Neighbors For Kids, presents “An Evening of White Shark Biology and Behavior, with research biologist Dr. Mark Marks. The featured presentation and lecture is a fund raiser in support of the Shark Protection and Preservation Association’s (OWSRP) Oregon White Shark Research Project. The program starts at 6pm on Friday August 19th at the NFK building in Depoe Bay. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person. Proceeds from the event will contribute to funding SPPA’s 2016 field season.
For the first time in state’s history, white sharks with be fitted with “pop-up” satellite PSAT tags to monitor the swimming behavior and migration patterns of white sharks in the North Eastern Pacific. This study represents the first Oregon “Point-of-Origin” effort to determine where, and when white sharks are present along the Oregon coast.
The white shark is the earth’s largest predatory fish. In its vital role as one of Oregon’s super apex marine predators along with Orcas, it is the main predator of marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions in our coastal waters. Dr. Marks will discuss the biology, ecology and social behavior of white sharks, as well as their conservation needs. The talk will also focus on the rich scientific history of white shark research efforts globally.
Mark Marks is best known for his pioneering doctoral studies of the behavioral ecology and sociobiology of the White shark in South African waters. The scientists’ focus on applying experimental biology techniques in the field of cognitive ethology, outside the confines of a shark cage have provided him a unique perspective on the little known world of white shark behavior and feeding ecology. Marks’ extensive scientific background with sharks, spans more than thirty years, taking him to remote locations off four continents, ten countries and includes research with dozens of shark species.
For this extreme biologist the possibility of uncovering and elucidating new, yet described shark behavior is the driving force behind exploration and expedition adventures with a distinct academic twist. Mark founded the (SPPA) Shark Protection and Preservation Association; A 501(c)3 non-profit organization for scientific and educational purposes in 1993. An “Evening of White Shark Biology and Behavior, with research biologist Dr. Mark Marks”, will not only highlight the natural history of one of earths’ most iconic apex predators, but also chronicles the journey of one scientist’s quest to learn the true nature of the JAWS behind the mythology.
Information and photo by SPPA
