Trace Great White Sharks’ Evolution at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – The fearsome Great White shark provides endless fascination and, for researchers, offers a glimpse into ancient marine history. Learn about its evolution during “Fishing for the Origins of the Great White Shark” in the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 7 PM Wednesday, July 9.

Dr. Dana Ehret, Curator of Natural History for the New Jersey State Museum, will discuss his research of the origins and adaptations that produced the Great White as we know it today. Attendees might recognize him from appearances on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, Smithsonian Channel and PBS programs, numerous blogs, and Philadelphia’s WPVI-TV.

As a graduate student in the University of Florida, the paleontologist studied the fossil records of sharks and of “Megalodon,” the largest shark that ever lived. His studies took him to deserts in southern Peru where he collected fossils to unravel the mysteries of when and where Great Whites first appeared.

Dr Ehret will detail his fieldwork in Peru and will share information about the fossil record and paleontology of this predator that plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem and faces threats caused by habitat degradation, climate change and overfishing.

Please register at tinyurl.com/OclLbiShark to attend this free program for all ages. For more information, visit or call the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, (609) 494-2480. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and theoceancountylibrary.org.