Shark Research Expedition #2 with Ocean First Institute
DISCOVERY III
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
February 19, 2025
Project Overview
On February 19th, 2025, SeaKeepers boarded DISCOVERY III with Ocean First Institute's (OFI) shark researchers for a local expedition. This expedition is the second of planned monthly outings with SeaKeepers and OFI, and continued sampling in Fort Lauderdale will expand the range of OFI's Florida Keys Shark Research up to Fort Lauderdale. The shark research at OFI aims to assess the distribution and abundance of sharks, skates and rays in the Northern Florida Keys using two main non-invasive methodologies: Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) and Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. All research is conducted under state and federal permits.
Application
On this expedition, OFI sampled two individual nurse sharks, bolstering their data set for sharks off the Florida Coast. By embarking each month on these research expeditions, the wide range of data from different shark species will allow researchers to study their distribution, genetics, and health, even as populations decline due to anthropogenic causes.
Expedition Summary
Captained by SeaKeepers' Program Development Manager, Aubri, and assisted by SeaKeepers' Science Liaison, Katie, the team of 7 cruised east of Port Everglades to learn more about changing health metrics in sharks. The OFI scientists successfully retrieved multiple biological data points, including measurements and fin samples, from two male nurse sharks, and tagged these individuals before their release back into the ocean. The BRUVS also attracted 2 beautiful male tiger sharks that escaped before tagging, and we look forward to next month when we may have a chance to learn more about these impressive creatures alongside Ocean First Institute.
Location
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Duration of Project
February 19, 2025
Leadership
Research Team
- Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza
- Dr. Chris Malinowski
- Lindsey Lemke
- Jake Beretta
- Ethan Dewald
Partner Sites
Publication
- Enhanced Visual Fields in Hammerhead Sharks
McComb, D.M., Tricas, T., Kajiura, S.M. 2009. Journal of Experimental Biology, 212:4010-4018. - Nearshore fish assemblage dynamics in southern Lake Michigan: 1984–2016
Malinowski, C.R., J.C. Doll and T.O. Höök (2022) Journal of Great Lakes Research. - Visual fields of four batoid fishes: a comparative study.
McComb, D.M., and S.M. Kajiura. 2008. Journal of Experimental Biology. 211:482-490. - Temporal resolution and spectral sensitivity of the visual system of three coastal shark species from different light environments.
McComb, D.M., Frank, T.M., Hueter, R.E., Kajiura, S.M. 2010. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 83:299-307 (with cover). - Comparative visual function in predatory fishes from the Indian River Lagoon.
McComb, D.M., Frank, T.M., Horodysky, A.Z., Kajiura, S.M. 2013. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 86: 285- 297.
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