NOAA Fisheries: ‘The Science Behind’ Video Series

NOAA Fisheries

When it comes to shark science, we have some of the top expertise in the country. From coast to coast, more than 40 scientists conduct research to support the conservation and management of 44 shark species in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

In fact, our Apex Predators Program is the oldest shark research program in the country and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Its mission is to conduct life history studies of commercially and recreationally important shark species, gathering information that helps provide baseline biological data for the management of large Atlantic sharks.

But wherever shark research is taking place, it’s a lot like the scientists who conduct it: diverse and driven. Our shark research runs the full gamut—tagging and tracking, shark ageing, biology, genetic analysis, population dynamics, and habitat studies—just to name a few. Who are some these scientists and what’s the coolest thing about studying sharks up close? Find out below.

The Science Behind Ageing Sharks

Uploaded by usnoaafisheriesgov on 05.08.2013 :

Shark researchers Nancy Kohler and Lisa Natanson explain why it’s important to be able to know the age of a shark.

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The Science Behind Tagging Mako and Blue Sharks

Uploaded by usnoaafisheriesgov on 04.08.2013 :

How do scientists keep track of large pelagic species like the mako shark and blue shark? Suzy Kohin from the Southeast Fisheries Science Center explains the science behind satellite tagging and how her office uses this information to inform management decisions.

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The Science Behind a Mako Shark’s Last Meal

Uploaded by usnoaafisheriesgov on 02.08.2013 :

See a NOAA Fisheries biologist, Antonella Preti, perform a gut analysis on a 12 foot shortfin mako shark weighing 1,323 pounds. By analyzing the contents of shark stomachs, we help build a database of who eats who eats who in the ocean, an essential tool in managing fisheries.

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The Science Behind Shark Conservation and the Spiny Dogfish

Uploaded by usnoaafisheriesgov on 02.08.2013 :

Tobey Curtis, a NOAA Fisheries shark researcher, talks about the importance of shark conservation and describes his work with spiny dogfish conservation in the Atlantic Ocean. By conducting stock assessments and surveys, NOAA Fisheries established a recovery plan to rebuild the spiny dogfish population that had been overfished for much of the 1990’s and 2000’s.

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The Science Behind Tagging Basking Sharks

Uploaded by usnoaafisheriesgov on 02.08.2013 :

How are NOAA Fisheries scientists studying basking sharks—the 2nd largest shark in the ocean? Watch and learn how we are using satellite tag technology to learn more about these giant gentles, including their movements and preferred habitat.

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