For the second consecutive year, The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) will raise funds on Giving Tuesday to provide military veterans an opportunity to participate in its popular white shark charters in 2023.
Giving Tuesday, a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity, will be observed on Nov. 29, 2022.
During the 2022 season, more than 20 veterans were provided a unique opportunity to observe white sharks in their natural habitat and witness firsthand the Conservancy’s efforts to study the species and conserve Cape Cod’s biologically diverse marine ecosystem. Each 2.5 to 3-hour charter is guided by a spotter pilot aircraft and accompanied by a Conservancy naturalist. Passengers are also encouraged to participate in “citizen science” by adding white shark sightings to the Sharktivity app, using a hydrophone to determine if a shark has been tagged, and assisting the white shark research team by recording observations.
The excursions, which cost $2,500 each, are scheduled from July through October when white sharks are most commonly spotted in greater numbers off the coast of Cape Cod.
“Last summer, we had the honor of partnering with Heroes in Transition and offering seven charters for military veterans,” said Cynthia Wigren, CEO and co-founder, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. “We hope to offer more trips next year, but will need additional financial assistance to make that happen. I encourage people to donate generously on Giving Tuesday to help us give brave men and women who served our country the experience of a lifetime on a white shark adventure.”
Donations can be made here.
Additional information about the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and Heroes in Transition, Inc. can be found at www.atlanticwhiteshark.org and www.heroesintransition.org.