CASE Oceans

[Oceans]

SHARKS Florida International University

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100 million [ sharks are killed every year. ]

[ SHARKS ]

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A quarter of all shark and ray species are threatened with extinction. These losses threaten to destabilize oceans, depriving people around the world of critical resources.

Florida International University is working across the planet to learn more about these amazing animals and ensure their survival.

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The first worldwide reef shark and ray census

Peter Verhoog / Dutch Shark Society

Global FinPrint

For the first time ever, researchers are conducting a global survey of coral reef sharks and rays to prioritize conservation actions. With core support from Paul G. Allen, the project brings together an international science team, conservation organizations, governments and volunteers. It’s called Global FinPrint.

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[ i ] The Project Using baited remote underwater video cameras, Global FinPrint scientists are catching sharks and rays on camera in their natural habitats. They are evaluating numbers of sharks and rays all across the world, from pristine locations to the most dismal ones.

The data — and the scientific adventure — will be made available to students, governments, scientists and the general public online and through an open-access database.

[ ! ] The Impact Global FinPrint is identifying the last remaining strongholds of sharks and rays around the world. Our scientists are revealing how and when sharks and rays influence coral reef ecosystems and how humans impact these species and their habitats. This analysis will give us the information so desperately needed to protect what is left and rebuild the populations that are in trouble.

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Investigation Fin Trade

DNA revolutionizes enforcement of international trade restrictions Many shark species are overfished for their fins and meat. For years, regulating the global fin trade seemed impossible. With only fins to examine, how could border control officers know which sharks are being traded, whether or not they were legally and sustainably caught, or where they are coming from? New policies aimed at at regulating trade requires detailed information on which species and which regions are supplying the fin trade. Researchers at Florida International University are pioneering scientific investigations using DNA to help enforcement agencies research, prosecute, and reduce the illegal sale of shark fins all across the world.

[ SHARKS ]

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[ i ] The Project Our scientists use genetic markers of distinct shark species — from hammerheads to great whites — based on the DNA that is unique to each. The tests are so sensitive they can even identify what species of shark was used in a single bowl of shark fin soup. Their techniques have also made it possible to concretely track the number of sharks from each species being caught, and to devise global estimates of the species composition of the shark fin trade.

[ ! ] The Impact We are working collaboratively in the hub of the global fin trade, China and Hong Kong. Improved tracking and identification techniques are giving enforcement officials the tools they need to reduce trade in the most vulnerable species. Parallel market surveys reveal how much illegal trade is occurring, which species are involved, and where illegal trade is coming from.

[ ? ] The Need Advances in forensic science are accelerating our abilities to monitor and manage the fin trade. We are currently working on a series of initiatives to expand the scientific reach of our work and to develop tests that can be deployed in the field.

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[ SHARKS ]

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Predators in Peril

Informing policy and enforcement Sharks travel great distances across international borders. Collaboration among nations is critical for ensuring their survival.

[ i ] The Project FIU shark experts are providing the science that is informing management and policy locally, nationally and internationally. We are filling in critical information gaps on where shark populations are thriving, where they are suffering and what they need to survive.

[ ! ] The Impact Our scientists have been involved in the establishment of shark sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas, and our efforts have been instrumental in obtaining protections through international treaties including the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species.

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Shark Allies

Local communities make big impact in conservation

Connecting the public with the science of conservation is a gamechanger in the fight to save sharks.

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[ i ] The Project Our scientists advise local officials throughout South Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Belize, the Bahamas and Saba.

We rely on citizen scientists to expand our reach for Global FinPrint, a worldwide survey of reef sharks and rays. We work with individuals, local governments and community organizations all across the world, training them in conservation, enforcement and how to spread awareness.

[ ! ] The Impact Addressing shark conservation at a very local level is one of the most effective strategies in the fight to save sharks. By engaging people in our research, we are helping to empower those closest to where the sharks reside.

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Do Healthy Reefs Need Sharks?

We are racing to find out.

[ SHARKS ]

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“Coral reefs have the greatest biological diversity on the planet, yet we have lost as much as 50 percent of coral cover in the last few decades.

This is threatening fishery operations, tourism and one of the largest reservoirs of marine species on our planet.”

— Mauricio Rodriguez-Lanetty FIU Marine Scientist

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Shark Bay, Australia

Pristine ecosystem is key to saving the rest There are few places left in the world where scientists can still study how intact ecosystems with healthy shark populations operate. Shark Bay, Australia is one of those. For 20 years, FIU researchers have conducted the world’s most in-depth study on the importance of healthy shark populations there.

