Shark Research
Shark Research
As a shark sanctuary, The Bahamas offers a unique setting to study shark conservation beyond the impacts of commercial fishing. In the absence of fishing-related stressors and unnatural mortality, this environment provides an opportunity to better understand other anthropogenic and environmental stressors, potentially establishing baseline data that could inform mitigation strategies in The Bahamas and serve as a comparative framework for other regions.
Currently, our research focuses on the impact of marine pollution on the health of various shark and ray species inhabiting the coastal regions of Eleuthera. These species include Caribbean reef sharks, tiger sharks, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, blacktip sharks, and southern and Atlantic chupare rays. Our scientific expeditions involve non-lethal capture and sampling using minimally invasive techniques in accordance with international animal welfare guidelines. We collect biometric data, indicative of the animals’ health status, and blood samples, which are analyzed for physiological markers of health and various pollutants, including traditional heavy metals and emerging contaminants such as critical technological elements and illicit drugs.
This project aims to map the effects of pollutants on the health of sharks and rays in The Bahamas and to assess how urban development and increasing pollution are degrading the quality of life for these vital marine species. The findings will contribute to public policy and conservation efforts, providing valuable insights into preserving critical habitats and using these species as environmental sentinels to promote a healthier marine environment.
The Island School Stories
The open ocean is the largest habitat on Earth, but is often overlooked because of its relative inaccessibility. We study the uniquely adapted animals that inhabit the pelagic ecosystem, how they interact with each other, and how humans are impacting them.
e