The large research vessel OCEARCH dropped anchor near the south end of Wrightsville Beach to continue their research on great white sharks. Local boaters generated excitement throughout the island. The friendly crew greeted and chatted with paddlers and boaters, and were happy to explain the important research they were conducting. The OCEARCH crew, made famous on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, shared information about how the sharks are caught and tagged onboard. They explained that hooks and lines are used to catch them. Floats are gradually added to the line to tire out the sharks and bring them aboard without causing harm to the animal. OCEARCH has a 75,000-pound capacity hydraulic platform designed to safely lift large marine animals out of the ocean to gather samples quickly. OCEARCH is using this data to help scientists collect previously unattainable information. Their mission is to accelerate the ocean’s return to balance and abundance through innovative approaches in critical scientific research, education, outreach, and policy using unique collaborations among individuals and organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Wrightsville Beach hopes that OCEARCH will visit again soon, and we look forward to keeping up with their progress and continued efforts to raise awareness for ocean health. To learn more about this floating sea lab, visit their incredible website and share it with your friends. www.ocearch.org/expeditions/2023-expedition-northbound/