Shark Week in Citrus County: Local Students Hunt for Baby Bull Shark Nursery in Crystal River

Leaving the classroom behind, Lecanto High School students dove headfirst into marine science. This past week, they joined researchers from the Crystal River Bull Shark Project and the Citrus County Marine Science Station (MSS) for an unforgettable field study aimed at uncovering whether Crystal River serves as a nursery for baby bull sharks.

The exciting expedition was captured in the latest episode of Citrus County Schools’ Beyond the Bell series, Episode 12: “Is Crystal River a Nursery for Baby Bull Sharks?”

Unlocking the River’s Secrets

The Crystal River Bull Shark Project, the first of its kind in the area, was launched after a surprising uptick in baby shark sightings in 2021 and 2022. Project co-founders Dr. Alyssa Andre, a postdoctoral researcher at Florida State University, and Harrison Clark, a state biologist, are working to understand how this remarkable species, one of the few sharks that thrives in both salt and freshwater, is using the river’s unique ecosystem to raise its young.

“We’re trying to figure out who is here, where the babies came from, how long they stay, what they’re eating, and whether they’re happy,”
— Dr. Alyssa Andre, Crystal River Bull Shark Project

Students Dive into Real-World Research

Under the guidance of Marine Science Station Supervisor Capt. Earnie Olsen and MSS teacher Josh O’Leary, Lecanto High students traded textbooks for tools of the trade, including nets, sensors, and data sheets, taking on the role of field scientists for a day.

The students conducted environmental monitoring, testing water quality by measuring dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, and pH. These are key factors in determining whether the river provides a healthy shark nursery environment. They also assisted with acoustic tracking technology, helping retrieve and clean a submerged receiver that records signals from tagged sharks, offering researchers critical insights into shark movements.

Even though the group reeled in hardhead catfish instead of bull sharks on this trip, the students gained valuable experience with fieldwork protocols. They practiced proper methods for measuring and weighing marine life and learned how to safely use a resuscitation hose, a vital tool for ensuring sharks can breathe while temporarily brought aboard for scientific study.

Marine Science Station: Launchpad for Futures

The Citrus County School’s Marine Science Station, located along the Crystal River, continues to be a powerhouse for experiential learning and career inspiration. The station’s programs have shaped generations of students, many of whom, like Bull Shark Project co-founder Harrison Clark, have gone on to become professional scientists.

“I got a lot from being out with the Marine Science Station,” Clark said. “Now we’re doing this science through the same programs that first got us out there and in it.”

From environmental monitoring to aquatic ecology, the MSS offers unparalleled opportunities for students to engage directly with Florida’s marine environments. To learn more about the Marine Science Station, visit mss.citrusschools.org.

Beyond the Bell: Showcasing Student Excellence

The Beyond the Bell video series continues to spotlight innovative programs, students, and educators that make Citrus County Schools extraordinary. Each episode pulls back the curtain on hands-on learning, showcasing the curiosity, collaboration, and creativity that thrive across our campuses.

The series is produced by Citrus County School District Public Information Officer Lindsay Blair, a proud Citrus High School graduate whose accomplished broadcasting career includes serving as an executive producer for major television news outlets, including The Today Show in both New York and Tampa. During her time in television, Blair led award-winning teams, developed engaging human-interest segments, and produced live broadcasts seen by millions. She now brings that same professional polish and storytelling excellence home to Citrus County, capturing the heart of education and the people who make it shine.

🎥 Watch the full episode:
“Is Crystal River a Nursery for Baby Bull Sharks?” – https://youtu.be/HDLmHJu68G0?si=fgPGbaTOhOBzUWaP

Comments Off on Shark Week in Citrus County: Local Students Hunt for Baby Bull Shark Nursery in Crystal River
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates