February Anacortes Lecture

The Elusive Six-Gill Sharks of the Salish Sea

Seattle Aquarium Research Scientist Dr. Dani Escontrela will describe the efforts that the Seattle Aquarium, alongside the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Oregon State University Big Fish Lab, and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, has undertaken to learn about the mysterious Six-gill sharks.  Research is occurring at three different Puget Sound locations:  off Redondo Beach, in Elliott Bay (near the Aquarium) and in the waters off southeast Bainbridge Island. Beyond some of the basics, little is known about this species because they tend to live deep in the ocean – up to 9,800 feet, or nearly two miles, below the surface! – and they are elusive, typically preferring very low-light environments.

A native of Venezuela, Daniela (Dani) Escontrela earned a BA in marine science and biology from the University of Miami, interning at the university’s shark research and conservation lab. She has worked as a SCUBA instructor, studied in the Galapagos, and worked in Belize as a field scientist for the conservation organization, Blue Ventures. Escontrela finished her doctoral degree in marine biology at the University of Hawaii in 2024 and has participated in multiple NOAA research cruises across the Pacific. Now, a research scientist with the Seattle Aquarium, she was recently awarded funding by the Aquarium to restart the six-gill shark research.

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Reservations are required for this popular event! Walk-in seats will not be available.

Ticket Reservations will open at 9:00 am on Friday, February 5, 2027

Doors will open at 6:15pm. Please arrive to the lobby for check-in no later than 6:50 on the evening of the lecture. We will start promptly at 7pm. Those who arrive after 6:50 pm may lose their reservations!