My big fish must be somewhere.”—Ernest Hemingway; The Old Man and the Sea
Today we had an amazing opportunity to tour the Ocearch research ship and join with the rest of the town in a kick off party for the crew as they prepare for their 2020 research expedition which will concentrate on the study of white sharks in the Lowcountry (Southeast coast.)
It was an honor to be surrounded by people so passionate about the study, conservation and preservation of these apex predators, which I admit scare the heck out of me. The experience made me very briefly regret my decision as a young adult to change course and not pursue becoming a marine biologist. It only took a few minutes on the bridge of the ship with an unsteady horizon however, to remind me why I made that decision.
I salute these dynamic scientists and crew members.
The work they do and the life they are choosing is full of long hours and grueling tasks away from family and friends. Although when asked if they ever tire of each other, 22 people on one boat can try anyone’s nerves and patience, our guide quickly and sincerely assured us that they are really one big family who depend on each other and have bonded over a common passion and goal.
I imagine that goal can seem daunting at times. It is so much quicker and easier to destroy something than it is to protect and preserve it.
Sharks, for all of the fear that surround them, genuine and manufactured by Hollywood, are the balance keepers. If we lose our sharks, we lose our oceans. Thank-you Ocearch for protecting both.
Sweet Tea The Narwhal And Me 