The simple image of a shark is enough to put a shiver down the spine of many people, but for those who can see past the shark’s bad-boy reputation and giant jaws, these creatures are so much more than meets the beady eye.
This October, sharks will be the topic of conversation during Macduff Marine Aquarium’s Shark Season, with a series of talks, workshops and activities aimed to dispel myths about the fearsome predators.
Over the last couple of weeks, more than 300 school children have been getting to grips with sharks through the popular Shark School programme offered to primary schools. And from October 8, aquarium visitors will be able to get their teeth into a number of different events and activities showcasing sharks, skates and rays.
Visitors will be invited to get up close to some big shark jaws, get a feel for shark skin and learn about the science of sharks.
The aquarium has six different local shark species and has its own shark nursery where baby dogfish and rays are hatched and cared for before they are released into the wild.
During Shark Season there will be daily shark crèche talks at the aquarium’s nursery tank where visitors can learn about the dogfish’s growth and see the shark pup embryo growing inside the egg case.
Daily shark science workshops will explore the intimate lives of sharks, through themed activities with visitors getting to look inside a shark during a dissection, learn how sharks move through the water, find out about their amazing senses and debate whether they really deserve their dangerous reputation.
Special guest, Dr Caroline Barelle, from the University of Aberdeen, will be at the aquarium on Saturday, October 22, to talk about her research into the antibodies in shark blood, how this can help us to understand and prevent human ailments and why shark conservation is so important.
Aberdeenshire Library Service will be visiting on Wednesday, October 12 and 19, to inspire little ones with a sharky BookBug session under the backdrop of the aquarium’s kelp tank.
Sandra Bisset, aquarium learning officer said: “We’ve been running Shark Season for a number of years and it’s very popular. Sharks may have a fearsome reputation, but everyone is also fascinated by them. Shark Season is an opportunity for people to get an in-depth understanding of these incredible animals.
Shark Season runs from this Saturday, October 8, to Sunday, October 23, and visitors can take part in the sharky fun, along with the aquarium’s scheduled feeds and dive shows.
A programme of shark science activities can be viewed on the aquarium’s website and Facebook page. Usual admission prices apply for entry to the aquarium.
For more information, contact Macduff Marine Aquarium on 01261 833369 or visit the website at www.macduff-aquarium.org.uk The aquarium’s Facebook page can be found at: www.facebook.com/macduffmarine aquarium
