How OCEARCH is Changing the Future of Great White Shark Research (and Saving Our Oceans) - Chris Fischer | Founder of OCEARCH | Ep. #968
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In this powerful episode of The Tom Rowland Podcast, Tom sits down with Chris Fischer, founder of OCEARCH, to discuss the groundbreaking work that is revolutionizing Great White Shark research, uniting scientists and fishermen, and inspiring hope for the future of our oceans.
OCEARCH's unique approach brings together two groups that often historically lacked trust: scientists and fishermen. This collaborative model has not only accelerated the pace of shark science, but it's proving to be a scalable solution for ocean conservation worldwide.
"We've accelerated the rate of learning 30 to 50 fold just by common sense. Let's get our best fishermen taking our best scientists to get our best data. Like this is not rocket science." — Chris Fischer
The Jacksonville Headquarters: Institutionalizing OCEARCH
One of the most exciting developments is OCEARCH's upcoming global headquarters in Mayport, Florida. With support from Jacksonville University, the state of Florida, and private partnerships, this world-class research facility will serve as the epicenter of shark science:
"It'll be the world's leading great white shark research station in the world, studying the only winter habitat in the world where people can study white sharks, which is off of Florida. We can study white sharks from December through May, right out of Jacksonville."
This state-of-the-art facility will include:
A full shark exhibit and interactive learning center
Necropsy facilities for public science education
Lab space for multiple universities
Vessel maintenance facilities
On-site housing for scientists and students
The New High-Speed Catamaran: Game-Changer for Research
Another groundbreaking tool is OCEARCH's soon-to-be-deployed 70-foot catamaran with a custom lift. Unlike the massive research ship, this agile vessel can travel at 25 knots, allowing researchers to seize short weather windows off the coast of Florida:
"We'll be able to go hit a two-day weather window that's 50 miles off the beach. With the ship, by the time we get there and set up, the window's closing down on us."
This vessel design dramatically expands the ability to collect data efficiently and safely.
Abundance Is Here: A Message of Hope
While many environmental narratives focus on doom, Chris brings an optimistic reality:
"Our oceans off our East Coast are teeming with life at levels we haven't seen since the 1940s... If you didn't fish in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, you're lucky you didn't have to fish through those 30 years. The fishing was nothing like now. We had a fraction of the pressure, and the fishing was much tougher."
Thanks to decades of strong fisheries management, Florida is now a model of abundance. Yet this success comes with a new challenge: global food security and potential international pressure as other regions face collapse.
The Bigger Vision: Expanding The Model
Chris believes the OCEARCH model can be applied far beyond sharks:
"Why aren't our best redfish charter boat captains taking our scientists out when they need to collect their data? The scientists have no boats, no money, and don't know how to catch. The fishermen have the boats, have the money and know how to catch. Especially if we bring the industry in."
He sees a future where recreational anglers, charter captains, manufacturers, and scientists form a global alliance to fast-track science and policy based on real-world data. This collaborative approach could save not just sharks, but entire ecosystems.
The Ultimate Mission: Legacy for Future Generations
At the core of Chris Fischer's passion is a deeply personal mission:
"All we're trying to do is make sure our great-grandchildren have fish sandwiches. That's it. This is not about me and you. It's about us."
By bridging the gap between science and the people who love and depend on the ocean daily, OCEARCH is not only gathering unprecedented data but building a sustainable path forward for the planet's oceans.
Show Notes:
The origin story of OCEARCH after Offshore Adventures
How learned helplessness changed shark tagging success
Building trust between fishermen and scientists
Florida as a global model for ocean abundance
The new Mayport headquarters and high-speed catamaran
Global food security concerns due to collapsing fisheries abroad
The importance of optimism in the conservation message
Follow OCEARCH:
Website: OCEARCH.org
Social Media: @OCEARCH
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