Shark research is carried out by the nonprofit organization OCEARCH, and one of the main ways of studying these animals is by tagging them, which enables scientists (and the public) to know where the sharks are traveling and when, according to a news report by Gizmodo
Other shark species, fishes, several dolphins, and even some alligators are also tagged by the organization in addition to white sharks.
Enough for the introduction for now because this non-profit org has good news for shark enthusiasts. OCEARCH is launching a sweepstakes, and its lucky winner could join its team on an upcoming research expedition. Gizmodo noted that the sweepstakes closes Sept. 30.
Background on OCEARCH
As we have previously mentioned, OCEARCH tags sharks, various fish, and even some dolphins and alligators. In fact, scientists, educators, and enthusiasts may all learn about the "never before documented" movements of ocean's creatures thanks to OCEARCH's free open-sourced shark tracking service and app, according to Globe Newswire .
Open-access tagging data from the organization can be used to track the movements of individual marine species as well as to analyze broad patterns in animal migration. When an animal surfaces, trackers on the animal transmit data pings indicating its location.
What Can you Expect With The Sweepstakes
Even though OCEARCH tracks a wide range of marine life, the upcoming sweepstakes will center on great white sharks. One of the top predators in the water, great white sharks may reach lengths of 20 feet and travel at speeds of 35 mph, as noted by Gizmodo.
Although the location of the expedition is not specified on the OCEARCH sweepstakes web page, it said that the grand prize winner and a guest can anticipate a five-day, four-night journey somewhere around the southeast coast of the U.S., where many white sharks migrate, as per the news outlet.
According to an OCEARCH announcement, the grand prize winner will also get the chance to "meet" a shark. The lucky winner will get to see some of the best shark researchers around the world at work. The organization also promises the grand prize trip will involve the opportunity to tag a shark, so you'll be really close up and personal. However, it is unclear how intimate that meeting will be.
Smaller prizes, including various OCEARCH merchandise, are also available in the sweepstakes, but it goes without saying that the main reason to enter is to attend the shark meeting.
Here is the summary of the prizes which you should look out for:
Grand Prize
5 days of a lifetime journey for the winner and a guest
Meet and tag a shark on OCEARCH's upcoming ocean research expedition
Roundtrip air transportation and $500 cash
Two prize packs
OCEARCH said that the 100 first prize packs include:
- OCEARCH hoodie, sun shirt & hat
- Choice of a pair of Costa Sunglasses
- Custom Yeti Rambler 20oz travel mug
