Just in time for Shark Week!
The Atlantic Shark Institute has achieved another milestone in Rhode Island shark research, tagging its first hammerhead shark in waters near Block Island.
The hammerhead was enjoying the warmer temps at the top of the water column as it cruised near Block Island when it was spotted and filmed by New England Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tomas Koeck.
Koeck’s cameras captured the research from the moment the hammerhead was brought alongside the research vessel through the moment it was set free.
“With our warming waters, many of the shark species that New England residents associate with Florida and southern states are finding our water temperatures much more attractive than they would have just 25 years ago,” said Jon Dodd, executive director of the Atlantic Shark Institute.
“The arrival of these sharks, and the tagging of our first hammerhead shark in our waters raises a lot of questions and we look forward to answering them with our partners and collaborators,” he added.
The electronic tag will allow researchers to follow the hammerhead up and down the East Coast for a decade or more.
ASI researchers continue to collect critical data on migration patterns, habitat use, nursery grounds, shifting residency and seasonal movements that support conservation and public education efforts.
Last summer, multiple hammerheads were seen in Buzzards Bay to the west of Martha’s Vineyard. Hammerheads every summer are typically spotted on the south side of the Vineyard or Nantucket.
Koeck’s footage will become part of Ocean State: Rhode Island’s Wild Coast, the Ocean State Media television series highlighting Rhode Island’s marine ecosystems and the scientists working to better understand them.
“Hammerhead sharks are among the ocean’s most iconic predators, and documenting this first-ever tagging event by the ASI is an exciting opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking research taking place right here in Rhode Island,” Koeck said.
“Moments like these help connect audiences with the incredible wildlife that exists just offshore,” the filmmaker added.
Koeck has been a member of the Atlantic Shark Institute for years, and has frequently collaborated with Dodd and the research team to share stories relating to shark science and conservation.
The Atlantic Shark Institute plays a significant role in shark research in the Northwest Atlantic, studying numerous species found in Rhode Island waters and along the eastern seaboard.
The information collected through these efforts provides valuable insight into shark behavior, while helping researchers and resource managers better understand the changing marine environment.
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