Our September livestream, “Where the Babies Roam”, was a resounding success, bringing the wonders of the ocean directly to students nationwide. We welcomed over 3,000 students to the broadcast, with signups including 53 primary schools, 9 high schools, 4 private groups, and multiple children’s hospitals. It was an unforgettable day on the water where our crew successfully spotted seven juvenile white sharks and answered fantastic questions from our young audience.
Pulling off a live broadcast from the middle of the ocean requires an incredible amount of teamwork. As our Executive Director Dan Stetson noted, the Coast Guard motto Semper Paratus, meaning Always Prepared, perfectly describes our All Star Shark Team. The behind the scenes effort was monumental. Kylie, our incredible host, moderator, and livestream manager, worked through the night sorting out technical issues with Restream to ensure a flawless experience for the thousands of students tuning in.
Out on the water, the crew adapted to every challenge with total professionalism. When the main camera overheated, Delaney seamlessly switched to a phone camera so the educational program could continue without interruption. Dylan expertly piloted the drone to find the sharks from above, while Jeff served as the ultimate catcher for quick drone battery changes.
Our fleet coordination was equally impressive. Captain Tom Petersen expertly positioned the magnificent Valkyrie as our mothership and hub, while Steve shadowed the operation perfectly in his 22 foot Grady White. Amanda captained the whaler, skillfully maneuvering the boat into the perfect position so our distinguished speakers, Dr. Chris Lowe and Dr. Gwen Goodmanlowe, could share their extensive wisdom about sharks with the audience.
Dan Stetson operated the secondary camera to capture great shots of the crew, while I had the privilege of cohosting and presenting the students’ questions about shark behavior. The event was a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates. For those who missed it, you can watch the full livestream recording here
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