No two days at the Sharklab are ever the same. Every month a new group of volunteers arrives, every week there is different work that needs to be accomplished, and every day the weather changes where we will be able to go in the field. While so many things are always changing, over the years certain things have become part of the routine, this page will give you an idea of what a Day at the Sharklab is like…
Cooking for the crew |
Every morning the entire crew wakes at 07:30. Breakfast is prepared by the Lab Manager, with the help of the volunteer who is on Duty that day, and served until 08:00.
Everyday the crew alternates who is on Duty. The Duty Person stays back from the field for the day, and is in charge of keeping the station clean and running smooth. There is a list of duties that need to be accomplished each day, as well as any other help that the staff needs.
At 08:00 the staff has a meeting to determine what work the crew will try to get done for the day. Much of the work we do is dependent on weather conditions, so the forecast is checked every morning as well.
Everyone is assigned certain tasks for the day, whether it be tracking sharks, fixing nets, or any number of other things. Everyone will receive a wide variety of experiences at the Sharklab, both with the research and with life at a field station.
After a general meeting, most often, crews are sent out into the field to collect data. To see what field work is being carried out, check the Research page.
Working in the pen |
Lunch is usually scheduled for 12:30, and again is prepared by the Lab Manager and Duty Person. Some days lunch is brought out into the field for crews that will be working through the day, otherwise everyone eats together back at the station.
After lunch, some crew members may change tasks, and some may continue on with their morning work. While scientific research is the focus of the BBFS' activities, upkeep of the facility is also high priority. Therefore, throughout the week, people will get plenty of opportunity to work in the field, but also the opportunity to gain experience in the workings of a remote field station.
Such things include maintaining the BBFS garden and yard, looking after our pets, helping prepare meals, and keeping the gear in working order.
Night work on the boats |
Dinner time is normally set for around 19:00, and usually marks the end of the work day. However, much of the research we do requires working into, and sometimes through the night hours. Gillnetting, long-lining, and tracking sharks are just some of the activities that are done at night. While the work day can sometimes be grueling, crews that are out through the night are usually able to catch up on their sleep the next day.
By 23:00 the station is quiet for those who want to get some sleep. The next day, it all starts over again, yet it never ends up quite the same.
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