Sharks and Rays 101: A Virtual Program Connecting Families with Estuary Research

Abstract

Virtual programming presents new opportunities to connect learners with aquarium ambassador animals, communicate science, and foster appreciation of coastal habitats. Educators can share additional resources, such as video footage and researcher presentations, that would otherwise be unavailable to aquarium guests viewing exhibits. Starting in the summer of 2020, the University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium (MECA) hosted new virtual public programs, including a Sharks and Rays 101 webinar. This webinar was offered twice; in summer 2020 it had 46 attendees, including 17 children and 29 adults, and in spring 2021 it had 25 attendees, including 6 children and 19 adults. The webinar used a place-based approach, introducing local elasmobranch species and shark nursery research conducted in Georgia estuaries. Estuaries are important nursery habitats for many shark species and areas where individuals recreationally fishing may interact with elasmobranchs. Activities included a virtual visit featuring a stingray and skate, participant polls, Q & A with a researcher, and interpreting maps from shark surveys. The program was evaluated with a voluntary survey and pre- and post-tests. Surveys indicated that future webinars, including those for adults, could increase engagement by incorporating videos of ambassador animals, polls, and limiting slide presentation length. An accompanying classroom activity was developed to extend learning after the webinar, utilizing a recording of the live event. This paper describes the webinar, shares the classroom activity, and suggests modifications that may be used by other educators to virtually teach about shark nurseries in estuaries.

Keywords

• elasmobranch
• estuary
• ocean literacy
• virtual programming
• place-based
• nursery