Spectacular Shark Citizen Science Expedition to the Revillagigedo Archipelago 2018

The first expedition aboard organized by the MERITO Foundation in coordination with Ph. D. James Ketchum of Pelagios Kakunjá was a success! SCUBA divers from many countries participated in the tagging and data collection of shark research aboard Quino El Guardian at Revillagigedo Archipelago located 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas. One Dusky, three Silky and one Galapagos sharks were tagged with transmitters. Information on size, sex, length, was collected apart from tissue samples for DNA. During 3 to 4 dives per day. Marine life identified during the expedition included: Schooling Silky and Hammerhead sharks, friendly dolphins, Amber jacks, Yellow fin tunas, Barracuda, and individual or in pairs Tiger sharks, Dusky sharks, a Whale Shark, Wahoo, large groups of White tip Reef sharks, and many majestic Giant Manta Rays who loved to feel the bubbles blown by divers and likely recognize the divers being the smartest fish in the world. All with volcanic rock reefs teeming with a myriad of colorful reef fish as background.

Rocío Lozano-Knowlton (MERITO Foundation), and Dr. James Ketchum (Pelagios Kakunjá) have been diving in these remote islands since the early 90's and were astonished on the increase in abundance and diversity of species than seen in past 16 years. Perhaps the marine life at these islands is recovering after the 3 months annual closure to shark fisheries throughout Mexico implemented since 2011. The declaration of large marine protected are around these islands by Mexico's Government on November of 2017 will likely insure full recovery , and this amazing UNESCO Heritage site may quickly become the next Hope Spot for our world's oceans.

Click here at our International Edu-Ocean Adventures for more information on our expeditions to Revillagigedo that support shark research in Mexico. If you are interested in participating in the next expedition scheduled for April 17-27, 2019, contact us.