Research boat studies great white sharks, carries barrels of bourbon

Pairing great white sharks with expensive bourbon might not sound like the ideal combination, but the predatory fish and alcoholic beverage are exactly what you’d find aboard a research vessel. Aboard the research vessel Ocearch, scientists study live great white sharks in hopes of obtaining previously nonexistent data on global conservation and public safety. The data in turn would better guide fishery management and policy decisions. The vessel’s 75,000-pound lift allows researchers to haul aboard great white sharks, which can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. The live sharks are then tested, studied and tagged within 15 minutes before being released back into the sea. Conducting examinations on sharks is not the only fascinating element to this vessel. “About a quarter-million dollars worth of bourbon with the average bottle priced at $70” can be found below deck, GoldenIsles.com The News reported. Apparently the rocking of the boat improves the flavor of the bourbon, the distiller Trey Zoeller is quoted as saying in the GoldenIsles.com The News’ article. The sale of the liquor contributes to the scientific research and education. Various news outlets reported Ocearch discovered the first ever nursery for great white sharks last summer. Ocearch found these sharks giving birth in the waters off Montauk, Long...