The Last of the Shark Hunters: How Trophy Fishermen Pushed Science into Action
Captain Frank Mundus was seen as a legendary sportfisherman, credited with the catch of a lifetime: a 3,427 pound Great White Shark caught by rod and reel. As the legend spread into pop culture, the film "Jaws" inspired other fishermen to rise to the challenge. The result was the decimation of a species, and the scientific community pushed all boundaries to to build a case for the "Man-eater" to return it from the brink of extinction. This is the story of their feats.
LOCATION UPDATE: Bruce Museum Seaside Center in Greenwich Point Park
KEITH COWLEY, SHARK ADVOCATE, EDUCATOR, CURATOR OF LIVING SHARKS MUSEUM
Keith Cowley, Curator of Living Sharks Museum, is a shark conservation advocate and amateur paleontologist who has been hunting prehistoric sharks since the mid 90’s. As a researcher, he has joined forces with the eastern US marine science community to lend a hand in modern shark conservation efforts. He works annually with data collection groups who intercept sharks, especially at tournaments, that report to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and NOAA Fisheries. As a Creative Consultant he has designed marketing campaigns, assisted partnerships, developed packaging designs and helped artisans launch products that give proceeds to conservation organizations who help lead the data collection curve for threatened marine species. With upcoming projects in development in collaboration with Wild Animal Trust (wildanimaltrust.org), he is working creatively to become a stronger asset for conservation as an artist and educator. In 2019, he is releasing his latest book Living Sharks: An Advocate's Guide, premiering at Shark Con!
Living Sharks Museum was created to educate the public about the story of the shark through a visual record of their history, exploitation and conservation. While featuring the permanent exhibit of infamous shark hunter turned conservationist Frank Mundus, we can change perception and inspire advocacy for sharks, as well as all ocean life. Living Sharks Museum is an initiative of Living Sharks Project, created by our Curator Keith Cowley, an organization that aids in the protection of shark species through the support of effective conservation organizations via creative marketing, community action initiatives, and education.