ORLEANS, Mass. (AP) — The nine Cape towns have received $50,000 from the state to help protect the public from great white sharks, but it’s less than they wanted.

The request followed last summer’s great white shark attack in Truro on a Colorado man. The Cape Cod Times reports that the towns pursued a $262,500 grant to expand a shark-tagging program and create signs and brochures to warn and educate beachgoers.

Orleans harbormaster Dawson Farber said he understands the lower reward, given that money is tight in state government. He said the $50,000 would be used on signs and brochures.

Meanwhile, four Orleans residents have formed the nonprofit Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to better fund great white research.

The group plans to raise money for scientific expenses and for expanded education about great whites.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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