Project Lemon Aid aims to establish a baseline population survey of juvenile lemon sharks at sites around the Turks and Caicos islands to investigate if the females return to the same mangroves they grew up in. 

 

The first stage of this research involves tagging the baby to sub-adult lemon sharks in the inshore waters, focusing on crucial mangrove habitats. The PIT tag [similar to the one that you may tag your dog or cat with] will stay with the animal the rest of its life and if sampled again will reveal growth and migration around the Islands of these sharks. Also genetics from a tiny fin clip on the dorsal fin of the shark will help us reveal family trees of the lemon sharks inhabiting the area and see how the Turks and Caicos populations are related to The Bahamas and Florida lemon shark stocks. 

 

Partnering with Big Blue Collective has allowed us to access our study sites as well as having local knowledge to assist with tides and locations. 

 

As part of this project, we are partnering with Edward C Gartland Youth Centre to provide hands on learning opportunities for local students. They are able to join us on research days and participate in all aspects of the research. We've also officially partnered with the Ministry of Education. 

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Jillian Morris (Founder and President of Sharks4Kids) stated, “It has been great to return to Turks and Caicos to expand our outreach. Getting the local community involved is critical for conservation to be successful."

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ALL RESEARCH DONE UNDER PERMITS FROM DECR.

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Project Lemon Aid 2022: The first baby lemon shark caught for the project near Mangrove Cay was a male the team have named “Turks" coming in at around 65cm in length. The first female of the project “Caicos”, was almost 10 cm smaller and would have been born within the last couple of weeks. If you are interested in supporting the project; providing more opportunities for local students to get in the field you can “Adopt and Name A Shark” for a donation. In return you will get a photograph of your very own shark, information about its measurements, where it was caught, etc. If the shark's tag is recorded in the future we will send you an update.