A "jawsome" event with Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

On Wednesday afternoon at the Cotuit Library, we had the incredible opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of white sharks with Kristen Smith of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. The event, moderated by our very own Jack Gardner, a dedicated Friend of the Library, captivated the audience with insights into these majestic creatures and the important work being done to track their movements.

Kristen shared details about the sharks the Conservancy is tracking, shedding light on how many sharks are currently swimming through the waters of Cape Cod and beyond. It was an eye-opening experience to learn not just about their numbers, but the reasons why these incredible creatures are drawn to our waters.

One of the most exciting parts of the evening was the opportunity to see the actual trackers used to capture vital data on the sharks, including their locations, water temperatures, and even video footage of their movements. These trackers play a critical role in understanding the behavior of white sharks, allowing scientists to monitor their patterns and gain insights into their lives, creating a baseline of white shark activity in East Coast waters. 

We also learned that white sharks are capable of thriving in waters ranging from Nova Scotia all the way down to Florida. With global warming posing a growing threat to many species, scientists are particularly focused on understanding how climate change might be affecting the white shark population. 

This event was an excellent reminder of the importance of community and education in preserving our environment. We’re grateful to Kristen Smith for sharing her expertise and to Jack Gardner for facilitating such an engaging discussion. We look forward to more events like this, where we can continue to learn about and support the conservation efforts for these amazing creatures that call our waters home.

Lastly, these events serve as a fundraiser for the Friends of Cotuit Library and the Cotuit Library, both 501c3 organizations. Thank you so much to the volunteers of our Friends group who brought this event to life. 

Our next Friends Speaker Series event is on Thursday, February 13th, with Dan Richards and Phil Odence. You can save your seat by registering below. 

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