An atoll is a ring of islands surrounded by a coral reef. Every day, I deploy underwater cameras that are attached to sardines to attract sharks to the camera and obtain video footage of them. In addition to sharks, the cameras are often visited by rays, eels, and several fish. These videos provide a wealth of information about not just sharks, but the ocean and all its creatures. I also catch baby sharks and insert a tag in them to follow their movement. It has been a thrilling time working with reef sharks like the black tip reef and sickle fin lemon sharks every day. I am excited to apply everything that I learn here in French Polynesia to conserving sharks in other parts of the world where sharks are disappearing rapidly.
During this expedition, I'll be updating you from the field with stories, pictures, and videos. Also joining me will be Dr. Aaron Wirsing, a professor at the School of Forestry Sciences at the University of Washington. He is my Ph.D. advisor, and he’ll be helping me collect my video data on sharks here in French Polynesia. I am excited to share more with you soon!
