URI ‘Shark Camp’ sets sail on Narragansett Bay

Daniel Coates,

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — For the fourth year, University of Rhode Island hosted students from underserved communities to study, catch, and release local sharks in the Narragansett Bay.

Professor of Biological Sciences, Brad Wetherbee, took a dozen students out of the Cap’n Bert to catch, tag, and examine dog sharks and other sea life.

“These kids are all excited to run in there,” said Wetherbee. “They’re touching things and feelings things they have never touched before.”

Wednesday was the second of three days the students travel offshore to net marine life.

Wetherbee added, “If they experience these things and get hands on experience, sometimes it changes their lives and gives them exposure to things they often times wouldn’t know about.”

High school students like Joe from Providence were inspired their first year and came back again this year.

Now as counselor under Wetherbee, he told ABC 6, “I’m just happy helping kids my age so they can do stuff like me. They can end up being a counselor next year and sharing their story.”
Students are given the opportunity free of charge.
Weatherbee finished, “Some of these kids in the past have never even been to the ocean… It can potentially change their futures.”
Categories: News, Rhode Island

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