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Help Me Fund SIxgill Shark Research
2 years ago
Salmontations,
Hey all,
I'm raising funds to cover the cost of the equipment I need to study our local bluntnose sixgill sharks (Hexanchus griseus). Here is the donation page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fun.....f+share-flow-1
Here's the description of the project:
I'm raising funds to cover the cost of the equipment I need to study our local bluntnose sixgill sharks (Hexanchus griseus). Here is the donation page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fun.....f+share-flow-1
Here's the description of the project:
"Hello,
My name is Sean and I'm a marine biology student in Puget Sound, WA. I've been fascinated by ocean life since I was a kid and I've devoted much of my time to learning about ocean ecosystems and marine organisms. The object of my research goal is to gain a better understanding of the activities and life cycle of our largest native shark, the bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus). I have read almost every paper on these amazing animals and I've identified gaps in our understanding that I hope to fill in.
The research objectives are as follows:
- Uniqueness of Subadult Sixgill Residency in the Northeast Pacific
- Sixgill Social Behavior
- Sixgill General Behavior
- Primary Feeding Method of Sixgill Sharks (scavenging vs. predation)
These sharks spend the day at great depths, only ascending into safe diving limits at night. As such, little is known about their daytime activities and natural behaviors when not being baited. Most of the data we have are from strandings, feeding station footage, bycatch reports, accidental encounters, and tagging.
Ocean robotoics technology has come a long way since these early advances in our understanding of this shark, and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle), essentially underwater drones, have become available for purchase by individuals. I intend to acquire an ROV capable of enabling me to meet my research objectives.
The ROV I've selected for the task is the Chasing M2 Pro MAX, for the following reasons:
- 200m maximum depth (which will allow me to explore most of Puget Sound)
- 5 accessory ports + 2 x 4000 lumen flood lights included (this will greatly improve the footage quality as the aperature can be decreased due to more light being available, reducing noise, as well as placing the light source away from the lens, which would otherwise illuminate particulate matter in the water, muddying the image. In addition, the 5 accessory ports will allow me to add additional sensors and equipment, thought for the bare minimum, all I need is the laser scaler so I can estimate the size of the sharks I observe)
- 4+ hour batter life (this will allow for longer exploration sessions0
- 3 knot top speed (this will help to keep up with the sharks, as well as resist typical currents experienced in Puget Sound)
The quote I received for the ROV from Chasing was $6,499, with the laser scaler accessory adding $399 to the total. Not including taxes. It's a steep price to pay for an individual of modest means, but the lower models don't have the depth ratings or the accessory capacity required for my research.
What do you get in return for your donation?
If you live in Puget Sound and own a seafaring vessel, you may summon me to utilive the ROV for hull inspections.
Every week, footage I've accumulated will be uploaded and made publicly available, in addition to raw footage being accessible through Dropbox. If donors provide an email address, this footage will be sent to them as it becomes available.
In addition, anyone, regardless of location, may request footage of specific resident marine life in Puget Sound, and I will do my best to capture said footage.
For marine scientists, I will make myself available to aid in your research. The ROV can be equipped with a sediment sampler, a water quality sensor, and sonar imaging technology (all these have their own cost, though). I am more than happy to help you achieve your research objectives in Puget Sound, if it is within the ROV's capability.
If you have any inquiries regarding my objectives and accountability, feel free to reach out. I will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Thank you for reading and I hope you ill consider helping me research these wonderful sharks who call our sound home!"
Best fishes,
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fletcher~
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fletcher~ 