Expedition leaders: Dr. Tristan Guttridge, Dr. Phil Matich, and Sorantaa Bain

Crew: Breanna, Diane, Halee, Hannah, Michael, Rebeca, and Skyler

Introduction

A week spent on the water with plenty of sharks and creating lasting memories with fellow shark lovers.

This Blog Was Kindly Written By Research Assistant Hannah Richey.

Day 1

Anticipation buzzed through the air as our team gathered at the Tropic Ocean Airways Airport, ready to embark on an unforgettable research expedition with Saving the Blue. As we boarded the plane, we were filled with excitement for what awaited us. Gazing out of the windows, we watched as Florida’s deep blue waters transformed into the shimmering turquoise hues of the Bahamian shallows. As we flew over stretches of reef, mangroves, and mysterious blue holes, we scanned the waters below for the familiar outlines of sharks and rays. Andros Island slowly came into view, and before long we had landed, officially kicking off our week of research.

After clearing customs, we drove to the Andros Island Bonefish Club, our home base for the week. Although we arrived too late in the day to begin tagging, we wasted no time getting in the water. We grabbed our snorkel gear and explored a breathtaking local reef, teeming with vibrant marine life. It was the perfect introduction to the beautiful ecosystems we were here to protect.

After the snorkel, we gathered for dinner and began prepping for the days ahead. Our team worked together to organize gear and research kits, including drumline buoys, monofilament lines, weights, PIT tag readers, measuring tools, and bait. Everyone was full of energy and excitement as we discussed our goals for the week. That night, we drifted off to sleep with the sounds of the ocean outside and the promise of discovery ahead.

Day 2

We were up early and loaded the boat for our first full day on the water. During the ride out, we prepared our drumline gear, tying sturdy bowline knots to connect ropes to buoys and securing heavy weights to keep the lines anchored to the seafloor. Each monofilament line was baited and we carefully arranged the gear for quick deployment.

Upon arrival at our first site, we deployed five drumlines, each marked with a bright buoy floating on the surface. Then we waited. The telltale sign of a shark on the line is when a buoy tips upright or starts to tug sharply, and before long, one buoy begins bobbing and then stands straight up. The boat approached swiftly, and each team member moved into their assigned position. Using a boat hook, we retrieved the buoy and began hauling in the line. As the monofilament drew closer, a sleek reef shark broke the surface.

Once alongside the boat, the shark was secured using a tail rope, with team members holding the dorsal fin and gently stabilizing the head. A PIT tag reader was used to check for any previous tag, and since no number appeared, we placed a new tag just below the dorsal fin. Once the new PIT tag is inserted and confirmed with the reader, a DART tag is then placed in another location below the dorsal. Typically with reef sharks, they will also get an acoustic tag, but this one in particular was too small. (Learn more about our tags here https://www.savingtheblue.org/sharktags). Measurements were taken quickly and carefully, including pre-caudal length, fork length, and stretched total length. With all data collected, the shark was released and swam off powerfully into the blue.

Throughout the day, we tagged more reef sharks and nurse sharks, resetting the gear after each encounter. After hauling the gear and heading to shore, the team met for dinner and talked about our successful first day! As the sun began to set, we relaxed on a ledge near the lodge, watching lemon sharks glide through the shallows below us. It was the perfect close to a great first day, and we headed to bed eager for what the next day would bring.

Day 3

We set out early once again under clear skies. After deploying the drumlines, the wait began. The first shark to arrive was a Caribbean reef, followed by two nurse sharks. Then came a thrilling moment, a much larger female reef shark emerged from the water, and we had the opportunity to conduct an ultrasound. This non-invasive procedure allows us to check for developing pups, providing critical data on shark reproduction. Information like this helps scientists understand population dynamics and develop better protection strategies for these amazing animals.

