SharkCon wrapped up its fifth year in Tampa this weekend.
Among the highlights of this year’s event, which was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, included a Jaws-related panel featuring actor Richard Dreyfuss, who played shark biologist Matt Hooper in the seminal piece of cinema, and a Sharknado panel featuring series stars Ian Ziering, Cassie Scerbo, Gena Lee Nolan and Julie McCullough.
While the shark-centric celebrity guests were the stars of the weekend, it was the ability to walk up and down the gallery halls and talk shark with like-minded individuals that has made this a must-attend annual event for sharkophiles.
Rows and rows of vendors sold t-shirts and novelties. Resorts and dive charters chatted it up with potential customers. There was even a 30-foot, 15,000-gallon pool set up inside the convention center for those that are interested in learning some of the basics of SCUBA diving alongside certified instructors.
And while the annual event has always been a family-friendly affair, SharkCon 5 had a noticeable slant toward a younger crowd. This year featured a variety of educational activities throughout the convention center, including touch tanks and interactive exhibits. Kids could even go on a “scavenger hunt” adventure in which they perform educational activities and presentations in order to win prizes for participating.
Megalodon lives. #SharkCon5 pic.twitter.com/JwrU46QEhM
— Sharkophile (@Sharkophile) July 14, 2018
And when the kids were done filling their brains with sharks and science there were bounce houses and rides and dozens of vendors specializing in shark-related toys. Bright eyes and face-painted with fascination showed a new generation dedicated to saving and protecting the ocean’s apex predator.
“I always want to service shark and ocean-loving people, but I want to expand that audience,” SharkCon founder Spencer Steward said. “People protect what they love. The more people that love sharks and the ocean, the better chance we have of preserving it.”
Some more highlights from this year’s event:
Swimming with Knowledge
Since its inception, SharkCon has always been centered around the science and conservation aspects of sharks. This year proved no different. Among the educational speakers for this year’s event include shark scientists Jillian Morris Brake, Dominique Keller and Eric Hovland.
One of the convention’s hallmarks has always been its ability to highlight the diversity both within the field of shark research and among the scientists and biologists. One of the most enlightening panels of the event focused on the female scientists who have been leading the way for future research, while also proving that the world of shark biology wasn’t just a realm for men.
It was nearly impossible to walk out of the exhibit hall without learning something new.
Passion with a Purpose
It was only fitting that on National Shark Awareness, the vast majority of vendors at the convention were raising awareness and support for shark research and conservation programs.
For example, 4Ocean, which pledges to remove one pound of plastic trash from the ocean for every one of its bracelets it sells, partnered with Project AWARE for its #4Sharks campaign. Every bracelet sold at the event –and through the rest of the month — helps ensure their “vision of a world where the ocean doesn’t need to be protected.”
Support the @4OceanBracelets #4sharks campaign #SharkCon5 pic.twitter.com/Se2CMtghzh
— Sharkophile (@Sharkophile) July 14, 2018
For Oceana Florida, their primary objective was to gain popular support for the Shark Fin Trade ban currently working its way through the senate. Convention participants were encouraged to fill out postcards which will be delivered to the Washington in support of the bill.
Art with Bite
From tiny trinkets to massive metal murals, sharks were the centerpiece of a wide variety of arts and crafts.
Seeing the artistry and craftsmanship of some of these pieces makes you appreciate not only the subject but of the creators who have a passion for those subjects.
“They demand respect, as does any top predator, but they are incredible creatures that deserve our admiration, not our fear,” photographer Ken Kiefer said. “Swimming and photographing sharks is one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”
For more information and to get the latest updates for next year’s event, go to http://shark-con.com
Follow along with The Sharkophile on Twitter for more highlights and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sharkophile for the latest news. Also, check out some posts from last year’s SharkCon, including interviews with Sharknado director Anthony Ferrante and shark poet The Klute.