Shark and Pelagic Fisheries Research Group

Our research provides data to improve stewardship of marine resources and answer fundamental scientific questions about the behavioral ecology of marine animals. Major themes include studying the movement patterns and sensory physiology of sharks. The latter is focused on mitigating shark-human interactions and reducing shark bycatch and depredation as well as understanding shark navigational capabilities. The group has been at the forefront of developing and deploying cutting edge biotelemetry devices ("tags") to track the movements of sharks and fishes (e.g., tuna and marlin) and elucidate their foraging strategies and physiological capabilities. The group combines fieldwork with carefully controlled laboratory experiments conducted in custom-designed saltwater tanks and enclosures. Other themes include the evaluation of marine protected areas and investigating the biology and usage of fish aggregating devices (FADs).