Florida Program for Shark Research
Current Research and Education Programs

FPSR biological research initiatives concerning sharks, skates and rays are numerous and diverse, ranging from studies on relative abundance and distribution, to systematics and evolutionary relationships. Life history studies on elasmobranchs are a major focus of research at the FPSR, where scientists are investigating age, growth, and reproduction of numerous species. Research projects also include basic and applied studies on the biology, ecology, and behavior of coastal and pelagic elasmobranchs. Opportunities are available for graduate and undergraduate students to become involved in ongoing shark research projects.

• AES 2011 Poster Presentation: An Evaluation of Ecotourism-Based Shark Feeding Practices
  


• AES 2011 Poster Presentation: An Investigation of Internet-Based Sale of Sawfish (Pristidae) Rostra
  


• AES 2011 Poster Presentation: Spatiotemporal Distribution of Smalltooth Sawfish, Pristis pectinata, in Florida Waters
  

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• The importance of deep mesophotic reefs to fish top predators
  
  This study will provide a unique and comprehensive view of the importance of mesophotic reefs to fish including how they affect top predators.
• Elasmobranch Nursery Areas Within the Cedar Key Region of the Gulf of Mexico
  
  This study will provide a unique and comprehensive view of a multi-species nursery area, along with competitive interactions that structure the community.
• Movements and Ecology of Fishes at Palmyra Atoll
  
  Quantifying the effects of declining marine top predators on ecological roles of different trophic groups of fishes in a location with low levels of anthropogenic impacts.
• Movements and Filter Feeding Behavior of Manta Rays
  
  We are complementing morphological and modeling studies of the filter feeding apparatus of manta rays, by using satellite telemetry to quantify manta movements, and locate areas of high manta ray abundance.
• Incorporating Habitat Use Information into Stock Assessment Models for Blue Sharks in the South Atlantic Ocean
  
  The overall goal of this study is the incorporation of information on behavior and habitat utilization of blue sharks into stock assessment models in order to better assess the impact of the fishery in the blue shark population in the South Atlantic Ocean.
• Influence of Spatial and Environmental Factors in Shark Attacks
  
  In this project, spatial models have been applied to shark attack data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) to examine their distribution and density in relation to environmental and spatial factors.
• Habitat Use and Behavioral Studies
  
  The migration and movement of elasmobranchs found within the Indian River Lagoon
  Elasmobranch nursery areas within the Cedar Key region of the Gulf of Mexico
• Taxonomic Studies
  
A morphometric analysis of the genus Centrophorus in the Northwestern Atlantic
• Sexual Dimorphism
  
Sexual dimorphism in skate tooth morphology
• Fisheries Management
  
Regional variation in non-targeted bycatch composition in the U.S. Atlantic Bottom Longline Shark Fishery
The capture depth, time and hooked survival rate for bottom longline caught large coastal sharks
• Age and Growth
  
Age and growth of the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran)
• Reproduction
  
Reproduction of the sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus, in the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
Reproduction of the great(Sphyrna mokarran) and scalloped (S. lewini) hammerhead sharks
• Diet and Fatty Acid Signatures
  
Influence of diet variation on fatty acid signatures of the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina
• Fishery Independent Surveys
  
• Jaw Morphometrics
  
• Whale Shark Studies
  
Whale sharks in Belize
• Education and Outreach
  
Florida Program for Shark Research web site
Project Shark Awareness Educator Workshops
Sawfish In Peril Educator Workshops