditionally male-dominated field,
we are proud to have a female team
showing these students how women
are working in the field and what
opportunities exist for them.
Sharks4Kids was created to help
teachers bring shark education into the
classroom, but also to help students
speak up, knowing they can make a
difference. Kids are the future of our
oceans and we must prepare them
to be stewards. Much of the world is
afraid of sharks, but the true nature of
sharks is very different from how they
are often portrayed in mainstream
media. We want kids to have access
to the facts before they are inundated
with negative stories and stigmas. Even
a five-year-old can make a difference
for sharks and the oceans. Since we
started in November 2013, we have
connected with over 70,000 students in
44 countries. We believe students can
make a difference and they inspire us
each day.http://www.sharks4kids.com