Symposium program - Gulf of the Farallones National Marine ...

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you that have traveled to Hawaii to attend
the International White Shark Symposium. This event will be the largest ever gathering
of white shark researchers, presenting exciting new findings from around the globe. Our
understanding of this magnificent apex predator has been hindered by its large size and
uncommon occurrence. Through technological advances and sheer perseverance, white
sharks are suddenly revealing some aspects of their secret lives. What was once an exceptionally
difficult animal to study in the field has now been thoroughly tracked moving
between coastal and pelagic habitats. What was once an impossible animal to maintain in
captivity has now successfully been put on public display. In fact, I might argue, that after
the conclusion of this meeting, the white shark will rank as one of the best known sharks
in the world’s oceans. These major advances define the purpose of this symposium: a
gathering of leading white shark researchers from around the world, to share the latest
findings and discuss how they should influence modern research and conservation goals.
Be sure to save some energy for the round table discussions at the end of the meeting,
since they will cover important current issues. And finally, be assured that this symposium
will leave its mark through the production of a dedicated book of the proceedings; a
book that promises to be the next reference volume on all of our desks.
Sincerely,
Michael L. Domeier
Chair of the Organizing Committee
Or g a n i z i n g Co m m i t t e e
Michael Domeier
Marine Conservation Science Institute
Alison Kock
Save Our Seas Foundation
John O’Sullivan
Montery Bay Aquarium
Kevin Weng
Pelagic Fisheries Research Program