This page is an archive of information presented in the June, 2002 conference, Sharks in Perspective: From Fear to Fascination. Please browse among these information sources, which we keep current. We will also keep the conference information posted as reference for individuals interested in shark conservation.   Highly Migratory Species, National Marine Fisheries Service Information on sharks, tunas, billfishes, for both recreational and commercial fisheries.   Common Sharks of Florida An illustrated publication identifying the nine most common sharks of Florida's waters.   Mote Marine Laboratory The world's largest research center dedicated to the scientific study of sharks and their relatives, the skates and rays.   International Shark Attack File A compilation of all known shark attacks that is administered by the American Elasmobranch Society and the Florida Museum of Natural History.   Florida Marine Research Institute Learn about several common species of sharks found in Florida waters and read about statistics, risks and prevention of shark attacks.   Shark Attacks: Learn More From the Sea Grant National Media Relations Office. Includes a National Press Club webcast and expert source guide.

Conference Theme	Who Should Attend	Agenda	Meet the Experts

Sharks and their relatives, the skates and rays, are in serious worldwide decline because of over-fishing and habitat destruction. Some face endangered or threatened species status. And as shark attacks have become linked with fishery management and conservation issues, the need is greater than ever to develop and distribute better information about the realities of sharks.

Plan now to attend SHARKS in Perspective: From Fear to Fascination, and learn the most up-to-date information on issues of shark attacks, fishery management, and conservation from the nation’s leading experts. Hosted by Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Museum of Natural History, the program will give you science-based presentations by experts that address the highly-charged issues swirling around sharks today. Presenters will cover basic biological attributes of these highly migratory species, especially as they relate to the management of the shark fishery. As well, you will hear information that demonstrates the relative safety of swimming in coastal waters, and learn simple precautions beach-goers can take to further minimize the incidental shark bites that do occur. Presenters will also cover shark attacks from various perspectives, including the controversial practice of interactive shark feeding dives.

You will have the opportunity to interact with presenters throughout the conference, and participate in discussions focusing on public outreach. In fact, a full day of the conference is devoted to developing future educational strategies, and identifying information and educational needs not currently being addressed

Speakers and panelists will be leading national scientists, governmental agency representatives, and coastal zone managers and outreach personnel experienced with sharks. The program will begin on June 12 with a welcoming evening reception at the Florida Aquarium. The reception will center around the aquarium's new exhibit Sharks! From Fear to Fascination. The first day of the conference (June 13) will focus on science-based presentations that address fishery management, conservation, attack, interactive shark feeding dives, beach safety protocol, medical treatment of attack victims, commercial and recreational fishery perspectives, and regional beach management views from California, Hawaii and Florida. Members of the media will have the chance to meet individually with speakers immediately after the general question and answer period following presentations.

The second day of the conference (June 14) will focus on outreach activities, strategies and development of future educational materials and programs. Four panel groups will address fishery management, conservation, beach safety, and media relations during the morning. Moderators working with each panel will produce "take home messages" reflecting the sentiments of the panel and participants. The panel and participants will also identify information and educational needs that are not being addressed, and discuss mechanisms that will meet these needs. In the afternoon, moderators will report findings to the assembled conference group and the composite meeting findings summarized.

The conference will be held in Tampa, Florida. Florida has been selected as the conference venue site since fifty percent of shark attacks worldwide occur in the state's coastal waters, and over 23 million visitors annually use its 1,300 miles of coastline. Conference site is the Hyatt Regency Tampa, which is within walking distance of The Florida Aquarium.

* Television, Radio and Print Media
* Sea Grant Extension Specialists and Agents
* Federal, State and Local Public Information and Outreach Specialists
* Coastal Community Leaders
* Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Professionals
* Environmental Nonprofit and NGO Staff
* Marine Resource Officers
* Emergency Medical Technicians
* Coastal County Recreational Directors and Safety Coordinators
* Marine/Environmental Educators
* General Public Interested in Sharks

Pre-registration is closed.
Participants may register at the conference site for $150. The fee covers resource materials, lunches, evening reception, and breaks. National Sea Grant College Program, NOAA; National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA; The Florida Aquarium; Mote Marine Laboratory; Florida Marine Research Institute; Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission; U.S. Life Saving Association; National Audubon Society; Volusia County Beach Patrol; Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources; Center for Natural Resources, University of Florida

Michael S. Spranger Florida Sea Grant Program University of Florida Extension/IFAS PO Box 110405 Gainesville, FL 32611-0405 352-392-1837 MSSpranger@ifas.ufl.edu	George Burgess Florida Program for Shark Research Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida Dickerson Hall Gainesville, FL 32611 352-392-2360 gburgess@flmnh.ufl.edu

Conference Theme	Who Should Attend	Agenda	Meet the Experts