Marblehead Charter School’s Shark Club, in conjunction with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy “AWSC," have been tracking Great White Sharks in the waters off the coast of Marblehead for the past three years.
Through a generous grant from the Friends of Marblehead Public Schools, the Marblehead Shark Club was able to fund an acoustic receiver buoy in 2016, joining the AWSC network of receivers. The buoy detects Great White Sharks that have been tagged by the AWSC. The buoy is named “MH1” and is located 1/4 mile south of Children’s Island.
In 2018, MH1 had two separate detections. The first detection was Great White Shark “Cool Beans" in September. The second detection was Great White Shark “Gillie” in October. “Cool Beans” is 12ft in length and “Gillie” is an impressive 15ft, both are females.
Back in August of 2017, MH1 detected Great White Shark “Marianne”. Marianne is a 14ft female shark.
This year the AWSC completed a five year population study of Great White Sharks off the coast of Cape Cod. This study offers us a lot info to help to understand migration patterns and the impacts of the increase in population of Great White Sharks in our waters.
To learn more follow Marblehead Community Public Charter School’s educational enrichment; Marblehead Shark Club @MarbleheadShark