W&M Featured Events
[PAST EVENT] VIMS Wachapreague Public Seminar: Old and Cold: Greenland shark and the people that study them
Location
VIMS - Seaside Hall (Eastern Shore Laboratory)40 Atlantic Avenue
Wachapreague, VA 23480Map this location
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), an iconic species of the Arctic Seas, reaches up to 15 ft. in length. Tagging data suggested that they grew very slowly, and it was presumed that they have an unusually long a life span -- but exactly how long they lived was unknown. Radiocarbon dating of eye lens nuclei revealed a life span of at least 272 years, a maximum life span of over 400 years, and that they don't begin reproducing until they are about 150 years old. Greenland shark is therefore the longest-lived vertebrate known, and their extremely slow growth rates, late age a fist reproduction, and extreme live spans raise concerns about species conservation.
There is no charge for this presentation. Seating limited to 60 people.
Contact
Linda Ward 757-787-5816