OCEARCH gears up for 'Expedition Gulf Stream'

OCEARCH is set to embark on its 32nd shark expedition, dubbed “Expedition Gulf Stream.”

On Monday, the boat left the Jacksonville Landing and headed for Key West.

From there, the crew and scientists will ride the Gulf Stream about 820 miles to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

Crews will tag and study sharks and research other marine life during the 19-day excursion.

“We’re expanding, trying not to just focus on sharks and, you know, try to do good for the whole ocean,” Captain Brett McBride said.

The captain said there is a good chance they will see a great white shark during the trip.

Two great white sharks pinged off Jacksonville’s coast in just the last three days.

McBride said it’s exhilarating to be up close to the white sharks.

“I mean, I can't lie, a big white shark is probably the biggest rush out of all the stuff that we do,” McBride said.

Scientists will use the data and research collected to find ways to help protect the species.

The expedition will end June 15.

Cox Media Group