The second annual Great White Sharks in the Gulf Family Day was a tremendous success, bringing approximately 400 people of all ages to the Museum of the Gulf Coast for a day of education, conservation, and family fun centered around one of the Gulf’s most fascinating predators.
The event marked the second major public gathering of the Gulf Great White Shark Society, founded by Chester Moore on June 20, 2025—the 50th anniversary of the release of the iconic film Jaws.
Since its founding, the society has focused on increasing public awareness of great white sharks in Gulf waters while promoting marine conservation and science-based education.
“We were thrilled by the turnout and the enthusiasm from families throughout Southeast Texas and beyond,” Moore said.
“This event showed just how much interest there is in learning about sharks, marine wildlife, and conservation.”
A major highlight of the event was the distribution of 50 shark-themed gift packages to children. Each package included a shark book, toy, and decal designed to encourage curiosity about the ocean and its incredible wildlife.
Visitors enjoyed presentations from leading voices in shark research and conservation. Derek York of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Coastal Fisheries Division shared information about the agency’s shark-tagging program on the upper Texas coast and explained how researchers collect valuable data on shark movements and behavior.
Texas Parks and Wildlife staff also brought shark specimens and demonstrated the specialized equipment used to tag sharks in Gulf waters, giving attendees a hands-on look at marine science in action.
Chester Moore presented the latest information on great white shark activity in Texas and Louisiana waters, sharing research findings and discussing the growing evidence that great whites are regular visitors to the northwestern Gulf.
Attendees also enjoyed a screening of the Gulf Great White Sharks: Return of an Icon, the documentary produced and written by Moore and filmed/edited by Paul Fuzinski.
The film has now earned awards from both the Texas Outdoor Writers Association and the Press Club of Southeast Texas, making it a two-time award-winning production that continues to bring attention to Gulf shark research and conservation.
Educational exhibits and interactive displays were featured throughout the venue. Lisa Moore represented the Guy Harvey Foundation as a volunteer, providing shark-themed coloring sheets to inspire creativity and interest in marine art and conservation among young attendees.
Additional participants included Southeast Texas Scuba, Sea Rim State Park, Visit Port Arthur, Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association and a variety of community organizations and exhibitors. Activities ranged from wildlife education displays to opportunities for children to meet live snakes and learn about native species.
Organizers expressed special appreciation to the Museum of the Gulf Coast for hosting the event.
“We are honored to partner with the Museum of the Gulf Coast,” Moore said.
“They have been an incredible partner and offer one of the finest facilities in our region. The museum does an outstanding job representing not only Southeast Texas but the entire Gulf Coast through exhibits covering arts, sports, history, culture, and the natural world. It’s the perfect place to bring people together to learn about our Gulf environment.”
The event also saw the release of Chester Moore’s new book Gulf Great White Sharks: Unveiling Apex Predators in the Forgotten Sea. The book will soon be available for sale through gulfgreatwhites.com.
The event’s success was measured not only by attendance but by the opportunity to engage families and young people with science, conservation, and wildlife education.
“It was a lot of fun, but more importantly, we were able to impact quite a few kids and families,” Moore said.
“Seeing children excited about sharks, asking questions, creating artwork, and learning about conservation is exactly why we started the Gulf Great White Shark Society.”
With strong community support and growing interest in Gulf shark research, organizers are already looking ahead to future programs and educational opportunities.
The success of the second Great White Sharks in the Gulf Family Day demonstrates the growing momentum behind the Gulf Great White Shark Society’s mission to celebrate, understand, and conserve one of the Gulf’s most remarkable marine animals.
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram
@thechestermoore on Instagram
Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook
Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.
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