Cape Cod National Seashore to Host Atlantic White Shark Research Evening Program with John Chisholm and Cynthia Wigren

Date: June 27, 2014
Contact: Sue Haley, 508-255-3421

White sharks are one of the world's most recognizable marine animals.Growing to a length of almost seven meters and weighing over two tons, they are a top predator.Join John Chisholm and Cynthia Wigren at 7 PM on July 8 at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham for a presentation on these fascinating creatures and the research being done in the waters off Cape Cod.

Often confused with the planktivorous basking shark, confirmed sightings of white sharks have been on the rise.The Massachusetts Shark Research Program has been investigating these reports in an attempt to learn more about the ecology of the white shark.As a result, they have been able to tag 39 white sharks off the coast of Cape Cod since September 2009. The data collected by these tags is shedding new light on the migratory habits and habitat preferences of white sharks in the North Atlantic.This presentation will highlight what has been learned to date as well as feature the ongoing work the Massachusetts Shark Research Program and Atlantic White Shark Conservancy are conducting to further our knowledge of these apex predators.

This program is part of the annual "Tuesday Evening Series" at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. Held weekly at 7 PM in July and August in the air-cooled comfort of the visitor center auditorium, programs focus on the diverse natural and cultural resources on the Outer Cape and are suitable for all ages. Programs are free of charge and accessible. The series is sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

IF YOU GO: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted by calling 508-255-3421. The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with staffto assist with activity planning. Visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh, and shop in the gift and bookstore featuring national seashore-related items. For more information about the seashore's programs, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco.

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