Shark Projects

• Satellite tracking of bull and great hammerhead sharks [PI: Dr. Neil Hammerschlag; Co-Investigators: Dr. David Die, Dr. Kate Mansfield, Dominique Lazarre]
• Mercury in sharks [PI: Dr. David Evers & Dr. Neil Hammerschlag; Co-Investigators: Dr. David Die, Tim Divoll, Adam Matulik]
• Human neurotoxins in sharks [PI: Dr. Larry Brand & Dr. Deborah Mash; Co-Investigators: Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, Dr. John Pablo, Margaret Basile]
• Ecosystem effects of sharks [PI: Dr. Neil Hammerschlag].

Sharks are apex predators. They are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure, habitat loss, and pollution due to their inherent life history characteristics of slow growth, late maturity, long gestation, a low reproduction rate, and long life, which result in a slow rate of population increase. The removal of these predators from an ecosystem can influence the food web dramatically by causing alterations to prey abundance and behaviors such as selection of feeding sites, temporal feeding patterns, diet, spatial habitat use, and patch selection. The identification and study of habitats significant to the life-history and ecology of sharks has been identified as one of the highest priorities for their conservation. The management of shark fisheries is complicated by the lack of basic data regarding their biology, population dynamics, and essential habitats for migration, foraging, and reproduction. In light of these issues, research is needed that evaluates the role of sharks in coastal ecosystems. Moreover, studies examining shark biology, population dynamics, and habitat utilization are needed to ensure their conservation and improve their management. Led by Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, the objectives of our research is to:

1. Provide insights into the eco-system roles of sharks by evaluating the influence of shark habitat use on bony fish abundance and behavior patterns. Moreover, we plan to examine if and how these predator-prey dynamics may be mediated by the protection afforded by Marine Protected Areas;
2. Determine the relative abundance, growth rates, and sex ratios of coastal shark species;
3. Study the presence and concentrations of trace metals and other toxins present in sharks and identify habitats where sharks are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of these toxins; and
4. Determine residency and movement patterns of large coastal sharks, particularly bull and hammerhead sharks.