OCEARCH catches and tags massive 50 year old great white shark, dubbed "Queen of the Ocean"
Posted by OCEARCH and CNN on October 5, 2020
Ocean First Institute is working with OCEARCH to further understand the abundance and movements of the great white sharks in the Northern Atlantic. This past week OCEARCH caught and tagged the largest female to date. Named Nukumi in the Mi'kMaq native language which translates to "Grandmother". She likely is a grandmother who has birthed perhaps as many as 100 sharks in her lifetime, who are now likely capable of reproducing. Being in the presence of an animal this large and this old, changes you. Forever. See the clip from OCEARCH detailing this incredible experience.
Great Respect for Great Whites“When you handle an animal of this size it will hit you in a completely different way from an emotional standpoint.” -Chris Fischer, #OCEARCH Expedition Leader on 3,541 lbs 17’2” #greatwhiteshark Nukumi (pronounced noo-goo-mee). This ancient "Queen of the Ocean" was named for the legendary wise old grandmother figure of the Mi'maq people, since she has so much wisdom to share with our science team for years to come. “You feel this aweness and respect for the animal, its wisdom, what it’s done to provide for us all. A deep level of respect.” said Fischer. The #OCEARCH science team was able to tag, sample, and release beautiful #whiteshark Nukumi, and she will help provide more data for 21 collaborative research projects along with the seven other #sharks tagged during #ExpeditionNovaScotia #Nukumi is the largest #greatwhite that OCEARCH has studied in the NW Atlantic to date. #FactsOverFear Thank you to Instagram's @ChrisRossDotCom @goodiepocket and @elevatedpictures.ca
Posted by OCEARCH on Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Ocean First Institute captures great white shark video while on OCEARCH Nova Scotia Expedition
Posted by OCEARCH on Tuesday, September 15, 2020
BRUV Captures Incredible Great White Shark VideoWell here’s a different way to catch a shark…on video. Collaborating scientists from Ocean First Institute captured some awesome footage of a female white shark on an underwater camera rig called a BRUV. Though we did not catch a shark on this day, the BRUV lets us know we were looking in the right spot.
Posted by OCEARCH on Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Collaborative Project Succeeds! Endangered Redbelly Dace Fish Released Back Into The Wild
Posted September 2, 2020
The release was part of a project partnership formed by the St. Vrain Valley School District, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Boulder County Parks and Open Space and the Ocean First Institute. Mac Kobza, a wildlife biologist with Boulder County Parks & Open Space, said the northern redbelly dace species has seen a decline in its population, due to habitat loss as human development has reshaped Colorado waterways. The fish, which prefer shallow, spring-fed ponds, are a state-endangered species and are among those listed as a Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The northern redbelly dace is found in Colorado in the West Plum Creek drainage, which is south of Chatfield Reservoir, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
See Article in the Longmont Times Call Here
See Article in the Longmont Leader Here
Black Lives Matter, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement from Ocean First Institute
Posted June 20, 2020
Ocean First Institute is dedicated to fostering a healthier planet and a brighter future for a new generation. As such, we cannot remain silent when Black lives are at risk, daily, due to systematic injustice, racism, and police brutality. A healthier planet is one where racial equity is prioritized, and where systematic racism is dismantled. We believe that there is no place in our world for racism, division and hate. Read our full statement here.
COVID-19 Update from Ocean First Institute
Posted on March 23, 2020
Dear Ocean First Institute Community,
These are challenging times for all of us and we hope that you and your loved ones are faring as well as possible and in good health. We know, and deeply appreciate, that Ocean First Institute is near and dear to your hearts and wanted to give you an update on how COVID-19 is affecting us.
In response to COVID-19 our leadership staff is closely monitoring the recommendations from local health officials, the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School Districts, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, and the CDC and we will reinstate each in-school program when it is deemed safe and appropriate.
This is an unprecedented time and we are all exploring the new normal. School closures have eliminated our in-person school programs and we are committed to providing online opportunities for students to continue to connect to nature and learn about ocean conservation (check out our virtual events and resources here). While things are still so uncertain, we are finding comfort in knowing that the work that we do to connect people to the value of the natural world is more important and relevant than ever. Being in nature can reduce stress and improve mental and physical health. We can’t predict what the future holds, but we can depend on nature – and community – to help us through it.
PROGRAMS
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS: Ocean First Institute is providing weekly LIVE webinars and streaming events, along with at-home activities, recordings, and materials for students, teachers, and parents. Check out all of our virtual resources here.
IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS: As of Friday, March 13th, all of Ocean First Institute's in-school programs are on hold and may be rescheduled as virtual opportunities as is deemed possible.
SUMMER CAMP: Our Summer Camp registration remains open and we are still looking forward to an incredible summer of exploring and learning about the ocean we all love. For more information on our camp policies please visit here. We will be updating you with information about summer camps regularly.