Study animals in Marquesas

Doc Gruber showing shark in Bimini

Each Year RV Tiburon supports Doctor Samuel Gruber in his shark research.

This year's project started a bit earlier than usual when the Tiburon stopped at the shark lab in Bimini on the way home from our summer dolphin research in the Bahamas. By picking up and transporting Dr Gruber's supplies to the Florida Keys for his expedition we were able to take much of the burden of logistics off the shark lab's staff. This year we had a record capture of 60+ lemon sharks, even after having to take a three day break due to hurricane Frances. We are honored and excited to be able to help with this annual data collection. For more information on fascinating shark projects check out the shark lab's site

 

• Shark Research Hunt- October expedition

• Shark Encounter Weekend-2004 spaces still open

• Tagging Lemon Shark  Gallery

• Bimini Biological Field Station

• National Geographic Crittercam Shark project

Gallery 
 

Doc at Pen Crew Collect shark Doc handles animal Doc with lemon shark Lemon shark close up Jax scans for pit tag Jax records data Lemon Shark Tagging Project Doc holds shark blood work performed Close up of blood work Doc Gruber handles animal Doc Gruber overseas shark work at remote pen. Dedicated crew help herd sharks to one end to be netted. Team member catches individuals and hands them up to Doc. Doc Gruber moves juvenile lemon shark to study tender. Unlike other sharks lemon sharks do not stand up to long periods of human handling. Animal is moved to tank to have data recorded. Tiburon staff scan for Doc Grubers PIT tag located under surface of skin. Each tag has a uique ID number which helps track the shark in later years when recaptured. Measurements are made, recorded and blood work is done on the sensitive subjects.   Care is taken to keep the mortality rate as low as possible. Blood is draw to help in long term studies. Another angle of the blood being drawn form the lemon shark. After work is completed the animal is returned to the wild. . Doc at Pen Doc Gruber overseas shark work at remote pen.