now we're going to solve the puzzle of her life. she's going to show us her two-year migration. >> reporter: learning the migratory pattern will tell researchers where genie breed and gives birth. that information is vital to protecting her. >> they're under assault, up to 70,000 sharks are killed for a bowl of soup in china. >> reporter: the operation is expensive, a $2 million endeavor and relies mostly on donors. soap opera star, joshua morrow of "the young & the restless" is one of the contributors. >> we with so moved by their passion and what they do. >> reporter: state shark expert says the recent increase in populations off massachusetts means this could be a common sight going forward. >> we went from tagging eight in 2001 to now we're over 15, 16 in 2012. >> well, at least we will learn more. i mean i was in road island along the cape. i saw a bunch of seals.