“Fin”tech & White Shark charters
Ever wanted to see a live white shark? I have! It’s always been a lifelong dream of mine. So, naturally, when I learned about this charter I had to share it.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) offers private charters for visitors interested in seeing white sharks on the cape. These creatures are magnificent and awe-inspiring, and with our experienced guides, you're sure to have a safe and unforgettable experience. So come on down and see these amazing animals in their natural habitat!
The White Shark Charter
When you book a charter you can expect AWSC’s experienced captain and crew to take you to where the white sharks are known to congregate. AWSC also will use a spotter plane to help the boats identify where the sharks will be.
The charters are $2,500 and can hold up to 5 passengers. They have several different boats which are used for these charters with a general size of approximately 30ft.
The charters are roughly 2.5 hours long, with some extending up to an extra 30 minutes if the sightings are further north. Like most true wildlife experiences, sightings are not guaranteed. However, the charters only run during peak sighting season. Additionally, the spotter plane and Sharktivity app help maximize the chances of a sighting!
If you’re interested, you can also help with AWSC’s Citizen Science program. During the charter, you will work with the crew to ID the sharks you see and add them to the Sharktivity App.
SharkTech? Sharktivity!
What is Sharktivity? Every time a shark is spotted, users can log into the app and submit a "shark report." This report includes information about the date, time, and location of the sighting, as well as a photo or video of the shark. Once a report is submitted, it is verified by Marine biologists and then made available to other users of the app.
The app also allows users to see where other sharks have been spotted on a map. This information can be used to avoid areas where there is a high concentration of sharks, or to plan a trip to see them in person! This map is also important because it allows experts to track the movements of white sharks. By seeing where the sharks are going, we can learn more about their habits and behaviors. This information is essential for marine conservation efforts.
While SharkTech specifically is likely not a sector that will flood in VC funding anytime soon, introducing technology into conservation efforts may be. The value lies in the fact that, aided by technology, these apps allow the masses to help input survey data. Typically only biologists would participate in surveys collecting data which greatly limits the amount of important information collected. But now, far more data can be collected via the accessibility of technology and the Sharktivity App.
Great White Sharks: The Facts
First, let's get some facts straight about great white sharks. Great whites are easily distinguished from other sharks in this family by their size; they can grow up to 20 feet in length and weigh over 5,000 pounds! Great whites are found in temperate waters all over the world, with a majority of the population residing in the coastal waters of Australia, California, and South Africa. In recent years, there has been an increase in sightings of great white sharks off the coast of Cape Cod, which is why we're offering our private charter service.
Incredible Senses
One of the things that sets great white sharks apart from other animals is their highly developed sense of smell. They can detect even tiny amounts of blood in the water from miles away. In addition to having an acute sense of smell, great white sharks also have excellent eyesight. They can see in low-light conditions and can even detect contrast better than Humans.
Superior Swimmers
Great white sharks are built for speed. Their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies minimize drag as they move through the water and their large tail fins provide powerful propulsion. Thanks to these adaptations, great white sharks are capable of swimming at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour!
Remarkable Longevity
Though they are apex predators, great white sharks are not immune to becoming prey themselves. Fortunately, they have evolved some adaptations that help them avoid becoming someone else's dinner. One of these adaptations is their thick skin, which is covered with tough tooth-like scales called dental placoid scales. This tough skin helps protect them from being injured by the teeth of their would-be attackers. Another adaptation that contributes to their longevity is their slow rate of reproduction. Female great white sharks don't reach sexual maturity until they are at least 15 years old and don't reproduce every year as many other animals do. This ensures that there are always enough adults around to keep the population stable even if younger individuals are being predated upon.
Why Cape Cod?
Anyways, enough about the fascinating fish, #rantover. Cape Cod is one of the best places in the world to see great white sharks up close. In fact, it's estimated that there are over 100 great white sharks swimming in the waters off Cape Cod at any given time! The reason for this is that the cape is home to a large seal population, which is a favorite food of great white sharks. Every year between late June and early November, you can find seals hauling out on beaches all along the cape. This makes Cape Cod a prime destination for shark watching!
