Sharks In A Changing Sea: Documenting SCUBA diver marine knowledge on sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) population and ecology in North Carolina

Abstract

This project explores the role of North Carolina’s SCUBA diving community in documenting ecological patterns of the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus), a vulnerable species whose behaviors and population trends are hard to be captured by conventional research alone. Anchored in both qualitative fieldwork and creative production, the project features both a written report and a 20-minute documentary focused on local marine knowledge on the sand tiger shark, complementing data from the Spot A Shark USA (SAS) community science program. Drawing on interviews with 11 individuals, including charter captains, diving instructors, scientists, and museum program director, the project synthesizes observations of sand tiger shark abundance, site fidelity, and rare behaviors such as pupping and large-scale migration as well as local history, oceanography, and community spirits. The interviewed divers, many of whom have decades of experience, offer rich marine knowledge built from continuous interaction with the wrecks off the coast – sites like the Papoose, Caribsea, Aeolus, and Atlas – known collectively as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The documentary provides a compelling, community-driven narrative that reframes sharks as ecologically vital and misunderstood creatures. It also serves as a platform to elevate the voices of dive professionals and connect science with public understanding. Key project goals include advocating the integration of local ecological knowledge into conservation and policy efforts, promoting eco-tourism and community or citizen science, and fostering reflection on human-ocean relationships. While limited by sample size and time constraints, this project demonstrates the power of community-informed science and film as a communication tool. It calls for greater recognition of experiential knowledge in marine research and highlights the importance of storytelling in environmental engagement. Watch the documentary at: https://vimeo.com/lilyzhang Contact: lilyzhangimaging@gmail.com | More: https://lilyzhangimaging.com