After the ultrasound, we reset our gear and continued tagging. By day’s end, several more nurse sharks had been safely tagged, measured, and released. As we returned to shore, the lemon sharks were there to greet us again, their presence a familiar and welcome sight. After dinner, we reviewed the day’s data and talked about how these encounters contribute to our larger conservation goals.

Day 4

Today greeted us with strong winds, making conditions a bit rougher on the water, but our spirits remained high. We arrived at our site and quickly deployed the drumlines. Our first shark of the day, a nurse shark, came in fast. Despite the bumpy conditions, we tagged and released several more nurse sharks.

The excitement truly ramped up when we caught a blacktip shark, a new species for the trip. This species is known for its agility and speed, and tagging it was a highlight for the team. After releasing the blacktip, we went on to tag two more of the same species! Additional nurse and reef sharks followed, and the day wrapped up with a lecture from Dr. Tristan Guttridge on the diverse shark species of the Bahamas. His talk deepened our understanding of the animals we had been working with and inspired us to keep pushing forward with our research.

Day 5

With gear packed and ready, we set off for a new research area. During the ride, we prepped monofilament lines and buoys to ensure a smooth deployment once we arrived. Shortly after setting our drumlines, the action began. A nurse shark was the first to arrive, followed closely by a tiny blacknose shark, small enough to be safely brought onto the boat for a quick tag and measure. Its distinct dusky snout and slender body made it an exciting addition to our species list.

The highlight of the day came when we encountered another large female reef shark and once again conducted an ultrasound. Moments like these help us collect crucial data about shark reproduction in the region. The tagging continued at a fast pace, with more nurse sharks, another blacknose, and several reef sharks rounding out the day. In total, we tagged 14 sharks, a very busy but successful day on the water. The entire team celebrated the success over dinner, energized by the impact of our efforts.

Day 6

Today we departed before dawn for deeper waters near a navy buoy, hoping to encounter silky sharks. The buoy acts as a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD), attracting a variety of marine life. These sleek pelagic predators are often found congregating around the buoy, though sightings have been rare lately. As we arrived and deployed our gear, a few silky sharks appeared, and we successfully tagged and measured them. Their presence felt like a gift, especially given recent low activity.

After things calmed offshore, we returned to shallower waters where rain clouds began to gather. The weather grew cloudy and damp, but it didn’t stop us. We tagged a nurse shark, a reef shark, and then another of each before wrapping up our final full day on the water. That evening, Dr. Tristan Guttridge gave another engaging lecture, this time focusing on Saving the Blue’s missions, various projects and the importance of our work. It was very informative and further allowed us to understand why the research in Andros was essential to shark conservation and protecting the pristine habitats of the Bahamas. We sat outside afterward, once again joined by lemon sharks near the shore. It was bittersweet knowing this was our last night together, but we felt immense pride in all we had accomplished.

Day 7

Our final morning took us to Isla’s Spot, named after Tristan and Annie’s daughter. This peaceful location allowed us to wade alongside lemon sharks, observing them up close in their natural environment. It was a beautiful and reflective moment, reminding us of why we are so passionate about shark conservation.

After leaving Isla’s Spot, it was time to pack up and head to the Andros airport. As we boarded our flight and watched the turquoise waters disappear beneath us, we reflected on the friendships, memories, and knowledge we would carry with us. After landing in Fort Lauderdale, it was time to say final goodbyes and begin going our separate ways. The week had been a success in every way, and we left with full hearts and a deepened commitment to the ocean and its inhabitants.

Thank you

Thank you to our research trip leaders Dr. Tristan Guttridge, Dr. Phil Matich, and Sorantaa Bain for guiding the team through an incredibly successful week. A huge thank you to our research assistants for their passion, determination and endless enthusiasm to work hard, learn and produce results. We would also like to thank the Andros Island Bonefish Club for their hospitality, and the hardworking and ever professional Stevano for his top class boating and captaining skills.

Gratitude must also go to all on the trip for their generosity in allowing us to use their images in this blog.