- RESEARCH
- EDUCATION
- COLLABORATION
In Partnership With:
About Us
The Montauk Shark Lab is the heart of O’Seas Conservation Foundation’s mission to inspire, educate, and protect. Located at the edge of the wild Atlantic in Montauk, New York, our facility is a hub for shark research, marine education, and hands-on conservation.
Who We Are
We are a team of passionate marine scientists, educators, and conservationists dedicated to protecting sharks and the ecosystems they help support. Led by world-renowned shark biologist Dr. Craig O’Connell, our organization focuses on cutting-edge shark research, youth education, and public outreach to spark a deeper appreciation for our oceans.
What We Stand For
We believe that knowledge leads to conservation. By studying sharks and their habitats and sharing that knowledge with the public, we aim to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Every visitor, every student, and every supporter helps fuel our mission to create a more sustainable future for our oceans.
What We Offer
At the Montauk Shark Lab, we offer something for everyone—from curious kids to seasoned ocean lovers:
- Interactive Lab Tours
Learn about the shark species that call Montauk home, from smooth dogfish to chain catsharks. Explore the ocean’s smaller wonders too—like seahorses, starfish, and urchins. - Hands-On Experiences
Touch real shark teeth, examine shark skin under a microscope, and get up close with living marine creatures in our state-of-the-art touch tanks. These are engaging for both children and adults – which include real Science, real animals, and have a real impact. - Paint Your Own Shark Tooth
Using cutting-edge technology, we’ve created a series of hyper-realistic great white shark teeth replicas—ethically produced and modeled directly from real specimens. Since the origins of real shark teeth can be uncertain—and sometimes linked to unethical practices—we offer lifelike 3D-printed versions from multiple shark species to educate the public while protecting the animals. For this hands-on activity, participants get to paint their own great white shark tooth, combining creativity with conservation in a fun, meaningful way for kids and adults alike.
- Local & International Expeditions
Join us on research adventures—whether tagging sharks in Montauk on our 33’ World Cat research vessel or diving with marine wildlife abroad. 100% of the proceeds go directly toward supporting our Science, including satellite tags, fuel, gear, and supporting graduate students.