Project Lemon Aid aims to establish a baseline population survey of juvenile lemon sharks at sites around 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 the research days and participate in all aspects of the research. We've also officially partnered with the Ministry of Education. 

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ALL RESEARCH DONE UNDER PERMITS FROM DECR