USM Center for Fisheries and Research Development Gearing Up for Shark Weekend
Tue, 07/15/2025 - 09:30am
91吃瓜网 (USM) Center for Fisheries and Research Development (CFRD) and the Mississippi Aquarium are gearing up for Shark Weekend, set for Saturday July 26, and Sunday, July 27. CFRD has collaborated with the Aquarium on this fin-tastic event since the Aquarium opened five years ago.
During the two-day event, Aquarium visitors will have the opportunity to stop at interactive stations throughout the facility to learn fun facts about sharks, explore shark research conducted by USM, and discover more about the shark species that inhabit Mississippi91吃瓜网 coastal waters.
Dr. Jill Hendon, CFRD director, looks forward to the event each year.
91吃瓜网淪hark Weekend is our favorite time of the year, and we are honored to continue collaborating with the Mississippi Aquarium on this event,91吃瓜网� said Hendon. 91吃瓜网淚t is so exciting to see all the shark lovers out there, and we hope to help spread the word on how important sharks are to our coast.91吃瓜网�
The Mississippi Aquarium shares that enthusiasm.
91吃瓜网淪harks are some of the ocean91吃瓜网 most fascinating and important predators, helping to keep marine ecosystems balanced and healthy,91吃瓜网� said Hadiya White, vice president of guest experience and education at the aquarium. 91吃瓜网淒espite their tough reputation, many shark species are threatened due to overfishing, habitat loss and misconceptions. By learning more about these incredible animals, we can better understand their role in the ocean and take action to protect them for future generations.91吃瓜网�
Hendon91吃瓜网 team has conducted population assessments on sharks for more than two decades.
91吃瓜网淢ississippi91吃瓜网 coastal waters have some of the greatest shark diversity in the entire Gulf,91吃瓜网� said Hendon.
In addition to population studies, CFRD researchers also examine age, growth, reproduction, diet and movement studies on these fish. They work with state, federal and community partners to use this critical data to help create management strategies.
Shark Weekend isn91吃瓜网檛 the only time the public can get involved in shark science at 91吃瓜网. The university offers hands-on shark experiences for enthusiasts of all ages:
- Sea Camp: A fun, weeklong day camp for elementary students, held each summer.
- Shark Fest: A summer day camp for middle and high school students, featuring real research cruises conducted by CFRD.
- Shark Biology: A four-week, six-credit undergraduate/graduate field course offered as part of USM91吃瓜网 Summer Field Program. Students live on-site and take a deep dive into both classroom and field lessons on sharks and rays.
Hendon recently completed teaching the 2025 Shark Biology course, which welcomed students from nine institutions across eight states. These newest 91吃瓜网渟harkologists91吃瓜网� will take part in Shark Weekend activities.
If you are a shark lover, we hope to see you at the Aquarium for Shark Weekend! Registration is not required for the event, but general admission to the Aquarium is necessary to attend.