[ SHARKS ]

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[ i ] The Project On the far western coast of Australia lies Shark Bay. Its location is so remote that few people call it home. Its waters are relatively untouched, featuring a vibrant population of tiger sharks and their prey, helping FIU scientists uncover the true role of sharks in our oceans. We have discovered that tiger sharks are critical to the health of the bay by controlling turtles and sea cows. This helps protect seagrasses, which support life in the bay. Without sharks, the system could collapse.

[ ! ] The Impact Knowing how healthy ecosystems function is critical for restoring those that are in trouble.

We have amassed decades of data in Shark Bay that provides critical information needed for conservation and ecosystem restoration across the world.

[ ? ] The Need While our current findings prove sharks can be critical to ocean health, the question remains — Is Shark Bay the exception or the rule? We must continue to investigate when and why sharks are important.

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[ SHARKS ]

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“Recently, we have begun to find that sharks have personalities. Some individuals are bold. Others aren’t.

Now we need to learn how this affects their role in ecosystems and vulnerability to threats.”

— Mike Heithaus, FIU Marine Scientist

Do Sharks Have Personalities?

Sharks are impressive animals with complex behaviors. FIU scientists are studying why individual sharks differ so greatly and how personality differences shape ecosystems.

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Taking a Bite Out of Climate Change Healthy shark populations are important for people and oceans alike

The loss of sharks in many ecosystems can destabilize the balance of a delicate food chain.

From apex predators to seagrass beds on the ocean floor, FIU researchers are answering the question: What happens if sharks disappear from the Earth?

[ SHARKS ]

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[ i ] The Project Predator-prey relationships are about more than body counts. FIU scientists have discovered that just the fear of sharks can be even more important to balancing the food web. When sharks rove the seagrasses, turtles, sea cows and other prey steer clear.

This keeps seagrasses — home to fish and other marine life — from being completely eaten away. Without enough sharks, these grazers would devour vegetation freely. Losing seagrasses not only disrupts the ecosystem and reduces fisheries, but also removes critical stores of carbon that help mitigate climate change.

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Sights of the Unseen

New technologies give scientists clear picture of life under the sea Little is known about the lives of sharks, largely because working in the oceans is challenging. The time and expense makes every minute in the water count. Florida International University scientists are developing and using technology to remotely shed light on the world of sharks.

[ SHARKS ]

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[ i ] The Project Custom-fit technology, including cameras and biosensors worn by animals, drones in the air, and sonar beneath the surface are being used in our efforts to explore and observe the lives and habitats of sharks. We are using DNA to track the illegal fin trade and help governments better protect the most vulnerable species. Baited and unbaited underwater cameras are being deployed to give us a glimpse of their daily lives without human interference. For long-term studies, our scientists can take up residence in FIU’s Aquarius Reef Base, the world’s only underwater research laboratory, where we can actually live and work underwater with sharks for weeks at a time.

[ ! ] The Need Our efforts are just the beginning. Improvements in technology — including smaller, more powerful cameras, enhanced tracking devices and advancements in DNA science — will better help us find solutions for what plagues our oceans.

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Inspiring Through Education, Outreach When people embark on scientific journeys, we can empower them to change the world.

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[ i ] The Project From lesson plans to textbooks, we are creating materials for K-12 classrooms. Our Marine Education and Research Initiative is taking children from all across the world on virtual field trips to our Medina Aquarius Program. We are sending public school teachers into the research field, including Shark Bay, Australia and to live under the sea in FIU’s Aquarius Reef Base. We are also involved in the production of television series and documentaries focused on sharks and marine conservation, including Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.

[ ! ] The Impact We are helping people of all ages experience sharks like never before. Reaching millions through TV and web and connecting personally to thousands, we are inspiring entirely new generations in exploration and advocacy.

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Students of Today, Stewards of Tomorrow

Advancing scientific understanding through higher education We are a global leader in training the next generation of shark scientist.

[ SHARKS ]

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The College of Arts, Sciences & Education is driving the research and education necessary to develop future leaders and provide solutions to the grand challenges of our time. Leveraging the extensive scholarship of our faculty and collaborating with partners locally and internationally, we work with decision makers on every level to understand the challenges and create solutions. The college prepares FIU students to be successful, engaged citizens equipped to develop the innovative approaches needed to preserve the intellectual, cultural and civic life of communities around the world.

Be Inspired.

Be Engaged.

Give. givetocase@fiu.edu

[ SHARKS ]

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Marine Sciences building at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus

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11200 SW 8th St., ECS 450 | Miami, FL 33199 | 305-348-4349 | givetocase@fiu.edu

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