USM Center for Fisheries Research and Development

Some of our work!

Our research is featured on NOAA’s website🌊🦈

A Year in the Life of Larry the Whale Shark One year ago today, researchers deployed a satellite tag on a whale shark off the coast of Tampa Bay, Florida. They never could have anticipated the epic journey that would ensue.

Help us spread the word about our whale shark sighting survey!

The heart of the CFRD . . .

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of James “Jim” Franks, Senior Research Scientist with GCRL’s Center for Fisheries Research and Development.

Jim first joined GCRL as a student in the summer of 1963 and remained its longest-serving employee until his retirement in 2024. His name is woven into the history, science, and community of GCRL, and his contributions to fisheries research will continue to impact scientists, students, and the public for generations to come.

Jim was a friend and source of inspiration to many in our extended community. In the weeks ahead, we will honor his life by sharing stories that reflect the many ways he touched lives, shaped minds, and left his mark on the waters of the Gulf and Caribbean.

We are profoundly grateful that Jim spent his career with GCRL. His legacy is enduring, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

We are excited to introduce our interns for the semester here at CFRD!

First up we have Kaylee, an undergraduate studying Marine Biology at USM. She is currently a sophomore and has joined us for the semester. Kaylee wants to pursue a career in shark conservation and ecology research, and her favorite shark is a Whale Shark.

Up next we have Noah, a recent graduate from USM in Marine Biology. He wants to pursue a career in shark science, and his favorite shark is a Great Hammerhead.

And next we have Novalee, a Senior in Marine Biology at USM. She is interested in pursuing a career in shark research after graduation, and her favorite shark is a Great Hammerhead as well.

Our first whale shark sightings of the year are coming in! 👀

We rely on public reporting to better understand where whale sharks are. With these reports, scientists are able to study whale shark movements and habitat use patterns in the Gulf of America.

Help us spread the word by sharing this post.

If you see a whale shark, tag us in your photo or please report your sighting to: bit.ly/whale-shark-report ⏪⏪⏪

📷: A whale shark seen near Ewing Bank, off the coast of Louisiana. Courtesy of Steve Beard

NOAA Fisheries Service
Blue World Research Institute