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BIDDEFORD, Maine

James Sulikowski interviewed for ‘Live Science’ article on video of diver’s interaction with great white shark

James Sulikowski, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Marine Sciences, was quoted in a June 12 article on the Live Science website, titled "How Dangerous Was ‘High 5’ with Great White Shark?"

The article discusses a popular June 10 video showing a diver on a Discovery Channel expedition come out of his protective cage and appear to "high five" a female great white shark on the fin. In reality, the diver was not slapping the shark but pushing her out of the way so that she would not cut herself on the cage. Moreover, according to the article, the diver carried out this activity in a careful manner, reflective of his expertise.

Sulikowski shared that one of the crew members, fisheries biologist Greg Skomal of Massachusetts Marine Fisheries and the Massachusetts Shark Research Program, is an acquaintance whose work he admires, noting that members of the expedition "are doing very real research."

"I actually know Dr. Skomal quite well and respect his work," he stated.

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