Harte Research Institute hosts Shark Week screening

Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation has helped shine a light on sharks during Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.  With the 30th Anniversary of Shark Week, society has been able to see the importance of sharks in our ecosystem.  "We like to say, an ocean without sharks is much scarier than one with them. We tend to call them the great balance keepers, they keep the ocean in a delicate balance that we need to support humans on this earth," says Director of the Sportfish Science and Conservation department, Dr. Greg Stunz. Dr. Stunz and his team of scientists have helped Discovery Channel during Shark Week to research patterns of sharks.  One way shark researchers find more information on the species, is through tagging from shark fishing. "To date they’ve tagged well over 5,000 fish, 5,000 sharks which is quite incredible," says Dr. Stunz, "we work with everyday anglers who catch sharks and want to release it, and they insert one of our tags." The Harte Research Institute will be hosting a live screening of Shark Week at Brewster Street Icehouse between 6-9 p.m. There will be meet and greets with the researchers about shark conservation and demonstrations on tagging.  The event will also be open and free to the public with shark-themed food, drinks and activities for the kids!