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Department of Fisheries Oceanography - Dr. O'Connell

When: Wednesday, March 20, 2019
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: > See description for location
Description: The School for Marine Science and Technology
Department of Fisheries Oceanography
Seminar Announcement

"From Cinema to Science: Using Camera-Based Technologies to Study the Behavior of and to Conserve Vulnerable Shark Species"

Dr. Craig O'Connell
O'Sea Foundation


Wednesday, March 20, 2019
2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
SMAST East Rooms 101/102
836 S. Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford

Abstract
Due to their large size and substantial geographic ranges, challenges exist in obtaining behavioral and/or ecological data on several shark species (e.g. white sharks – Carcharodon carcharias; common thresher sharks – Alopias vulpinus). Furthermore, with several large coastal and oceanic shark species exhibiting population declines within the NW Atlantic Ocean, there exists a need for continued conservation-based research that may yield relevant data that can contribute to the implementation of new fisheries management approaches. With the aid of documentary production funding, technological innovations have yielded novel ways to collect valuable and species-specific data. This presentation will overview the utility and implementation of several camera-based technologies, such as: (1) the ‘Shark Harness’ - the first animal-bourne imaging and environmental data collection system (AVEDs) for small sharks, (2) the 24-hr baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) - a stationary video survey methodology that can be used to characterize fish assemblages in a variety of ecosystems, and (3) the bi-directional FinCam - an AVED that can be used to collect immediate post-release characteristics of various shark species. With the success of these technologies on a global scale, continued research aimed at vulnerable shark species is required. Furthermore, collaboration in the NW Atlantic may aid in achieving research objectives and the successful implementation of conservation-oriented strategies utilizing data generated from these technologies.

About Dr. Craig O’Connell
Dr. Craig O’Connell is a nature presenter, published author, photographer, entrepreneur, and passionate wildlife conservationist. After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth under the guidance of Dr. Pingguo He in 2014, Dr. O’Connell used his training in the development and implementation of conservation-engineering technologies to continue his passion in innovation and Science communication. Since the start of his doctoral career, he hosted/co-hosted nine Discovery Channel ‘Shark Week’ episodes, has authored over twenty-five peer-reviewed scientific publications and has numerous published photographs in both calendars and magazines. Currently, Craig is the founder and director of the nonprofit organization, O’Seas Conservation Foundation. This organization collaborates with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, conducts conservation-based shark research, and educates youth through the direct participation in field research in Montauk, NY. Dr. O’Connell has also established a nature-based production company, Updog Productions, which aims to integrate innovation with compelling story-telling as a way to educate and inspire through global media.

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To access the live broadcasting, go to https://echo360.org/directLogin and click on "Alternate login". You will have to login as "smast@umassd.edu" with the password: smastumassd.
After login you will have to click on ALL CLASSES (MAR 700-01 - DEOS Seminar or MAR 700-02 - DFO Seminar) and click on the green LIVE streaming.

To view a video of an SMAST seminar (post-October 1, 2014), go to https://www.umassd.edu/smast/events/seminar-series/ and click on a highlighted title.

For additional information, please contact Sue Silva at s1silva@umassd.edu
Contact: > See Description for contact information
Topical Areas: SMAST Seminar Series, School for Marine Sciences and Technology