Lewis Pugh, a renowned endurance athlete, is gearing up for an extraordinary challenge: swimming around Martha’s Vineyard. The 62-mile route will take approximately 12 days to complete, with water temperatures ranging from a chilly 47 degrees to a relatively balmy 60 degrees. Pugh will be wearing minimal gear – only trunks, a cap, and goggles – as he embarks on this historic feat.
Motivation Behind the Swim
Pugh’s motivation for this incredible undertaking is multifaceted:
- Awareness: He aims to raise awareness about sharks and their crucial role in maintaining Earth’s ecosystems.
- Education: As he prepares for his swim, Pugh has been learning about the importance of sharks in marine life.
The Scientific Community at Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard has become a hub for scientists studying great whites over the years. According to Greg Skomal, a marine fisheries biologist at Martha’s Vineyard Fisheries within the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries:
"There are so many researchers here."
This influx of scientists is likely due to the island’s unique location and its proximity to Cape Cod Bay.
Protecting Sharks
Pugh hopes that his campaign will help protect sharks from extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss. Unfortunately, shark attacks have garnered significant attention recently along Cape Cod beaches. In August last year, two women were attacked off Chatham Beach in separate incidents just minutes apart; however, these instances are rare compared with other hazards such as drowning or being struck by lightning.
Current Shark Sightings
The New England Aquarium confirmed its first white shark sighting of the season earlier this week off Nantucket; however, it remains unclear whether any sharks have been spotted near Martha’s Vineyard yet during Pugh’s swim attempt.
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