Featuring...Shark Research Institute

COA’s newest Participating Organization, the Shark Research Institute (SRI), is an international non-governmental organization that sponsors and conducts research on sharks and promotes their conservation.  As a crucial part of the marine ecosystem, sharks are affected by ocean pollution due to negative effects on their habitat.

Founded in 1991 at Princeton, SRI represents about 5,000 members throughout the world and has field offices in Canada, Galapagos Islands, Honduras, Mexico, South Africa, and Seychelles.  Those involved in SRI include the scientific community, individuals and organizations concerned about the health of our marine ecosystem, and marine resource users, such as subsistence fishermen, sport divers, and the dive tourism industry.

Current SRI programs include visual and satellite tracking of sharks and behavioral and DNA studies, as well as environmental advocacy and public education.  The Institute also lobbies internationally for shark protection, strives to stop the slaughter of 100 million sharks annually, and works to correct misconceptions about sharks.

To demystify sharks and dispel the images from "Jaws," SRI collects critical data about shark attacks using a database that contains more than 2,500 incidents involving divers, surfers, swimmers, and fishermen.  

SRI also leads studies on whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea.  To encourage individuals, schools, scouts, and organizations to become involved in SRI research, tagged whale sharks are offered for adoption. 

Also, if you are a certified diver and want to be involved in observing shark and/or manta behavior and collecting and analyzing data, SRI offers research expeditions.

For information visit www.sharks.org, or call 609-921-3522.      

- Adapted from SRI website.