When going on a shark tagging expedition, one hopes to see interesting animals, but you never know when you can meet interesting people. This was definitely the case for Linda Weiss, a shark tagger and researcher from the Guy Harvey Shark Institute.
Dr. Weiss is a social worker who wanted to do more for the environment and followed her calling to the ocean. She moved from Illinois to Florida to pursue marine conservation. Before she became a shark researcher, Dr. Weiss had actually won a fundraising auction item, which consisted of a shark tagging trip with the Guy Harvey Shark Institute. That expedition sparked her interest with sharks and their plight against overfishing and other negative effects mainly caused by human activity. The crew saw something in her that day from how she was always willing to help to her love of the animals. Eventually, they extended the offer to her to permanently join and she has been happy working there since!
When asked about which age group she enjoys to take out on shark tagging trips the most, Dr. Weiss replied with children. Her reasoning was because, through these hands-on experiences, you can create a spark in someone and that person could go on to protect the ocean and its creatures. Dr. Weiss said, “Even if one or two children go on to become marine biologists, I know I did something small to help give back.” During our trip, we had two young boys aboard and Dr. Weiss was always willing to answer their questions and teach them about sharks and their habitat. It was really inspirational especially because of what she had told me about creating the next generation of marine conservationists.
Dr. Weiss along with the crew from the Guy Harvey Shark Institute provided a plethora of information about how sharks are battling against human involvement and how their image as a “scary animal” tarnishes their reputation and makes it harder for people to create more interest in their conservation.
From helping me with my snorkeling mask to encouraging others to try something new, Dr. Weiss was a wonderful person to have as a teacher, researcher, and marine guide on this expedition.
For more information about the Guy Harvey Shark Institute, please check out the following links:
Guy Harvey Shark Institute
What is Shark Tagging?
For more information about the Guy Harvey Shark Institute, please check out the following links:
Guy Harvey Shark Institute
What is Shark Tagging?
This was such an amazing experience and we were so lucky to have such a wonderful scientists and crew members to help us out. She is really an inspiration for all of us.
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